SINGAPORE'S Navy will join international efforts to tackle piracy and protect ships that sail through the Gulf of Aden.

A Landing Ship Tank (LST), with two Super Puma helicopters and 200 personnel, will sail out for a three-month tour of duty, announced Defence Minister Teo Chee Hean yesterday, without saying when this will take place.

It will be part of an international flotilla that will patrol the waters off Somalia, a major flashpoint where pirates attacked more than 100 ships last year.

In announcing these moves in Parliament yesterday, Mr Teo said that as a maritime nation, Singapore needs to play its part in keeping sea lanes safe.

'It is not possible for any country, including Singapore, to protect its own shipping in all the key sea lanes of the world.

'All countries therefore have to depend on international cooperation to secure the sea lanes for everyone's use,' he said, in his reply on maritime security to Mr Ang Mong Seng (Hong Kah GRC) and Mr Michael Palmer (Pasir Ris-Punggol GRC).

While in the Gulf, the LST will work with the US-led Combined Task Force 151 and other navy ships to escort vessels that ply the pirate-infested waterway daily. The task force, formed last month, operates in and around the Gulf of Aden, the Arabian Sea, Indian Ocean and the Red Sea. About 45 warships from places such as Europe, China and India are patrolling the area.

The Defence Ministry said yesterday the LST could also perform surveillance operations and give logistical support to other military forces on duty in the area.

The Singapore Shipping Association applauded the Government's decision. Its president S.S Teo said: 'Not only is this an indication of Singapore's commitment to international efforts in protecting vessels there, but a strong reassurance to shipowners, shippers and seafarers.'