A project manager from the Maersk Group's port and terminal unit APM Terminals in Angola was kidnapped a few days ago. He was held captive for four days before he was released.

ShippingWatch was informed about the case Monday night. Today, the Maersk Group confirms the following:

"Maersk Group can confirm an employee was abducted in Angola and held captive for four days and that he has been released unharmed. The Maersk Group is supporting him and his family with the necessary support in this difficult time. Due to the ongoing investigation by local authorities and the security of our employees, the Maersk Group will not be providing any further details. We kindly ask that this and the privacy of our colleague are respected and protected," Maersk says in a statement.

According to ShippingWatch's sources, the case concerns a French employee in joint venture Sogester, Sociedade Gestora de Terminais, S.A, a terminal company owned by Maersk and an Angolan partner. The employee was allegedly kidnapped on Tuesday when he was en route from his home to Sogester's inland terminal in Viana.

Sources say the employee was released on Saturday, possible following payment of a ransom, though it has not been able to confirm this.

This marks the second time in just a short period of time that Maersk has been the target of criminal activities in West Africa. In February, one of Maersk Line's container vessels, the Safmarine Kumaro, was attacked by pirates in the waters off the coast of Nigeria. Following the hijacking of the vessel, with its crew of 25 seafarers, the Nigerian army was called in and freed the ship.

Angola's economy woes, hit hard by the low price seeing as close to 95 percent of the country's income comes from oil, are said to have increased the scope of kidnapping syndicates operating in the country.

The United States warned as recently as yesterday that piracy and armed assaults are increasing at an alarming rate, with 32 attacks reported off the coast of Nigeria this year alone, reports news agency AP according to the New York Times.

US ambassador Michele Sison said at a meeting of the UN's Security Council on Monday, citing London-based think tank Chatham House, that upwards of 400,000 barrels of crude oil are stolen every day in the region.

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