HMCS Fredericton is shown in this file photo. ©DND/For Editorial and Educational Use Only

OTTAWA - A Canadian warship has begun anti-piracy duties off the coast of east Africa.

HMCS Fredericton will spend the next six months patrolling int he Gulf of Aden and off the Horn of Africa.

Fredericton's skipper Commander Steve Waddell says the frigate is more than prepared to deal with piracy attacks on merchant shipping, which have been a problem in recent years.

Fredericton's sister ships Winnipeg and Ville de Quebec have both conducted similar patrols in 2008 and 2009 - escorting merchant ships and breaking up pirate raids.