The reconfiguration of international shipping lanes due to the crisis in the Red Sea has inadvertently led to a surge in traffic east of the coast of Somalia. Consequently, this area has seen a resurgence in piracy activity over the past year. Vessel-tracking data from Lloyd's List Intelligence shows that the number of ships sailing the international shipping lane east of the former high-threat area has doubled yearly. The monthly average number of transits of cargo-carrying vessels from January to October 2023 was 305, while during the same period in 2024, this figure rose to 624.
The ransom payment could also trigger a new wave of Somali pirate attacks. EU NAVFOR ATALANTA has warned that the recent surge in piracy incidents, combined with the end of the monsoon season, could result in more attacks on shipping. The pirates' modus operandi involves hijacking dhows that are used as mother ships to launch attacks as far out as 600 nautical miles from the Somali coast. The payment of ransom, such as the USD5 million paid for the release of the Bangladeshi bulker "Abdullah", could incentivise further dhow hijackings and subsequent skiff attacks.
According to the latest Piracy Threat Update from the Maritime Security Centre – Horn of Africa (MSCHOA), pirates are now operating further offshore, with incidents occurring as far as 800 nautical miles from the Somali coast. This expansion in their operational range is facilitated by the use of mother ships, which allow pirates to launch attacks on vessels far from the coast.
The Institute for Security Studies (ISS) emphasises the importance of partnerships and holistic responses to combat these new threats. The ISS report suggests that international cooperation, including naval patrols and intelligence sharing, is crucial in addressing the root causes of piracy, such as illegal fishing and economic instability in Somalia.
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has also raised concerns about the resurgence of piracy in the region in its 1H 2024 report. The report highlights the need for continued vigilance and adherence to best management practices by vessels transiting the high-risk areas. The IMO also stressed that while the number of successful hijackings has decreased, the threat remains significant, and complacency could lead to a resurgence in pirate activities.
Risk management advice
To mitigate the risks associated with piracy, it is essential to follow the guidelines outlined in the Best Management Practices to Deter Piracy and Enhance Maritime Security in the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, Indian Ocean, and Arabian Sea (BMP5). BMP5 provides comprehensive advice on planning, threat assessment, and self-protection measures. Key recommendations include:
- Voyage Planning: Ships should plan their voyages to avoid high-risk areas whenever possible. If transit through these areas is unavoidable, vessels should follow the Maritime Security Transit Corridor and adhere to recommended routing measures.
- Situational Awareness: Maintaining a high level of situational awareness is crucial. This includes monitoring maritime security updates, reporting suspicious activities to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), and registering with the Maritime Security Centre for the Horn of Africa (MSCHOA).
- Self-Protection Measures: Implementing self-protection measures such as maintaining a high speed, using physical barriers, and employing Privately Contracted Armed Security Personnel (PCASP) can significantly reduce the risk of successful pirate attacks.
- Crew Training: Regular training and drills for the crew on anti-piracy measures and emergency response procedures are essential to ensure preparedness in the event of an attack.
The rising threats of piracy in Somalian waters and the Indian Ocean underscore the need for a coordinated and sustained effort from the maritime international community, including shipowners and operators, as well as seafarers, to address the underlying issues and maintain robust maritime security measures.