Growing Concerns Over Somali Piracy

War in Gaza has so far led to attacks on merchant vessels transiting the Red Sea, but some experts are also concerned about the spread of vessel attacks to Somali pirates operating in the Gulf of Aden and Arabian Sea region, says an article published on sea trade website.

Summary

• The conflict in Gaza has led to attacks on merchant vessels transiting the Red Sea, raising concerns about the potential re-emergence of Somali piracy in the Gulf of Aden and Arabian Sea.
• Since 2012, piracy off the coast of Somalia has been relatively limited, but recent incidents raise concerns about a potential resurgence in Somali pirate activities.
• The Djibouti Code of Conduct (DCoC), established in 2009, led to the creation of an international task force aimed at preventing pirate attacks. However, ominous signs of pirate activity persist.
• IMO Secretary General Arsenio Dominguez condemned the attacks in both the Red Sea and Arabian Sea/Indian Ocean regions, urging de-escalation to ensure the safety of seafarers, freedom of navigation, and stability of supply chains.

Red Sea Incidents Trigger Worries, A Shift In Pirate Activity

The conflict in Gaza has sparked attacks on merchant vessels transiting the Red Sea, raising concerns about the potential re-emergence of Somali piracy in the Gulf of Aden and Arabian Sea. The recent surge in vessel attacks is challenging the belief that the 2009 Djibouti Code of Conduct (DCoC) had effectively suppressed Somali pirate activities.

Limited Piracy Incidents Since 2012, Signs Of A Revival

Since 2012, piracy off the coast of Somalia has been relatively limited, with only sporadic incidents such as the attack on the Lila Norfolk on January 4 and a drone attack on a vessel west of India on December 23. However, the recent hijacking of the Navibulgar-owned bulker Ruen on December 14 raises concerns about a potential resurgence in Somali pirate activities.

DCoC And Security Measures, Ongoing Efforts To Combat Piracy

The Djibouti Code of Conduct (DCoC), established in 2009, led to the creation of an international task force aimed at preventing pirate attacks. Despite this initiative, ominous signs of pirate activity persist. An extraordinary meeting of DCoC members on December 18 called for improved security measures through coordinated naval protection and collaboration with the maritime industry.

IMO Secretary General’s Condemnation, A Call For De-Escalation

IMO Secretary General Arsenio Dominguez condemned the attacks in both the Red Sea and Arabian Sea/Indian Ocean regions. In a speech to the UN Security Council on January 4, Dominguez emphasized that attacks against international shipping in the Red Sea area are unacceptable. He urged de-escalation to ensure the safety of seafarers, freedom of navigation, and stability of supply chains.

Mixed Reactions In The Maritime Sector, Monitoring The Situation

Maritime sector reactions have been mixed. Corey Ranslem, CEO at Dryad Global, acknowledges recent hijackings and suspicious approaches but notes that these isolated activities don’t necessarily indicate a full re-emergence of piracy. Bimco expresses concern about the developments and recommends thorough security risk assessments for shipowners transiting the region.

Best Management Practices, A Call For Preparedness

In response to the increased incidents apparently related to Somali pirates, Jakob Paaske Larsen from Bimco urges shipowners to follow the Best Management Practices (BMP5) developed to protect vessels from attacks. BMP5 guidelines emphasize understanding the threat, conducting risk assessments, implementing protection measures, and reporting incidents to relevant authorities.

Naval Response And Monitoring, Coordinated Efforts Against Piracy

Naval forces from various nations, including India and Spain, are actively involved in counter-piracy operations within the Gulf of Aden region. The Combined Task Force 151 (CTF151) oversees naval assets for these operations. The captured bulk carrier Ruen continues to be monitored by Somali, CTF151, and EUNAVFOR authorities, with no reported demands from the pirates at this time.

Continuous Monitoring By Authorities

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) is closely monitoring the situations in both the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden regions. However, it remains too early for authorities to declare an escalation or re-emergence of Somali piracy. The situation is fluid and volatile, requiring continuous vigilance and assessment by maritime security authorities.

Did you subscribe to our daily Newsletter?

It’s Free! Click here to Subscribe

Source: sea trade

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
•