Maritime Security Threats Intensify Across Key Regions

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  • Somalia Faces Renewed Piracy Crisis Amid Rising Instability.
  • West Africa Sees Decline in Piracy but Security Risks Persist.
  • Drug Trafficking Surges as Criminal Networks Exploit Maritime Routes.

With continuing global maritime security threats, the Dryad Global Maritime Security Threat Analysis (MSTA) on 17 March 2025 identifies important risks across important areas. From mounting tensions in Yemen to a re-emergence of piracy off the coast of Somalia, shipping operators face a growingly unpredictable security environment, reports Dryad Global.

Escalating Conflict in Yemen and Red Sea Security Risks

The United States has increased military activities in Yemen, conducting massive airstrikes against Iran-aligned Houthi fighters. The airstrikes, focused in Al Sanaa, Hodeidah, and Saada, have had a devastating effect on Houthi military resources, including radar equipment, air defences, and missile depots.

But these activities have had a major impact on Red Sea maritime security:

  1. Hodeidah port has been severely damaged, putting Yemen’s import capability and international supply chains at risk.
  2. Forced war risk insurance has risen to a minimum of 1% per transit, which mirrors continued Houthi attacks.
  3. More GPS interference and collateral damage risks from U.S. strikes are challenging navigation.
  4. Slow-moving, low-freeboard ships are still the favourite targets, with night-time attacks being especially hazardous.

Without a Gaza ceasefire or a clear military victory, the Red Sea will continue to be an area of high risk, compelling shipping companies either to divert or absorb increasing security and insurance expenses.

Somalia Confronts Growing Instability and Resurgent Piracy Threats

Mogadishu’s instability deepens as Al-Shabaab extends its foothold, now as far as Balcad, only 35km from the capital. Somali troops are abandoning their positions, and pro-government militias are defecting, all resulting in deteriorating security.

Maritime Consequences of Somali Instability

There have been more than 30 reported piracy cases since the end of 2023, including hijackings of MV Ruen and MV Abdullah commercial ships.

  1. Hijacked dhows are increasingly being utilized for secondary pirate activity, echoing the strategy witnessed during the 2008-2012 piracy peak.
  2. Global naval assets are stretched thin, as much of the attention has turned towards Houthi targets in the Red Sea.

For the Somali Basin and Gulf of Aden shipping, piracy threats are increasing. With minimal Coast Guard control and Al-Shabaab’s expansion, piracy would soon be at critical levels, impacting international trade and security expenditure.

West Africa Experiences Less Activity but Looming Threats

While there are fewer piracy attacks in the Gulf of Guinea, there are still security concerns:

  1. Nigeria’s offshore industry continues to be open to criminal threats.
  2. Recent shrimp boat attacks in Ecuador’s Gulf of Guayaquil indicate emerging piracy trends in South America.
  3. Haitian gangs are expanding the maritime logistics of arms and drug smuggling, boosting regional instability.

International Drug Trafficking and Criminal Networks Grow

Maritime routes continue to be exploited by criminal groups for smuggling illegal goods. Recent seizures have revealed the scope of these operations:

  1. $5.4M drug seizure by HMS Lancaster in the Middle East.
  2. 300kg of cocaine hidden in wood en route to China seized in Colombia.
  3. 73 packages of marijuana were intercepted at Haina Port, Dominican Republic.
  4. Two tons of cocaine headed for Russia were seized in Ecuador.

These interceptions underscore the growing sophistication of international narcotics smuggling, as shipping routes and seaports continue to be prime targets for criminal organizations.

Operating in an Increasingly Unstable Maritime Environment

With rising tensions, resurgent piracy, and criminal networks taking advantage of weaknesses, the international maritime sector needs to stay alert. Dryad Global’s Maritime Security Threat Analysis (MSTA) continues to deliver real-time intelligence to enable shipping operators to make well-informed decisions in a dynamic security landscape.

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Source: Dryad Global