Rising Piracy Incidents Off Somalia Raise Industry Concerns
Piracy-related incidents off the coast of Somalia have reached their highest level in a decade, raising concerns across the maritime industry and highlighting the need for continued vigilance among shipowners and operators.
According to a new analysis from Danish Shipping, based on data from the ICC International Maritime Bureau (IMB), attacks linked to Somali pirates have increased significantly in recent years. The IMB recorded eight incidents in 2024 and five in 2025, while the first seven months of 2026 alone have already seen 13 reported incidents. Although current numbers remain far below the peak years of 2009 to 2011, when more than 200 attacks were reported annually, the trend suggests renewed pirate activity in the region.
“Of course, I am concerned when I see that the number of piracy-related incidents off Somalia is rising,” said Jacob K. Clasen, Deputy CEO of Danish Shipping. He emphasised that vessels following the internationally recognised Best Management Practices (BMP) recommendations are generally far less vulnerable to pirate attacks.
To reduce risks, shipping companies are encouraged to conduct thorough risk assessments and implement appropriate security measures. These may include physical barriers such as barbed wire, secured access points, water cannons, CCTV surveillance, enhanced reporting procedures, emergency preparedness plans, and, where appropriate, armed security personnel.
The increase in piracy is believed to be driven by a combination of internal and external factors. Within Somalia, challenges including drought, illegal fishing, economic hardship, and weak governmental structures may be contributing to renewed interest in piracy as a source of income. At the same time, changes in the maritime security environment across the region may have created more favourable conditions for criminal activity at sea.
Recent reports indicate that Somali pirates continue to target vulnerable vessels, particularly fishing boats, which can later be used as mother ships to launch attacks further offshore. A new piracy incident reported this week has not yet been included in the latest IMB statistics.
As piracy risks evolve, industry organisations continue to stress the importance of maintaining robust security practices and monitoring developments in the region closely.
Source: Danish Shipping
