After five months of relative calm, Somali pirates have returned to threaten international shipping lanes once more. The European Union Naval Force (EUNAVFOR), operating under Operation ATALANTA, issued an alert after a suspected pirate action group (PAG) departed from Somalia’s northern-central coast. The resurgence of piracy is fueled by instability in the region, turning it again into a haven for maritime crime.
According to the Maritime Security Centre – Horn of Africa (MSCHOA), the group of 13 armed pirates left from Ceel Huur near Hobyo, heading toward the Indian Ocean. “All vessels should proceed with caution and report suspicious activities,” the agency advised, as concerns grow over potential hijackings and attacks on ships.
The last significant pirate activity occurred on June 7, 2024, when the Marshall Islands-flagged PACIFIC HONOR was approached by suspicious vessels. Though no harm occurred, the incident signaled that Somali pirates were simply waiting for the right moment. Martin Kelly, head of advisory at EOS Risk Group, highlighted how favorable weather conditions following the monsoon season have given pirates an opportunity to resume operations, with increased risks expected.
Despite global piracy incidents reaching their lowest point since 1994, Somali pirates remain a persistent threat. The International Maritime Bureau’s (IMB) report from January to September 2024 noted that while piracy worldwide has declined, the waters off Somalia still witness activity. Pirates now use more sophisticated tactics, employing dhows and fishing boats as “mother ships” to launch attacks up to 800 nautical miles offshore, making it harder for international forces to intercept them.
Recent high-profile attacks serve as reminders of their capabilities. In December 2023, Somali pirates hijacked the MV Ruen, holding the crew for three months before Indian naval forces intervened. In March 2024, the MV Abdullah was taken, only to be released after a ransom was paid.
Piracy in the region is intertwined with broader security challenges, such as attacks by Houthi rebels in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. These incidents have forced shipping companies to reroute vessels around the Cape of Good Hope, adding significant distances and costs to their voyages. With fewer naval forces available for anti-piracy patrols in the Indian Ocean, pirates face fewer obstacles in carrying out their activities. Kelly also praised the Indian Navy’s role in recent rescue operations, acknowledging the changing regional dynamics.
Global piracy incidents may have decreased, with the IMB reporting 79 cases from January to September 2024—the lowest since 1994—but Somali waters remain a hotspot. Of these incidents, 111 crew members were taken hostage, 11 were kidnapped, and violence against crews is on the rise. The IMB warned that Somali pirates’ ability to operate far from their coast remains a significant concern.
The financial toll of piracy is immense. In 2020 alone, piracy was estimated to cost the global economy $37 billion annually.