Red Sea and Gulf of Aden Experiencing Increase in Piracy

 The International Maritime Organization posted on 6 July 2026 a news release titled "IMO Secretary-General Calls for Release of 44 Seafarers Held by Pirates."

Seafarers are being held aboard three detained vessels in Somali waters by pirates and armed robbers.  The incidents highlight a worsening trend in maritime security in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.  Over the past three months the IMO has recorded 24 attempted and actual incidents of piracy and armed robbery against ships in the region.  

China-Liberia Maritime Cooperation

 The New Republic Liberia published on 22 October 2025 an article titled "Liberia, China Strengthen Maritime Education, Training Ties."

The CEO of the Liberia Maritime Authority met with senior executives of the Shanghai Maritime University to discuss collaboration in maritime education, training, and technology exchange.  They expect to sign a MOU in December.  

Impact on Shipping of Houthi Red Sea Attacks

 The Italian Institute for International Political Studies published on 24 November 2024 a paper titled "Blue Economy and the Mediterranean: How the Red Sea Crisis is Shaping the Region's Maritime Future (and What Is Next)" by Mario Mattioli.

Houthi attacks on Red Sea shipping reduced transit through the Suez Canal by about 50 percent in 2023 and 70 percent in the first half of 2024.  Transit around Africa's Cape of Good Hope adds 3,000 to 3,500 nautical miles to voyages connecting Europe and Asia, increasing travel time by about 10 days.  This results in higher costs for fuel, wages, insurance, and freight borne by shipping companies.

Analysis of Impact of Houthi Attacks on Red Sea Shipping

 The Atlantic Council published on 9 August 2024 a report titled "What Attacks on Shipping Mean for the Global Maritime Order" by Elisabeth Braw.

This report discusses the history of attacks on shipping, the rules implemented to keep shipping safe, and the new and serious threat posed by Houthi attacks.  The focus of the report is on the current Houthi attacks on shipping in the Red Sea.

Somali Piracy Returns Off Horn of Africa

 CNBC posted on 7 February 2024 an article titled "Somali Pirates Are Back on the Attack at a Level Not Seen in Years, Adding to Global Shipping Threats" by Lori Ann LaRocco.

Over the past three months, there has been more piracy in the waters off the Horn of Africa than at any point in the last six years with high ransoms for seafarers or vessels, and robbing of ship passengers by pirates.

China Competes with Kenya and Five Others for Head of International Maritime Organization

 Lloyd's List published on 3 April 2023 an article titled "IMO Leadership Race Wide Open as China and Finland Vie for Power" by Richard Meade.

The International Maritime Organization will hold an election in July for the position of secretary general to head the group.  Candidates from China, Kenya, Turkiye, Bangladesh, Panama, Dominica, and Finland are seeking the position.  

Beyond Somali Piracy: What Next?

The Institute for Security Studies (ISS) published on 8 February 2016 a commentary titled "Beyond Piracy: What Next for African Maritime Security?" by Timothy Walker, ISS researcher.

Walker points out that last year there were very few acts of piracy in the western Indian Ocean and off the coast of Somalia.  The continuing efforts to end Somali piracy are now seen as costly and unjustified.  He asks what should be the focus of African maritime security and what is the role of foreign bases and naval support facilities such as the most recent one being built by China in Djibouti. 

Securing Somali Fisheries

Secure Fisheries published on 16 September 2015 a lengthy report titled "Securing Somali Fisheries." It is the most comprehensive study of the Somali fishing sector to date.  It documents the negative impact of illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing by foreign vessels from many countries on the sustainability and profitability of Somali fisheries.  Fishing vessels from the following countries are believed to be the main offenders: Iran, Yemen, Spain, Egypt, France, Seychelles, South Korea, Taiwan, Italy, and Pakistan. 

The report identifies opportunities for Somalis to combat illegal fishing, protect commercially important stocks, and improve fisheries governance to promote stability and income security.  It also highlights ways for the international community to move away from unhindered exploitation of Somali resources and toward supporting Somalis in their quest for sustainable fisheries.

A Greater Maritime Role for China in the Gulf of Guinea?

The China Brief published on 9 January 2015 an analysis titled "Maritime Insecurity in the Gulf of Guinea: A Greater Role for China?" by Hang Zhou and Katharina Seibel. 

In 2012, attacks on ships off the Gulf of Guinea for the first time exceeded the number of attacks by Somali pirates in the Gulf of Aden.  A couple of Chinese vessels and additional Chinese nationals on vessels from other countries have been subject to attack.  Except for the sale of coastal patrol boats to countries in and near the Gulf of Guinea, China has not been especially active compared to the US and European Union in trying to stem the problem.  The authors wonder if the time has come for China to become more engaged in countering piracy in the Gulf of Guinea.

Africa Needs to Rethink Piracy Challenge

The Institute for Security Studies (ISS) in South Africa published on 10 March 2014 a piece titled "Fewer Pirates, Different Risks: Africa Needs to Rethink Its Approach to Maritime Security" by Timothy Walker, researcher at ISS.

There has been a sharp decline in piracy in waters off Africa.  The author argues that the Djibouti Code of Conduct is a laudable starting point upon which to build future maritime security capacity in Africa.  But African maritime stakeholders now need to implement the 2050 African Integrated Maritime Strategy, which was adopted by the African Union early this year, as well as become involved in creating and implementing national and regional integrated maritime strategies.