Danish Shipping has just published an analysis based on figures from the ICC International Maritime Bureau , showing a significant increase in the number of attacks carried out by Somali pirates. The development is causing concern at Danish Shipping.

“Of course, I am concerned when I see that the number of piracy-related incidents off Somalia is rising. It brings back unpleasant memories. However, it is worth highlighting that vessels which follow the international Best Management Practices recom­men­da­tions are generally far less vulnerable to pirate attacks. Shipping companies should carry out a thorough risk assessment and, on that basis, implement the appropriate security measures,” says Jacob K. Clasen, Deputy CEO of Danish Shipping.

Security measures may include physical protection measures such as barbed wire, securing access points, water cannons and CCTV surveillance, as well as enhanced procedures for monitoring, reporting and emergency preparedness. In areas with an elevated risk of piracy, armed guards are also often used as an additional layer of protection.

The IMB recorded eight incidents off Somalia in 2024 and five incidents in 2025. In the first seven months of 2026 alone, 13 incidents have already been recorded. Activity remains low compared with the wave of piracy in 2009–2011, when more than 200 attacks were recorded annually, but the trend points to renewed activity in the area.

As recently as this week, there have been reports of another pirate attack on a cargo vessel off the coast of Somalia. This incident has not yet been included in the IMB figures.

“There is no doubt that the development is being driven by a complex interplay of a wide range of internal and external factors. Within Somalia, challenges such as drought, illegal fishing, economic hardship and weak government structures may be contributing to making piracy a more attractive ‘career path’. Externally, changes in the maritime security situation in the region may also have created more favourable conditions for renewed pirate activity in the area,” says Jacob K. Clasen.

The operational pattern of Somali pirates continues to be characterised by the hijacking of vulnerable vessels, particularly fishing vessels, which can subsequently be used as mother ships to launch attacks further offshore.