How Many Commercial Ships Sail Past The Somalia Coast?

Somali pirates have been reportedly hijacking Greek-owned bulk carriers off the coast of Somalia, marking the latest attack on commercial shipping. The Kenya-based Shippers Council of Eastern Africa has warned that piracy off the coast of Somalia occurs in the Gulf of Aden, Guardafui Channel, and Somali Sea, in Somali territorial waters and surrounding places. In November 2023, an Iranian fishing vessel, Almeraj 1, was reportedly hijacked by Somali pirates. The waterways off Somalia include some of the world’s busiest shipping lanes, with an estimated 20,000 vessels carrying everything from furniture to cargo.

Since November, they have successfully seized at least two cargo ships and 12 fishing vessels, according to EUNAVFOR data. The Kenya-based Shippers Council of Eastern Africa has also warned that many ships, like large cargo vessels and local boats, pass through the Singapore Strait, creating a complex navigational environment.

A maritime security firm reported that about 20 armed people boarded a cargo ship off the coast of Somalia and have taken control of it. The International Maritime Bureau (IMB) reports that acts of piracy are increasing at an alarming rate off the eastern coast of Somalia. Since the Huthi attacks, many cargo ships have slowed down, and the coast guard has allowed pirates to hijack commercial ships and hold crews to ransom. The waters near the Somali coast, both south and west of the Horn of Africa, are considered to be dangerous for both commercial shipping and small vessels.