The world’s oceans are becoming safer: the number of sinking ships has fallen to a record low. But in addition to current wars and conflicts, another ancient danger threatens ships and their crews: pirates.
Last year, only 26 larger ships sank worldwide. That was more than a third less than the year before, and a decline of more than 70 percent over a ten-year period, explains industrial insurer Allianz Commercial.
In the 1990s, an average of more than 200 ships sank every year, the insurer writes in the new edition of its annual report on shipping risks published on Wednesday.
The number of pirate attacks is increasing
In addition to storms and strandings on the coast, pirates also represent one of the oldest risks in shipping, and according to Allianz piracy is experiencing something of a comeback: last year there were 120 known pirate attacks worldwide, five more than in 2022. According to Allianz Commercial, the most dangerous region in this region is the Gulf of Guinea on the coast of West Africa, followed by the Strait of Singapore in Southeast Asia.
But the big concern is a resurgence of piracy in the Horn of Africa, the report said. Somali pirates hijacked a ship there in December 2023 for the first time since 2017, and several other attacks have taken place since then.
Houthi attacks inspire pirates in Somalia
According to the company’s shipping experts, the inspiration for Somali pirates likely comes from the many attacks by Islamist Houthi militias on merchant ships in the Red Sea in the aftermath of the Gaza war. Wars such as those in Gaza and Ukraine also have an indirect impact on shipping safety by creating or promoting risks.
“Shadow fleet” with Russian oil poses serious risks
As an example, the authors cite an international “shadow fleet” of an estimated 600 to 1,400 oil tankers that export Russian oil and have been involved in at least 50 incidents, including fires, collisions and oil spills. “These are usually older, poorly maintained ships that operate outside international regulations and often without appropriate insurance,” says Justus Heinrich, head of marine insurance in Germany and Switzerland at Allianz Commercial. “This poses serious environmental and safety risks.”
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
