Resurgence of Somali Piracy
Piracy activity off Somalia has re-emerged since late October 2025, with coordinated pirate action groups operating far offshore in the Somali Basin and adjacent Indian Ocean. These groups have demonstrated the ability to conduct long-range operations well beyond coastal waters, marking a significant escalation after several years of relative calm.
Significant Incident and Response
On 6 November 2025, the Malta-flagged tanker HELLAS APHRODITE was fired upon and boarded approximately 560 nautical miles southeast of Eyl. The crew implemented contingency procedures and remained secured in the citadel. A coordinated show of force by EU NAVFOR Operation ATALANTA, led by the Spanish frigate ESPS VICTORIA, resulted in the pirates abandoning the vessel on 7 November. All 24 crew members were confirmed safe and uninjured. The surrounding area was assessed as critical threat level, followed by an intensive search and subsequent control of a suspected pirate mothership dhow with support from regional partners, disrupting further operations.
Current Threat Picture
By mid-December 2025, industry analysis and official reporting indicate that pirate groups retain the capability to operate 300–600 nautical miles offshore, and under favourable conditions up to approximately 800–1,000 nautical miles. This resurgence follows notable incidents in 2023–2024 and coincides with periods when regional naval assets are redeployed to other theatres, creating windows of opportunity for pirate operations. The International Maritime Bureau has reported a broader rise in incidents during 2025 and continues to emphasise crew safety and consistent incident reporting.
Voyage Planning and Risk Management
The Maritime Industry Security Threat Overview (MISTO, 26 November 2025) provides a consolidated description of prevailing maritime threats, including Somali piracy, framed in terms of capability, intent, and opportunity. It is intended to be read alongside BMP Maritime Security (March 2025), which introduces a global threat and risk framework replacing earlier regional guidance.
Operators are expected to ensure voyage-specific risk assessments explicitly address the current Somali Basin threat environment, confirm ship hardening measures and watchkeeping posture, and formalise registration and daily reporting with UKMTO and MSCIO. BMP Maritime Security also sets out structured guidance for incident response and post-incident procedures, including evidence preservation relevant to potential claims defence.
AIS and Communications
Automatic Identification System (AIS) policy remains a company and flag-state decision. The United States Maritime Administration currently advises U.S.-flagged vessels to disable AIS in the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, and Somali Basin unless safety considerations require otherwise, while recommending AIS use in the Persian Gulf. Other operators are expected to follow flag-state and company guidance, balancing navigational safety with the risk of targeting. Regardless of AIS settings, vessels are expected to maintain multiple reliable communication methods and consistently report position and status to relevant authorities during high-risk transits.
Marine security advice: https://tinyurl.com/4sdm3kt2 (Visit external site. Link opens in a new tab.)