Pirate operations in the Somali Basin, Southern part of Gulf of Aden and the western Arabian Sea the last months demonstrate that there is still a significant risk of pirate attacks in these areas.
Since November 2023, three large merchant ships have been attacked by pirate groups. Additionally, several merchant vessels have reported suspicious approaches and hijacking attempts in the area. There have also been about 18 small-scale assaults on dhows on illegal fishing near the Somali coast.
The incidents show that the pirates have boarding capabilities at significant distances off the coast.
Multiple reliable sources for maritime security information confirm that the threat of piracy operations is assessed as elevated, and due to the severity of the incidents that have occurred, the NMA raises the maritime security level to MARSEC/ISPS level 2 in the area illustrated above.
The heightened MARSEC level is valid until further notice.
Mitigation measures
- Utilise BMP5 in preparations and operations.
- Conduct security assessments before entering. Current transit advice is provided by UKMTO. Threat assessments for the region are also provided by EUNAVFOR and can be found on the MSCHOA website.
- Prepare ship and crew, through planning and exercises.
- Report to UKMTO and MSCHOA in accordance with guidelines.
- Stay vigilant and maintain a high degree of situational awareness, both underway and at port.
Information regarding Norwegian requirements regarding use of armed guards can be found here: Use of armed guards - Norwegian Maritime Authority (sdir.no/eng)