TSC Triton no 1-2013 - The Swedish Club

THE SWEDISH CLUB TRITON 1-2013Photo: US NavyIncidents per sea zone, 2008-2011Mozambique CSomali BasinIndian OceanArabian Sea/Go OmanGulf of AdenRed Sea/BAMpirates have successfully hijacked a vessel, the outcome (interms of ransom) has been equal or higher to what has beenpreviously obtained.The pirates’ investors have seen their return of investmentfall, both in actual cases and in potential return of investment.This fall and relatively increasing returns on othermore secure criminal or legal investment has had a profoundeffect on investment in piracy. Since the cost of entry intopiracy is low and all the resources are easily available alongthe Somali coast, the pirate investors can quite quickly returnto piracy should the situation again change in theirfavour.In summary, pirate activity has declined, reducing theoverall likelihood of occurrence. Their capabilities are intact– particularly because they do not need much to carryout attacks – but they are currently facing a more adverseoperating environment and have not adapted their tactics toovercome this.ships per attack and facing disruption by Naval operationsquicker than previously. The main component in the fallingsuccess rate has been the shipping business and Navalcounter-piracy strategy. The low-tech capabilities of the piratesare still there and when pirates have faced a poorly protectedship in the right circumstances, they are successful inemploying their tried and tested, low-cost methods. WhereMerchant marineSince 2008, merchant vessels have increasingly deployedbetter security measures, including both toughening theseup and procedures through Best Management Practices(BMP). Finally, the use of armed guards has been commonsince late 2010.The most pressing issue for shipping companies recently9continueson page 2019