Navigating Piracy: 2025 Guide for Shipowners

As piracy continues to pose a significant threat to global maritime operations, staying informed and prepared is essential for shipowners. In this comprehensive 2025 Piracy Guide, we delve into the latest trends, risks, and solutions for navigating high-risk areas and safeguarding vessels and crews. From identifying piracy hotspots to employing advanced security measures, this guide covers the most effective strategies in practical tables for quick reference, offering shipowners a detailed overview of threat levels, mitigation costs, and recommended defenses across various regions. Stay ahead of piracy risks with this indispensable guide for 2025.

1. Global Piracy Hotspots and Risk Levels
2. Top Piracy Prevention Measures and Their Effectiveness
3. Piracy-Related Insurance Options and Costs
4. Technology Solutions for Piracy Prevention
5. Common Piracy Tactics and Recommended Defenses
6. International Piracy Reporting Centers and Their Roles
7. Key International Agreements on Combating Piracy
8. Cost Comparison of Piracy Prevention Strategies
9. Crew Training Programs for Piracy Prevention
10. Top Technologies for Detecting and Preventing Piracy
11. Piracy Risk Factors by Shipping Route
12. Post-Piracy Incident Recovery Process and Timeframes

1. Global Piracy Hotspots and Risk Levels

Understanding where piracy is most prevalent is crucial for shipowners planning voyages through high-risk areas. This table outlines key global piracy hotspots and provides an overview of the associated risks in these regions.

ShipUniverse: Global Piracy Hotspots and Risk Levels
Region	Piracy Risk Level	Common Threats	Recommended Security Measures
Gulf of Guinea (West Africa)	High	Armed boarding, hostage-taking, cargo theft	Armed guards, convoy escorts, radar and surveillance tech
Strait of Malacca (Southeast Asia)	Medium	Hijacking, armed robbery, cargo theft	Onboard crew training, BMP compliance, water cannons
Somalia (Horn of Africa)	Medium	Hostage-taking, ransom demands	Use of armed security, route adjustment, coordination with naval forces
Caribbean Sea	Low to Medium	Armed robbery, petty theft	Enhanced port security, avoiding night transits in isolated areas
South China Sea	Medium	Hijacking, crew kidnapping	Drone surveillance, SSAS activation, non-lethal deterrents (LRAD)
Indian Ocean (East Africa)	Medium to High	Hijacking, ransom demands, armed robbery	Armed security teams, high-speed evasive maneuvers, naval escorts
Gulf of Aden	High	Kidnapping, armed boarding, hijacking	Coordination with international naval forces, route planning, crew drills
Bay of Bengal	Low to Medium	Cargo theft, armed robbery	Onboard security teams, early warning systems, satellite tracking

2. Top Piracy Prevention Measures and Their Effectiveness

There are numerous strategies for preventing piracy attacks, but not all are equally effective. This table compares the most commonly used piracy prevention measures and evaluates their effectiveness in different scenarios.

ShipUniverse: Top Piracy Prevention Measures and Their Effectiveness
Prevention Measure	Description	Effectiveness Rating	Considerations
Armed Security Personnel	Hiring trained armed guards to protect the vessel and crew during high-risk transits.	High	Expensive, legal restrictions in some regions, can escalate violence.
Best Management Practices (BMP)	Following internationally recognized guidelines for ship protection and pirate deterrence.	Medium to High	Requires strict adherence by crew, needs regular training and updates.
Surveillance Systems (CCTV, Radar)	Installing advanced surveillance equipment to detect threats early, both day and night.	High	Requires initial investment, but highly effective in monitoring the surroundings.
Ship Security Alert System (SSAS)	An emergency alert system that notifies shore authorities when a security threat arises.	Medium	Useful for post-incident response, but doesn’t prevent pirates from boarding.
Physical Barriers (Razor Wire, Electric Fencing)	Installing physical deterrents along the ship’s perimeter to prevent boarding attempts.	Medium	Slows down attackers, but skilled pirates can bypass barriers with time.
Water Cannons	High-pressure water jets used to repel pirates attempting to board the ship.	Low to Medium	Effective against small boats, but can be overcome by determined attackers.
High-Speed Evasive Maneuvers	Ships outrunning or outmaneuvering pirate skiffs to prevent boarding.	Medium	Requires a fast ship, skilled crew, and awareness of the pirate’s approach.
Anti-Piracy Drones	Deploying drones for aerial surveillance and early detection of pirate threats.	High	Costly but effective, drones need routine maintenance and charging.

3. Piracy-Related Insurance Options and Costs

Shipowners need to protect themselves from the financial impact of piracy. This table highlights the various piracy-related insurance options available, detailing their coverage and associated costs.

ShipUniverse: Piracy-Related Insurance Options and Costs
Insurance Type	Coverage	Cost Impact	Key Considerations
Kidnap & Ransom (K&R) Insurance	Covers ransom payments, negotiation services, and safe recovery of crew after a piracy incident.	High	Expensive premiums, but essential in high-risk areas like the Gulf of Guinea.
Protection & Indemnity (P&I) Insurance	Covers liabilities like environmental damage, third-party injuries, and piracy-related damages.	Medium to High	Coverage may exclude piracy incidents in specific regions; always check policy exclusions.
Hull War Risk Insurance	Protects against damages to the vessel caused by war-like activities, including piracy.	Medium to High	Typically required when navigating in piracy-prone waters; premiums increase based on the risk level of the route.
Cargo Insurance	Covers loss or damage to cargo caused by piracy, theft, or hijacking.	Low to Medium	Essential for high-value goods, but coverage depends on the region and threat level.
Loss of Hire Insurance	Compensates for income lost when a ship is detained due to piracy or other security issues.	Medium	Ideal for chartered vessels; helps offset financial losses during vessel recovery.
Third-Party Liability Insurance	Covers the shipowner’s liability for any damage caused to other ships or property during a piracy event.	Low to Medium	Usually included as part of a P&I policy; useful in piracy-prone areas with high shipping traffic.
General Average Insurance	Covers shared losses when cargo or parts of the ship are sacrificed to avoid further damage from pirates.	Low	Generally included in standard marine insurance, but terms may vary based on the insurer.
Additional War Risk Premium (AWRP)	Extra coverage for ships traveling through areas with a heightened risk of piracy or conflict.	High	Premiums can significantly increase for routes like the Gulf of Aden or the Gulf of Guinea.

4. Technology Solutions for Piracy Prevention

Advancements in technology offer shipowners new ways to safeguard their vessels. This table reviews the top technological solutions for piracy prevention, focusing on their features and benefits.

ShipUniverse: Technology Solutions for Piracy Prevention
Technology Solution	Description	Cost	Effectiveness
Long Range Acoustic Device (LRAD)	A non-lethal, directed sound device that emits a loud, painful noise to deter pirates from approaching the vessel.	$25,000 – $50,000	High – Extremely effective for deterring small pirate boats before they get too close.
Infrared Surveillance Cameras	Infrared cameras installed on the ship for night-time surveillance, capable of detecting small boats at a distance.	$10,000 – $20,000	High – Allows early detection of approaching pirate vessels, especially during the night.
Anti-Piracy Drones	Drones deployed from the ship to monitor surrounding waters for suspicious activities and pirate boats.	$5,000 – $15,000	Medium – Effective for short-range surveillance but requires constant monitoring and battery replacement.
Ship Security Alert System (SSAS)	An emergency button that alerts shore-based authorities in case of a piracy threat or attack.	$3,000 – $10,000	Medium – Alerts authorities but doesn’t directly prevent pirate attacks.
Electric Fencing	Electrified fences installed around the perimeter of the ship to prevent pirates from boarding.	$10,000 – $30,000	Medium to High – Effective for stopping boarding attempts, but requires constant power supply and maintenance.
Water Cannons	High-pressure water jets used to repel pirates attempting to board the vessel from small boats.	$5,000 – $15,000	Low to Medium – Effective at keeping pirates at bay, but can be ineffective in rough seas.
Automated Radar Systems	Advanced radar systems that can detect small vessels, such as pirate skiffs, and alert the crew early on.	$50,000 – $100,000	High – Very effective for long-range detection of piracy threats in high-risk areas.
Remote Weapon Systems	Automated, remote-controlled weapons that can be deployed to defend against pirate attacks.	$75,000 – $200,000	High – Extremely effective but expensive and may escalate the situation.

5. Common Piracy Tactics and Recommended Defenses

Pirates employ a range of tactics to attack vessels. This table breaks down the most common piracy tactics and provides recommended defenses for each, helping crews prepare for potential threats.

ShipUniverse: Common Piracy Tactics and Recommended Defenses
Piracy Tactic	Description	Recommended Defense	Effectiveness
Fast Skiffs for High-Speed Approaches	Pirates use small, fast boats to quickly approach ships and attempt to board using grappling hooks or ladders.	High-speed evasive maneuvers, water cannons, and LRADs to deter boarding.	Medium – Effective if spotted early, but fast skiffs can close distance quickly.
Boarding via Ladders or Grappling Hooks	Pirates attempt to climb aboard using ladders or hooks once they reach the side of the ship.	Physical barriers like razor wire, electric fencing, and non-lethal deterrents like water cannons.	High – Can prevent boarding if the ship is prepared in advance.
Disabling or Jamming Communications	Pirates may use equipment to jam the ship’s communication systems, isolating the crew from help.	Backup communication systems and SSAS to alert authorities and trigger alarms.	Medium – SSAS can still work, but jamming can slow down the response time.
Hostage Taking	Pirates capture crew members to demand ransom from shipping companies or governments.	Onboard panic rooms (citadels), crew training, and hiring armed security personnel.	High – Armed guards and panic rooms can prevent or limit hostage situations.
Hijacking the Vessel	Pirates take control of the ship and its cargo, redirecting it to pirate-controlled ports.	Route adjustments, staying in convoy groups, and high-speed evasive maneuvers.	Medium to High – Evasive maneuvers and coordination with nearby vessels can disrupt hijacking attempts.
Night-Time Attacks	Pirates often strike at night when visibility is low, making it harder for the crew to detect and respond.	Infrared cameras, night-vision surveillance, and 24/7 radar monitoring.	High – Early detection during night-time hours reduces the element of surprise.
Multiple Boats Coordinating Attacks	Pirates may use several boats to surround the ship, making it harder for the crew to defend all sides.	360-degree radar surveillance, water cannons, and fast-response armed guards.	Medium to High – Effective if the crew is well-prepared, but multiple boats can overwhelm defenses.
Disguised Pirate Boats	Pirates sometimes disguise their boats as fishing vessels or merchant ships to get close to the target without raising suspicion.	Advanced radar systems and constant vigilance in high-risk zones.	Medium – Requires early detection and identification to avoid being caught off guard.

6. International Piracy Reporting Centers and Their Roles

Reporting piracy incidents quickly and accurately is essential for getting help. This table lists key international piracy reporting centers, outlining their regional coverage and the support they provide to shipowners.

ShipUniverse: International Piracy Reporting Centers and Their Roles
Reporting Center	Region Covered	Contact Information	Key Role
International Maritime Bureau (IMB) Piracy Reporting Center	Global	+60 3 2031 0014, piracy@icc-ccs.org	Collects and disseminates information on piracy incidents worldwide, assisting ships in distress and providing real-time alerts.
Regional Cooperation Agreement on Combating Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships in Asia (ReCAAP)	Asia	info@recaap.org, +65 6376 3063	Monitors and reports piracy and armed robbery incidents in Asia, coordinates with local authorities for rapid response.
Marine Domain Awareness for Trade – Gulf of Guinea (MDAT-GoG)	Gulf of Guinea (West Africa)	+33 2 98 22 88 88, watchkeepers@mdat-gog.org	Provides guidance and real-time updates for vessels navigating the high-risk waters of the Gulf of Guinea.
Maritime Security Centre – Horn of Africa (MSCHOA)	Horn of Africa and Indian Ocean	+44 1923 958545, postmaster@mschoa.org	Assists vessels in navigating through piracy-prone waters by coordinating with naval forces and providing up-to-date security guidance.
UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO)	Middle East and Indian Ocean	+971 50 552 3215, watchkeepers@ukmto.org	Acts as the first point of contact for merchant ships in the region, providing advice and routing information in response to piracy threats.
Maritime Trade Information Sharing Centre (MTISC-GoG)	Gulf of Guinea (West Africa)	+234 908 600 0121, info@mtiscgog.org	Supports merchant vessels with real-time piracy threat updates and coordinates anti-piracy efforts with regional authorities.
Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) – Maritime Security Section	Australia and South Pacific	+61 2 6279 5000, maritime.security@amsa.gov.au	Provides security guidance for vessels in Australian waters, offering advice on avoiding piracy and armed robbery.
Combined Maritime Forces (CMF)	Middle East, Red Sea, and Arabian Gulf	+973 1785 9033, cmf@me.navy.mil	Coordinates international naval forces to secure and protect commercial vessels from piracy in the Middle East and surrounding regions.

7. Key International Agreements on Combating Piracy

Global cooperation is necessary to combat piracy effectively. This table summarizes key international agreements that aim to reduce piracy, highlighting the countries involved and their impact on shipping.

ShipUniverse: Key International Agreements on Combating Piracy
Agreement	Countries Involved	Primary Focus	Impact on Shipowners
United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS)	160+ countries	Defines piracy as an international crime and mandates cooperation in its suppression.	Gives shipowners legal recourse if their vessels are attacked and promotes international naval coordination.
Djibouti Code of Conduct	East Africa, Gulf of Aden, and Indian Ocean countries	Enhances regional cooperation to combat piracy and armed robbery at sea, focusing on capacity building.	Encourages shipowners to adhere to best practices in high-risk waters and provides protection through regional cooperation.
Regional Cooperation Agreement on Combating Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships in Asia (ReCAAP)	Asian countries and partners	Promotes cooperation among Asian countries to address piracy and share timely information.	Shipowners benefit from quicker response times and real-time piracy reports in Asian waters.
Suppression of Unlawful Acts (SUA) Convention	International	Criminalizes unlawful acts against the safety of maritime navigation, including piracy and terrorism.	Ensures that shipowners have international support when navigating through piracy-prone waters.
International Maritime Organization (IMO) Guidelines on Piracy	Global	Provides non-binding recommendations and guidelines to enhance ship protection against piracy.	Helps shipowners implement best management practices (BMP) to reduce piracy risks.
Contact Group on Piracy off the Coast of Somalia (CGPCS)	Multiple international stakeholders	Coordinates global efforts to combat piracy off the coast of Somalia and in the Indian Ocean.	Shipowners benefit from naval patrols and shared intelligence in piracy-prone areas.
European Union Naval Force (EUNAVFOR) – Operation Atalanta	EU and partner countries	Focused on protecting vessels in the Indian Ocean and Gulf of Aden from piracy.	Provides escort services, intelligence, and active naval presence to safeguard shipowners.
International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) Piracy Reporting Center	Global	Monitors piracy incidents and assists shipowners in reporting attacks and receiving assistance.	Shipowners receive real-time piracy alerts and guidance on navigating high-risk regions.

8. Cost Comparison of Piracy Prevention Strategies

Not all piracy prevention strategies have the same cost or effectiveness. This table compares the costs of different piracy prevention methods, helping shipowners weigh their options based on budget and risk.

ShipUniverse: Cost Comparison of Piracy Prevention Strategies
Prevention Strategy	Initial Setup Cost	Ongoing Costs (per voyage)	Effectiveness
Armed Security Guards	$15,000 – $25,000 (for deployment)	$10,000 – $20,000 (depending on region)	High – Provides a strong deterrent but increases the risk of escalation.
Long Range Acoustic Device (LRAD)	$25,000 – $50,000	Minimal – Maintenance costs	Medium to High – Effective at repelling small pirate boats before they get too close.
Physical Barriers (Razor Wire, Electric Fencing)	$5,000 – $15,000 (based on vessel size)	Minimal – Replacement and maintenance	Medium – Slows down pirates but can be overcome with effort.
Water Cannons	$5,000 – $10,000	Minimal – Regular maintenance	Low to Medium – Effective in calm seas but can be easily bypassed by determined attackers.
Infrared and Night-Vision Cameras	$10,000 – $20,000	Minimal – Maintenance and monitoring	High – Provides early detection of pirate boats, especially at night.
Ship Security Alert System (SSAS)	$3,000 – $10,000	Minimal – No ongoing costs beyond potential upgrades	Medium – Alerts authorities but does not directly prevent attacks.
High-Speed Evasive Maneuvers	N/A	Fuel costs increase significantly	Medium to High – Effective if the ship has the speed and room to maneuver.
Drones for Aerial Surveillance	$5,000 – $15,000	Minimal – Maintenance and battery replacement	Medium – Provides early warning of approaching pirate vessels but has limited range and flight time.

9. Crew Training Programs for Piracy Prevention

A well-trained crew is the first line of defense against piracy. This table outlines essential crew training programs designed to prepare teams for piracy situations, with a focus on cost and key benefits.

ShipUniverse: Crew Training Programs for Piracy Prevention
Training Program	Description	Cost per Crew Member	Key Benefits
Best Management Practices (BMP) Training	Teaches crew to follow the latest BMP guidelines for reducing piracy risks, including evasive maneuvers and reporting protocols.	$500 – $1,000	High – Ensures the crew is prepared to respond to piracy threats effectively, using industry-approved practices.
Anti-Piracy Drills	Simulates real-world piracy scenarios, including lock-down procedures, communication protocols, and defensive measures.	$1,000 – $2,500	High – Provides hands-on experience in dealing with piracy situations, boosting crew confidence and response times.
Use of Citadels (Panic Rooms)	Trains crew members on when and how to use onboard citadels for protection during a piracy attack.	$500 – $1,500	Medium – Teaches vital survival skills but may be less effective without external help.
Armed Guard Coordination	Trains crew on how to work alongside armed security teams, including communication protocols and emergency roles.	$750 – $1,500	High – Ensures smooth cooperation between crew and armed security, reducing confusion during an attack.
Situational Awareness Training	Focuses on teaching the crew to spot early warning signs of piracy, such as suspicious vessels, and how to react.	$300 – $700	Medium to High – Early detection is critical for prevention, though its success depends on the crew’s vigilance.
Emergency Communication Training	Teaches the crew how to use communication systems effectively during a piracy attack, including distress signals and coordination with authorities.	$400 – $800	High – Ensures quick and efficient communication during an emergency, increasing the chances of help arriving quickly.
Piracy Awareness for Officers	Specialized training for officers on legal frameworks, post-incident protocols, and risk management strategies for piracy-prone regions.	$1,000 – $3,000	High – Equips officers with the knowledge to make informed decisions and lead the crew through piracy situations.

10. Top Technologies for Detecting and Preventing Piracy

Early detection is critical in preventing piracy attacks. This table provides an overview of the top technologies that help ships detect and prevent piracy, along with their costs and key advantages.

ShipUniverse: Top Technologies for Detecting and Preventing Piracy
Technology	Description	Cost	Key Advantages
Automated Radar Surveillance	Advanced radar systems that can detect small vessels such as pirate skiffs, providing early warnings to the crew.	$50,000 – $100,000	High – Provides long-range detection, especially in high-risk areas, allowing the crew time to respond.
Long Range Acoustic Device (LRAD)	A sonic device that emits a painful, directed sound to deter pirates from approaching the vessel.	$25,000 – $50,000	High – Non-lethal deterrent that can be effective in keeping small boats at a safe distance.
Infrared and Night Vision Cameras	Cameras that provide surveillance during the night, detecting potential threats even in complete darkness.	$10,000 – $20,000	High – Excellent for detecting pirates attempting to approach under the cover of darkness.
Ship Security Alert System (SSAS)	An emergency alert system that notifies shore-based authorities when a security threat arises, triggering immediate response.	$3,000 – $10,000	Medium – Provides critical communication in the event of a piracy incident, but does not prevent attacks.
Drone Surveillance	Unmanned aerial vehicles that monitor surrounding waters and provide real-time video feeds to the crew.	$5,000 – $15,000	Medium – Provides excellent short-range detection, but limited by battery life and environmental factors.
Water Cannons	High-pressure water jets used to repel pirates attempting to board the vessel.	$5,000 – $10,000	Low to Medium – Useful against small boats, but less effective in rough seas or against determined pirates.
Electric Fencing	Electrified fencing installed around the perimeter of the ship to prevent boarding.	$10,000 – $30,000	Medium – Effective for deterring physical boarding attempts, but requires maintenance and constant power.
Citadels (Safe Rooms)	Onboard panic rooms where the crew can take shelter in case of a pirate attack, equipped with communication tools.	$20,000 – $50,000	High – Offers maximum protection for the crew during an attack, allowing time for rescue operations.

11. Piracy Risk Factors by Shipping Route

Some shipping routes are more dangerous than others. This table details the piracy risk factors associated with various global shipping routes, helping shipowners identify which areas require extra precautions.

ShipUniverse: Piracy Risk Factors by Shipping Route
Shipping Route	Distance	Piracy Risk Level	Key Threats
Gulf of Guinea (West Africa)	~3,500 miles	High	Kidnapping, armed robbery, hijacking
Strait of Malacca (Southeast Asia)	~600 miles	Medium	Hijacking, armed robbery, cargo theft
Horn of Africa (Somalia)	~4,000 miles	High	Kidnapping, ransom demands, hijacking
South China Sea	~1,500 miles	Medium	Crew kidnapping, hijacking
Caribbean Sea	~2,000 miles	Low to Medium	Armed robbery, petty theft
Red Sea and Gulf of Aden	~2,000 miles	High	Hijacking, armed boarding
Bay of Bengal	~1,000 miles	Low to Medium	Armed robbery, cargo theft
Mediterranean Sea	~2,500 miles	Low	Smuggling, petty theft

12. Post-Piracy Incident Recovery Process and Timeframes

Recovering from a piracy incident involves several steps, from ensuring crew safety to repairing damage. This table outlines the recovery process and provides typical timeframes for each step.

ShipUniverse: Post-Piracy Incident Recovery Process and Timeframes
Recovery Step	Description	Typical Time Frame	Key Considerations
Immediate Crew Safety	Ensuring the well-being of the crew after a piracy attack, including medical attention and psychological support.	24-48 hours	Crew trauma and injuries are common. Quick medical response is crucial, and mental health support may be needed.
Securing the Vessel	Inspecting the vessel for damage, securing all critical areas, and ensuring no lingering threats remain on board.	1-2 days	Focus on structural damage and any potential security vulnerabilities pirates may have exploited.
Cargo Assessment	Evaluating the condition of the cargo, checking for theft, loss, or damage.	1-3 days	Assess cargo hold integrity, report any missing goods, and liaise with insurance providers for claims.
Reporting to Authorities	Filing an official report with maritime authorities, local governments, and piracy reporting centers.	Within 24 hours	Quick reporting is crucial for launching investigations and tracking piracy patterns in the region.
Insurance Claims Process	Initiating the claims process with insurers, including providing evidence of damage, loss, and recovery costs.	1-3 months	Gather all necessary documentation (photos, incident reports, crew statements) to expedite the claim process.
Legal Proceedings	Engaging in legal actions related to the piracy incident, such as prosecuting captured pirates or negotiating settlements.	3-12 months	Legal processes vary by country and may require lengthy investigations, particularly in complex cases.
Crew Repatriation	Returning crew members to their home countries, especially if they were taken hostage or detained during the incident.	2-4 weeks	Coordinate with relevant embassies, shipowners, and family members to ensure the crew’s safe return home.
Vessel Repairs and Refitting	Repairing any physical damage to the vessel caused by pirates, including hull breaches, stolen equipment, or interior damage.	1-3 months	Repairs may be delayed if the vessel must remain in a foreign port or if specialized parts are required.

Additional References

1. International Maritime Organization (IMO) – Piracy and Armed Robbery
   https://www.imo.org/en/OurWork/Security/Pages/PiracyArmedRobbery.aspx
   The IMO provides guidance on preventing and suppressing piracy and armed robbery against ships, and sets international regulations aimed at enhancing maritime security.
2. International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) – International Maritime Bureau (IMB) Piracy Reporting Centre
   https://www.icc-ccs.org/piracy-reporting-centre
   The IMB Piracy Reporting Centre offers real-time information on piracy attacks worldwide and assists shipowners in reporting incidents.
3. Regional Cooperation Agreement on Combating Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships in Asia (ReCAAP)
   https://www.recaap.org
   ReCAAP promotes cooperation among Asian countries to combat piracy and armed robbery at sea, offering timely incident reports and a robust information-sharing network.
4. Marine Domain Awareness for Trade – Gulf of Guinea (MDAT-GoG)
   https://gog-mdat.org
   MDAT-GoG provides real-time guidance and updates for vessels navigating the high-risk waters of the Gulf of Guinea, aimed at enhancing maritime safety in the region.
5. European Union Naval Force (EUNAVFOR) – Operation Atalanta
   https://eunavfor.eu
   EUNAVFOR operates to protect vessels in the Indian Ocean and Gulf of Aden, offering naval escorts, monitoring, and intervention to counter piracy threats in the region.
6. Combined Maritime Forces (CMF)
   https://combinedmaritimeforces.com
   CMF is a multinational naval partnership focused on countering piracy and ensuring security in some of the world’s busiest shipping routes, including the Middle East and Indian Ocean.
7. UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO)
   https://www.ukmto.org
   UKMTO acts as the first point of contact for merchant ships in the Middle East and Indian Ocean regions, offering advice, routing information, and incident reporting services.
8. Maritime Security Centre – Horn of Africa (MSCHOA)
   https://www.mschoa.org
   MSCHOA coordinates maritime security in the Horn of Africa and Indian Ocean, providing updates, risk assessments, and coordinating naval support to protect shipping lanes.
9. United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) – Global Maritime Crime Programme
   https://www.unodc.org/unodc/en/piracy/index.html
   UNODC assists in strengthening the capacity of countries to fight maritime crime, including piracy, through law enforcement, legal assistance, and capacity-building initiatives.
10. United States Department of State – Counter Piracy and Maritime Security
    https://www.state.gov/counter-piracy-and-maritime-security
    The U.S. Department of State outlines its policies and international partnerships aimed at countering piracy and promoting maritime security around the globe.