Col DPK Pillay
IN the ever-evolving landscape of maritime security, the year 2023 has witnessed a dramatic shift in the patterns and hotspots of piracy. The recent drone strike on the MV Chem Pluto off India’s west coast, with its 21 Indian crew members unharmed, is a stark reminder of the persistent perils in international waters.
The International Maritime Bureau (IMB) reports a heartening decline in piracy incidents, reaching a 30-year low in 2022, with just 115 recorded cases. This drop is primarily due to diminished activities in the Gulf of Guinea, previously a major hotspot. Despite this overall decline, the Gulf remains fraught with danger, as seen in the last quarter of 2022, where two hijackings and 29 crew kidnappings were reported.
The year 2023 continued this trend of reduced incidents in the Gulf of Guinea, with only five reported cases in the first quarter, compared to eight in the same period of 2022. But, the threat persists, evidenced by alarming events near Pointe Noire and south of Abidjan.
HRA removal tag
The Indian Ocean’s piracy scene has transformed significantly. The removal of the High Risk Area (HRA) designation as of January 1, 2023, signals a major improvement, with no attacks reported off Somalia since 2018. This success story results from nearly 15 years of collaborative counter-piracy efforts. However, authorities urge continued vigilance against potential threats from Somali pirates.
In stark contrast, the Singapore Strait has seen a surge in incidents, with 55 cases in 2022 alone, out of 84 in Asia. The first quarter of 2023 marked 18 incidents in this region, underscoring the escalating threat in Southeast Asian waters.
The Gulf of Guinea experienced an uptick in piracy cases in the first nine months of 2023, reporting 21 incidents, a rise from the previous year’s 14. These included armed robberies and kidnappings, with 54 crew members taken hostage.
Similarly, the Singapore Straits recorded 33 incidents in the same period, showing a marginal increase from the previous year. These incidents predominantly involved vessel boardings and theft.
Battle against piracy
Globally, there were 99 incidents of piracy and armed robbery against ships in the first nine months of 2023, marking an increase from 90 in 2022. Though there’s a decrease in violence towards crew members, the risk remains high with 69 hostages, 14 kidnappings, and several injuries or assaults reported.
The battle against piracy is anchored in international law and cooperation. The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the Geneva Convention on the High Seas form the legal backbone, defining piracy and establishing frameworks for combating these crimes.
The 1988 SUA Convention, developed in response to the Achille Lauro hijacking, plays a crucial role in suppressing unlawful acts against maritime navigation.
Regional agreements, like the Djibouti Code of Conduct, ReCAAP, and the Yaounde Code of Conduct, emphasise collaborative responses to piracy and maritime security threats.
Intensified efforts
Nationally and internationally, efforts are intensifying. The US’s Counter Piracy and Maritime Security Action Plan exemplifies a comprehensive approach involving prevention, response, and governance enhancement. The UN, through initiatives like the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), strengthens international cooperation, capacity building, and regional initiatives to combat piracy.
The maritime world of 2023 presents a mixed picture. While global piracy incidents are on a downward trend, new challenges and hotspots emerge, demanding sustained vigilance and cooperation.
The successful reduction of piracy in some regions showcases the efficacy of international laws and collaborative efforts. However, as the recent attack on MV Chem Pluto illustrates, the seas remain a dynamic and sometimes dangerous domain.
The international community’s commitment to maritime security remains crucial in navigating these turbulent waters.
