Piracy incidents off the coast of Somalia are increasing sharply in 2026, following several years of relative calm in the region, according to Danish national broadcaster DR, citing figures from the International Maritime Bureau.
DR reports that 13 piracy-related incidents were recorded off Somalia in the first seven months of 2026 alone — matching the combined total for both 2024 and 2025. The Danish Shipowners’ Association has acknowledged the trend, noting that Danish-flagged vessels operate in the affected waters.
Shipowners’ association responds
Jacob K. Clasen, deputy CEO of the Danish Shipowners’ Association, told DR that the organization is monitoring the situation closely. “Danish ships sail in the area, so naturally this must be taken seriously,” Clasen said, as quoted by DR.
Despite the uptick, Clasen stressed that current numbers remain far below the peak piracy years of 2009 to 2011, when several hundred attacks were recorded annually off Somalia. That earlier crisis was brought under control through a combination of international naval missions and updated defensive tactics adopted by merchant vessels, DR reports.
Hijacking adds to concerns
Separately from the tallied incidents, DR reports that a cargo ship was hijacked off the Somali coast on Monday, near Marraye. Eight pirates reportedly boarded and seized control of the vessel. Maritime information centers said afterward that the crew was safe, according to DR. This hijacking has not been included in the reported figures for the year.
Naval resources stretched thin
According to Clasen, one likely factor behind the resurgence is that naval forces historically stationed to counter Somali piracy have redirected attention and resources toward the Strait of Hormuz and Houthi attacks in the Red Sea, as reported by DR. Clasen suggested this shift may be giving pirates “a little more leeway” to operate. He also pointed to broader economic conditions in Somalia as a contributing factor, noting that piracy can appear an attractive income source amid difficult living conditions.
Does this matter to you?
For vessel operators and crews transiting waters off Somalia, this reported rise in incidents may warrant renewed attention to established anti-piracy protocols and situational awareness, particularly given DR’s report that naval presence dedicated to the region has been stretched by competing priorities in the Red Sea and Strait of Hormuz. Charterers and risk managers monitoring East African trade routes may also find this development relevant when assessing voyage planning and insurance considerations. The source material does not detail specific operational guidance or broader fleet-wide impacts beyond the Danish Shipowners’ Association’s acknowledgment of the trend.
Gulf Bunkering does not provide operational or security guidance. This article is for informational purposes only. Operators should consult flag state authorities, P&I clubs, and relevant advisories for decisions relating to transit planning.
Sources: ShippingWatch (via Ritzau, citing DR and the International Maritime Bureau)
