Top 3 Zones of Escalating Maritime Piracy

Maritime piracy is on the rise worldwide and while it is hard to assess the exact dollar amount of cargo stolen annually, increased boldness on the part of pirates is playing a factor in affecting already strained global economic conditions.The primary 3 zones of maritime piracy are:

SOUTH-EAST ASIA

This region has long been a problematic area for shipping as it is littered with countless island chains and is rife with government corruption which are two factors that make it a prime breeding ground for maritime piracy. Increased number of attacks have been specifically reported in (but not limited to):

• Malaysia
• the Philippines
• China
• Bangladesh
• Indonesia
• Thailand
• Vietnam

AFRICA

With a population that is not cooperative with investigations due to fear of reprisal from criminal organizations, some of the most widespread government corruption on a global scale, and ease of selling stolen cargo as you go further inland, the region of Africa plays a large role in maritime piracy. Increased number of attacks have been specifically reported in (but not limited to):

• Somalia
• Sierra Leone
• the Red Sea
• the Gulf of Aden
• Nigeria

LATIN AMERICA

Last but not least, Latin America with its high volume of drug and human trafficking by organized cartels, numerous islands, and a high level of government corruption provides a constant threat to shipping lanes and private yachts. Increased number of attacks have been specifically reported in (but not limited to):

• Brazil
• Columbia
• Venezuela
• Nicaragua
• Costa Rica
• Dominican Republic

Emboldened acts of maritime piracy have increased by enough volume that the International Maritime Bureau (IMB), founded by the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), broadcasts daily reports of piracy via satellite to all shipping companies.

The international community is beginning to pursue curbing maritime piracy much more aggressively on many fronts ranging from ICC/IMB sponsored seminars to the hiring of Private Military Companies (PMCs) by shipping companies.

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