Piracy remains an issue of global concern. On 22 February, UN officials warned that shipping could be at increased risk of piracy. Primarily due to the change in routes taken to avoid Houthi attacks in the Red Sea. Even before the Houthi campaign, the Gulf of Guinea, Somali Coast, and the South China Sea were beset by piracy and maritime insecurity. This report assesses the trajectories of piracy in each region [source].

Key Judgement 1. Piracy will likely increase in the Gulf of Guinea in the next 12 months due to international missions ending and criminal innovation.

Key Judgement 2. The international community will likely increase efforts to combat Somali pirates due to international navies’ deployment to protect shipping from the Houthis.

Key Judgement 3. It is unlikely that incidence of piracy in the Malacca Strait will lower over the next 12 months.