Piracy in the Gulf of Guinea has emerged as a significant threat to global maritime security, affecting shipping companies, shipowners, and insurers alike. The region accounts for the highest number of piracy incidents worldwide, particularly involving kidnapping for ransom, armed robbery, and hijacking of vessels. In 2023, the International Maritime Bureau (“IMB”) reported a slight increase in incidents compared to 2022, with the region accounting for three of the four globally reported hijackings, all 14 crew kidnappings, 75% of reported crew hostages, and two injured crew members. Although the number of piracy incidents dropped from 14 in 2023 to 10 in the first half of 2024, the threat to crew safety and wellbeing remains a critical concern. The Gulf of Guinea continues to be the epicentre of global crew kidnappings, accounting for all 11 crew members kidnapped in the first half of 2024 across two separate incidents, and 21 crew members taken hostage in a single incident.
MITIGATING THE RISK OF PIRACY IN THE GULF OF GUINEA: A GUIDE FOR SHIPPING COMPANIES AND P&I CLUBS
