EU Naval Force’s (EUNavfor) major general Martin Smith said attacks in the region have been suppressed, but said the threat remains.
Speaking at Bimco’s London International Shipping Week breakfast briefing on security on Wednesday, he welcomed the significant reduction in pirate attacks since 2012.
This has been achieved by the “collective effort” of shipping companies and dedicated naval forces, he added.
“It is clear that we have, together, come a long way since early 2011, when 736 hostages and 32 ships were being held for ransom in anchorages off Somali beaches,” he said.
“However, the recent incidents of Iranian dhows being captured by groups of armed men demonstrate that there are still some who are prepared to go out to sea and take vessels for ransom.”
The use of private armed security teams has also reduced the threat of long-range attacks.
“Collectively we have been able to curtail their use of mother ships to attack far from the coast, but I remain convinced that if pirates perceive that we are lowering our guard, they will seize the opportunity and plan an attack on a vulnerable ship,” he added.
“And if they take one ship, this could re-energise their business model which, you know all too well, could cost the international community and shipping industry dearly.”
