More pirates, but fewer hijackings

The main reason is that ships sailing through the Bay of Aden have become much better at protecting themselves against pirates.

In 2010, 61 ships were hijacked. Last year that number decreased to 30, but the attempts were just as many. In 2010 there were 240 attacks, compared to 223 in 2011. No Norwegian ships were hijacked.

"We have to be aware that Somalian piracy is going to remain a comprehensive and long-term problem," Haakon Svane, Head of the Contingency Planning Secretariat for the Norwegian Shipowners’ Association, tells Aftenposten.

Nothing has happened in Somalia that reduces the number of attacks. The Somalis will do what they can to hijack ships, according to Svane. What have decreased the number of successful attacks are the security measures put in place by the shipping industry.

Around 40 percent of Norwegian ships now have armed security guards on board to scare away pirates. There are good routines in place for protection, including better security and navigation to avoid certain routes. The key is to detect the pirates before the attacks take place.

No Norwegian ships were hijacked in 2011, and Svane does not think it’s a coincidence. "Norwegian shipping companies implemented passive security measures and good risk analysis early to prevent attacks from happening," he says. "It’s very rare that a Norwegian ship is careless about safety."

Naval forces have also added more security to the area by patrolling along the shore. On land, Somali authorities are doing what they can do to fight piracy.

It is also important to note, Svane says, that authorities have started to acknowledge that piracy actually affects the country itself, both in terms of humanitarian assistance, trade and tourism.

(Aftenposten)

Julie Ryland