Somali Piracy to Threaten Global Supply Chains in 2025

After years of decline, Somali piracy is resurging. This resurgence can be attributed to several factors including reduced anti-piracy patrols, a shift in naval resources to counter the Yemeni Houthi threat, economic hardships for Somali citizens, and fragmented government resources.

Somali piracy refers to the robbery or hijacking of vessels in and around the Somali coast. Often carried out by well-organised groups operating from skiffs and dhows, these operations exploit gaps in security enforcement. The goal: extract ransoms or loot valuable cargo from commercial shipping vessels.

Somali Piracy to Threaten Global Supply Chains in 2025 report mock up

Shipping companies face a difficult choice: pay increased costs for insurance, security, and potential ransoms, or reroute around southern Africa, adding approximately 6,000 nautical miles to their journeys. Either option raises shipping expenses, with ripple effects on global supply chains and trade.


  • Key Incidents: An analysis of recent piracy events.
  • Economic Impacts: How Somali piracy is driving up costs for global shipping and trade.
  • Geopolitical Dynamics: The role of international focus on Yemen in shaping maritime security.