Piracy is likely to increase as geographical focus shifts, according to Anthony Menzies of legal firm DAC Beachcroft, in its latest publication on trends in the marine industry.
Piracy is likely to return to the Indian Ocean unless an international naval presence can be maintained, he said, noting that, while impressive results had been secured by armed guarding, Best Management Practices Version 4 and naval intervention, “any withdrawal of support is likely to have significant consequences”.
Piracy levels have been reduced off the coast of East Africa in the Indian Ocean, but continue to increase on the west coast of Africa, China and South East Asia. Underreporting exacerbated the problem, the legal firm said.