Maritime security company Ambrey has called for more concerted action on the threat of piracy in the Gulf of Guinea.
The International Maritime Bureau (IMB) said this week that the number of kidnappings there has risen to its highest level ever.
In its 2020 report, Ambrey argues that security measures are "treating the symptoms not the causes" of the problem off West Africa.
"Continued efforts to combat organised crime, strengthen governance, build inclusive societies and redistribute resources are necessary to address these causes in the medium and long-term," the company added.
Ambrey tallied 201 maritime security events last year in the Gulf of Guinea.
Most pirate activity involved kidnappings, with 142 seafarers abducted.
Cargo theft back on the agenda?
But there was also likely an under-reported risk of cargo theft, the company said, despite no actual incidents occurring.
Ambrey said it had been told one pirate group that boarded a tanker had enquired about the cargo, asking whether it was diesel suitable for cars and trucks.
This indicated the gunmen had no prior knowledge of what the vessel was carrying and so were not likely to be connected to illicit trade.
But they were still probably able to contact a prospective buyer for any stolen oil, Ambrey added.
The company said vessels with freeboards of less than 9 metres were highly vulnerable, although one was boarded that was higher than this.
Armed security on board has been effective in deterring attacks, but this is displacing activity into areas where no armed personnel are available, or to ships that have chosen not to employ them.
Speed also does not seem to be a deterrent, with vessels approached at up to 22 knots.
Overall, there are more groups active over a wider area than was the case between 2015 and 2018, Ambrey reported.
'Unprecedented increase'
Since 2019, the region has "experienced an unprecedented rise in the number of multiple crew kidnappings", the IMB said.
Ralf Nagel, chief executive of the German Shipowners' Association, said the new numbers were worrying.
"For several years now, we have been observing that the situation in the Gulf of Guinea is worsening," he added.
"This region has, meanwhile, become the hotspot of piracy worldwide. Ships are almost regularly attacked here, including German vessels, seamen kidnapped from [on] board and held hostage for weeks — an intolerable situation," Nagel said.
