Denmark has boosted its support for Gulf of Guinea nations to combat the scourge of piracy.
It has pledged a further DKK 175m ($27m) for its maritime Peace & Stabilisation Fund, which aims to step up security in the region.
The cash will help coastal countries respond to, gather evidence on and prosecute attacks on shipping.
"The security situation in the Gulf of Guinea is serious and worrying," said the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Jeppe Kofod.
"It is of great importance for Denmark, Danish companies and the development in the region that you can sail safely in the area.
"Therefore, it is crucial that we do more to help increase security, and I am glad that we, as part of the overall Danish effort, are now increasing our stabilisation efforts."
The aim is for African nations eventually to be able to take care of security themselves, Kofod said.
Denmark has already sent the frigate Esbern Snare to the region. The vessel was involved in a gun battle with suspected pirates, killing four men and wounding another.
A clear signal
"It is clear that the threat from pirates is real," said Danish Minister of Defence Trine Bramsen.
"Esbern Snare's presence in the Gulf of Guinea has already sent a very clear signal that piracy comes with a price. It is important that we find long-term solutions to piracy, and this is a good step in the right direction."
The five-year funding will help local coordination of anti-piracy efforts and identify the gunmen's networks.
Shipowners' organisation Danish Shipping said: "It is great that Denmark supports the fight against piracy.
"Both by deploying the frigate, which makes a difference for our seafarers every day, but also by granting money to support the countries situated along the Gulf of Guinea so that they can hopefully at some point handle the maritime security themselves."
Danish Shipping said that although the number of kidnappings fell last year, it is vital that no one believes the problem has been solved.
"The Gulf of Guinea is still the most dangerous water in the world, which is why we still need to be present both on land and at sea," said chief executive Anne Steffensen.
"I am therefore pleased that the Danish government with this grant shows that Denmark as a large maritime nation is aware of its responsibility."
Shipowners' organisation Bimco wants Gulf of Guinea states to do more to prosecute suspected pirates after Denmark released three of the four alleged gunmen it arrested in November.
Governments must step up prosecution efforts when pirates are apprehended by international navies, it said.
