The International Maritime Organisation (IMO) has issued new warnings of a rise in piracy off the coast of Somali, as global shipping continues to face huge geopolitical challenges.

South Africa which is currently the chair of the Djibouti Code of Conduct/ Jeddah Amendment – a regional initiative implemented by IMO to combat piracy, armed robbery against ships and other illicit maritime activities in the Western Indian Ocean and the Gulf of Aden said Somali piracy remains suppressed but not eradicated.

It comes as the ongoing blockage of the Strait of Hormuz and the reluctance of shipping to use the Suez Canal has displaced a significant part of the global maritime fleet.

In a statement the chair said it “expresses grave concern and strongly condemns the continued detention of the Republic of Palau-flagged tanker MT Honour 25, which has reportedly remained in captivity since 24 April 2026 under the control of pirates.

It added the Signatory States are deeply concerned at the deteriorating humanitarian situation on board the vessel and by the plight of the 17 crew members, who remain in captivity under extremely difficult and dangerous conditions and are reportedly in desperate need of assistance, with onboard provisions now critically low.

“These developments, together with the resurgence of piracy and armed robbery against ships in the Gulf of Aden and off the coast of Somalia, reinforce a stark reality: despite the progress achieved in recent years, maritime security gains remain fragile and continue to require sustained vigilance, operational coordination, and collective international engagement,” The IMO added. “The Signatory States further express deep concern regarding the fate and wellbeing of the crew members onboard the other vessels currently being held by pirates and armed robbers in the region, namely the Saint Kitts and Nevis-flagged general cargo vessel Sward, reportedly hijacked on 26 April 2026 with 17 crew members onboard, and the Togo-flagged oil tanker MV Eureka, reportedly hijacked on 2 May 2026 with 12 crew members onboard.

“The continued captivity of these seafarers further underscores the persistent and evolving threat posed by piracy and armed robbery against ships in the Western Indian Ocean and Gulf of Aden and reinforces the urgent need for strengthened regional and international cooperation to secure the safe release of all affected crew members and prevent further incidents.

“The current incident serves as a stark reminder that Somali piracy remains suppressed, but not eradicated, and that sustained international and regional cooperation remains essential to safeguarding freedom of navigation, protecting seafarers, and ensuring maritime security and stability in the Western Indian Ocean and Gulf of Aden.”

The Chair supports the remarks delivered by the Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) during the 111th session of the Maritime Safety Committee (MSC 111), which highlighted the renewed threat of piracy and armed robbery against ships off the coast of Somalia and emphasized the urgent need for practical and coordinated action.

The Signatory States to the agreement have also  called upon the Federal Government of Somalia to make every possible effort, in cooperation with relevant regional and international partners, to facilitate the safe and immediate release of the vessel and crew members and to ensure their safety, wellbeing, and humane treatment.

The Signatory States further call upon the international community, including naval forces operating in the region, international organizations, and maritime security partners, to intensify efforts aimed at securing the release of the crew members and preventing further acts of piracy and armed robbery at sea in the Western Indian Ocean and Gulf of Aden.

“The unequivocal message from the Signatory States today is clear: the safety, dignity, and wellbeing of seafarers are non-negotiable, and we will continue to support all efforts aimed at protecting them and securing their safe release,” The IMO concluded.