How Safe Is Global Maritime Trade

As security risks continue to diversify along critical routes of maritime trade, war, piracy, drone attacks, and regional conflicts directly threaten the navigational safety of commercial vessels. From the Strait of Hormuz and the Arabian Gulf to the Black Sea, and from the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden to the waters off Somalia, maritime transportation is surrounded by high-risk areas across a wide geography. In an article written by ESKO Marine General Manager Capt. Ali Kuray, he evaluates security risks in global maritime trade and draws attention to the importance of proper risk analysis, up-to-date intelligence, and effective security organization, citing as examples two recent attempted pirate attacks involving Turkish vessels.

The article written by Capt. Ali Kuray is as follows:

Almost all of the main arteries of maritime trade routes have become HRA (High Risk Area) or WAR RISK areas.

As we are now experiencing the second half of 2026, almost all of the main routes of global maritime trade are facing various security risks.

Due to the war between the United States and Iran, trade in the Strait of Hormuz and the Arabian Gulf has come almost to a standstill. While the war lasting longer than expected and the possibility of it extending further increase the risks in the region, certain safe passage arrangements have also begun to be carried out within the framework of the intelligence mechanisms established and Iran-US coordinated operations.

Since the beginning of the Russia-Ukraine War, the Black Sea has evolved from being solely an area of military conflict into a critical security zone for global maritime trade, energy security, and food supply. In particular, the strategic position of Ukrainian and Russian ports in global grain and raw material trade makes the safety of maritime transportation in the region extremely important for international economic stability.

The recent expansion of conflicts into the maritime domain, with ports, port infrastructure, and commercial vessels becoming targets of attacks, has made navigation in the Black Sea extremely risky and, at times, impossible.

Although a clear and comprehensive security measure has not yet been established for the region, our efforts regarding signal jamming systems and the use of firearms against drones continue.

In the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, which are the lifeblood of world trade, piracy activities, particularly off the coast of Somalia, are showing an upward trend again due to the increasing levels of poverty and hunger among the local population and the effects of ongoing regional tensions. The security situation in the Red Sea also remains extremely sensitive and high-risk due to ongoing regional tensions and repeated attacks against commercial vessels.

Under today's conditions, almost all vessels navigating in the region have an Armed Security Team (ArmedGuard) on board. Thanks to the presence of these teams, many attempted attacks are repelled and incidents of hijacking are prevented.

However, unfortunately, this situation creates a perception in some circles that the risk has decreased. The reality, however, is exactly the opposite. The level of threats at sea is approaching the highest levels seen in recent years.

Real Incidents, Real Threats:

In the attacks attempted against Turkish vessels we have been serving over the past few months alone, the simultaneous and coordinated intervention of our operations and security teams ensured that the crew continued their voyages safely without any injuries and without any damage to the vessels.

As an indication of our rapid response, professional support, and operational effectiveness, we were recently honored to receive a Letter of Appreciation from one of our valued clients.

The two incidents clearly demonstrate the scale of the threat at sea and the importance of proper security organization.

1. PIRATE ATTACK

Vessel Name: MV LBC TUGCE
IMO No: 9088299
Date: 14 June 2026
Position: 09°51.8'N – 051°19.9'E

On 14 June 2026, at approximately 10:30 LT, MV LBC TUGCE reported that two suspicious speedboats were approaching the vessel while she was underway at position 09°51.8'N – 051°19.9'E, in the southwestern extension of the Arabian Sea/Somali Sea area.

Approximately six persons were observed on each speedboat. The suspicious boats approached the vessel at high speed and, despite initial warning shots being fired, continued to advance without reducing speed.

As the suspicious boats continued their approach, the vessel's defensive measures and the intervention of our Armed Security Team resulted in the boats changing course shortly afterwards and moving away from the area.

Under the management of our security personnel, the vessel's security procedures were immediately implemented, and our Armed Security Team remained at the highest level of alert throughout the incident.

As a result of the incident, there were no injuries to the crew and no damage to the vessel. The suspicious boats subsequently moved completely away from the area, and the vessel safely continued her voyage.

The incident was reported to the relevant authorities, and all personnel maintained a high level of attention and alertness throughout the vessel's passage through the area.

2. PIRATE ATTACK

Vessel Name: MV ELFRIEDE
IMO No: 9300946
Date: 23 April 2026
Position: 06°28.64'N – 049°54.29'E

On 23 April 2026, at approximately 10:20 LT, MV ELFRIEDE was underway on a heading of 048° at position 06°28.64'N – 049°54.29'E, approximately 45 nautical miles off the eastern coast of Somalia, when she was followed and approached by a speedboat suspected of being operated by pirates while an Armed Security Team was accompanying the vessel.

The situation escalated within a short period of time, resulting in a brief armed confrontation between the parties.

The presence of the Armed Security Team on board the vessel served as an important deterrent; the team immediately responded in a controlled and disciplined manner, opening warning shots and return fire at approximately 10:30 LT. At the same time, evasive manoeuvres were carried out by the vessel.

Following a brief pursuit lasting approximately 10–15 minutes, the suspicious speedboat broke contact and moved away from the area at high speed, after which no further contact occurred.

The incident was immediately reported to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations Centre (UKMTO), and a request was made for an awareness broadcast to inform vessels operating in the vicinity.

Initial inspections found no damage to the vessel, and no injuries were reported among the crew or security personnel.

In the assessments carried out following the incident, it was particularly emphasized that the presence of an Armed Security Team on board played a critical role in bringing the incident to a safe conclusion and provided a significant advantage for both the Captain and the crew.

Conclusion in Today's Maritime Industry;

Today's maritime industry is now required to deal with much more complex threats such as war, terrorism, piracy, drone attacks, and regional conflicts, in addition to sea and weather conditions.

Today, safe navigation at sea is no longer an element that can be ensured solely through proper ship management and an experienced crew. Proper risk analysis, up-to-date intelligence, effective security organization, professional teams, and rapid response capability have now become an integral part of maritime transportation.

Every incident that occurs shows us the same reality once again:

Risk at sea can never be completely eliminated; however, it can be managed through proper preparation, proper organization, and proper response.

I wish all our seafarers safe voyages and fair winds, with all necessary precautions taken and risk assessments carried out thoroughly.