LNG: Pirates Threaten Ship Traffic In Gulf of Aden

Attacks by pirates in the Gulf of Aden, the world busiest waterway, surged to 44 last year, up from just 10 incidents in 2004. But this figure has already been eclipsed in 2008. According to the International Maritime Bureau, Somali pirates have attacked 54 vessels in the area so far this year, making the shipping lanes just east of the Suez Canal the most dangerous in the world. The incidents have raised concern among the world’s shipping companies, many of whom have asked for naval escorts to ensure the safety of their vessels while transiting these waters. Most of the attacks have occurred near the port of Eyl in the Somali region of Puntland, which enjoys semi-autonomy from Mogadishu. Download here