Loss Prevention Advice
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A renewed piracy threat near Somalia has sparked concerns after reports emerged that Somali pirates seized another dhow that could potentially be used as a “mothership” for future attacks on commercial vessels.
The dhow was reportedly hijacked on May 9 while en route to Kismayo, Somalia. The vessel was operating off the country’s southern coast when the incident occurred.
In response, European naval forces participating in Operation Atalanta were notified immediately and deployed assets to assess the situation.
In a separate development, security officials in Somalia’s Puntland region told AFP that an Emirati dhow hijacked by Somali pirates last month has since been abandoned in the Arabian Sea after the group failed to use it in attacks on other ships. The Joint Maritime Information Centre (JMIC) also confirmed that the dhow hijacked on 25 April 2026, is no longer believed to be under pirate control.
AIS tracking data indicates the vessel is now safely heading toward the Gulf of Oman.
According to JMIC, the piracy threat level remains SEVERE in the Somali Coast and Somali Basin.
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Over the past week, 5-11 May, no incident of piracy or armed robbery against ships in Asia.
Area of concern
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Recent bunker alerts have pointed to a growing presence of high-abrasive fuels containing cat fines in several regions.
As explained by Jordan Hatch, the latest VPS Bunker Alerts confirm this upward trend, which is increasingly contributing to operational challenges and disputes within the shipping sector.
If not properly managed, cat fines can cause severe engine wear and, in extreme cases, lead to complete engine failure in a relatively short period of operation. Damage involving multiple cylinder liners and piston rings can be particularly costly and disruptive.
Because vessels typically carry only one or two spare liners on board, extensive damage can quickly exceed onboard repair capacity. This often results in prolonged off-hire periods, as additional spare parts must be sourced and shipped in, with supply chain delays further extending repair timelines.
ISO standards vs engine reality
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In response to the growing risks associated with the maritime transport of lithium-ion cells and batteries, the following guidance for shipping lithium-ion cells and batteries in containers.
Lithium-ion cells are the core components of batteries and come in various forms, as they are widely used in portable electronics and electric vehicles because they can efficiently store and release energy through the movement of lithium ions between positive and negative electrodes.
However, due to their chemical properties, lithium-ion cells and batteries are classified as dangerous goods and must be handled with care.
Released against a backdrop of rising concern, the guidance comes as battery-related incidents at sea become both more frequent and more severe.
A key hazard is thermal runaway, a chain reaction that can result in intense fires, the release of toxic gases and even explosive force. These fires are particularly difficult to extinguish and may reignite days or even weeks after the initial incident.