German Shipowners’ Association Sees Strong Sign Against Piracy

The European Union (EU) has today extended the Atalanta security operation until February 2027. This operation protects commercial vessels off the coast of Somalia, in the Gulf of Aden, in the western Indian Ocean, and in parts of the Red Sea from attacks by rebels and pirates.

(Hamburg) The Atalanta operation is set to increasingly collaborate with the EU mission Aspides, which aims to protect commercial shipping from the Houthi in the Red Sea and the Bab al-Mandab Strait, one of the central waterways of global trade.

Martin Kröger, Managing Director of the German Shipowners’ Association (VDR), explicitly welcomes the extension: “This decision is a strong sign. In a world where shipping is increasingly becoming a pawn in geopolitical conflicts, the security of maritime trade routes remains indispensable. The EU is determined to protect free trade and counter the attacks of rebels and pirates. This is more important than ever for the global economy and supply security.”

Piracy continues to pose a significant threat to maritime shipping. Additionally, commercial vessels are left defenseless against heavily armed rebels like the Houthis, who deliberately target ships in the Red Sea. Out of fear of attacks, many shipping companies have been taking expensive and time-consuming detours for about a year.

Combating Rising Piracy in the Indian Ocean

The Atalanta operation was launched in late 2008 to counter the rising piracy in the western Indian Ocean. Since then, it has significantly contributed to suppressing piracy and protecting commercial shipping. It reduces the threat to the international maritime community.

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