Where there is sea, there are pirates, Part 2

I have an update for all the folks that transport goods via the high seas. US Naval Commander Rear-Admiral James Kelly told an Australian newspaper last week that China is building up its submarine and warship capacity to help protect its sea lanes.

China's booming economy means that it has a voracious appetite for raw materials (see previous China-related blogs), much of which needs to be imported. And this means that it has plenty of incentive to have the capability to keep its sea lanes open.

Most of China's trade goes through the Malacca Straits and the Bay of Bengal, which have more pirate activity than anywhere else in the world.

Over 65,000 vessels pass through the strait every year, carrying half the world's oil and more than a third of its commerce. The Strait of Malacca is notorious for robberies and kidnappings by pirates, mostly directed against commercial shipping. Increased security patrols by Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia have helped the number of attacks drop drastically.

Sources: The Age, The Malaysia Star, The International Herald Tribune
Also See "Where there is sea, there are pirates," Part 1

Where there is sea, there are pirates

If you transport your merchandise via the high seas, I have good news for you. The dangerous waters are getting a little bit less dangerous. Attacks by pirates are apparently at their lowest rate since 1998.
Still, there were 41 pirate attacks from January through March (down from 61 last year). General guidance on how to deal with a piracy can be found on the International Chamber of Shipping web site. Indonesia and Nigeria are apparently still the most dangerous waters. Merchants beware.

Sources: BBC, The International Maritime Bureau, International Chamber of Shipping