UN passes new Somali piracy resolution with little bite

The UN Security Council passed a new resolution Tuesday to address the piracy problem off the coast of Somalia, but it differs little from a resolution passed in June authorizing joint governmental naval action.

While shipping bodies around the globe have been denouncing what they consider a lack of resources dedicated to patrolling the key Gulf of Aden, the new resolution only allows naval action to continue for an indefinite period. The previous resolution was due to expire at the end of 2008.

Pirate attacks on commercial vessels have increased in number and intensity in recent months, mostly due to the lawless political climate in Somalia, which borders the Gulf of Aden, a critical waterway connecting Asia and Europe. Some carriers have stopped operations through the gulf, which leads to the Red Sea and Suez Canal, while others have threatened to sail around Africa rather than face the threat of attacks.

The language in the new resolution is severe, but whether it will help alleviate the situation is unclear. Ship owners associations are calling for governments to deploy more resources in the gulf, while the head of the naval coalition patrolling the waterway said shipping lines must do all they can to secure their own vessels and not merely rely on naval ships for protection.

Meanwhile, maritime insurer Lloyd's said Tuesday it would begin providing armed former marines to be stationed aboard commercial vessels as part of a new war risk product it is offering. The cost of the extra security detail is expected to be offset by savings in insurance costs (which would come down as the risk of hijacking would be considered lower) or savings in operating costs from sailing around Africa.