Kenya and Seychelles are testing a new anti-piracy software that conveys live pictures of ship traffic, with the aim of improving maritime security off East African coasts.

The Regional Maritime Rescue Co-ordination Centre of the Kenya Maritime Authority and the anti-piracy unit of the Indian Ocean Commission in Seychelles, are testing the new software until October next year.

It was developed by the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre (JRC). The software provides live pictures of ships’ traffic, indicating current positions on a digital map by combining data from different vessels’ reporting and earth observation systems.

“This way, the software can create a single maritime picture of the entire western Indian Ocean, offering a region-wide picture that can complement the smaller scale coastal displays used by individual countries,” said JRC.

The software can be used to create maps using historical data like past piracy events or ship traffic density.

JRC said the software will help to improve the region’s maritime surveillance capabilities taking into account existing infrastructure and identifying specific needs of affected countries.

Kenya, Tanzania, Somalia, Djibouti, Mozambique, Seychelles, Comoros, Madagascar, Mauritius, Yemen, Pakistan and the countries of the Persian Gulf have borne the brunt of piracy.

At the peak of piracy in 2011 when Somali pirates roamed waters off the Horn of Africa, the cost of doing business rose as shippers changed trading routes and paid higher fuel bills, insurance premiums and security bills for guards on board.

Cost of piracy

Although hijackings in the region have dropped since 2013, it is estimated that piracy could cost the global economy an estimated $18 billion annually, according to Pirates of Somalia: Ending the Threat, Rebuilding a Nation, report of the World Bank.

READ: Piracy attacks in East Africa drop

International Maritime Bureau (IMB) said pirate attacks globally have fallen for the third consecutive year, but hijacking of small tankers ferrying refined oil products by armed gangs is escalating in the Southeastern Asian waters.

Out of six vessels hijacked worldwide in the third quarter of this year, five were in Southeastern Asia.

IMB’s director Pottengal Mukundan attributed the reduced incidents of maritime piracy and armed robbery over the past few years to international navies deterring pirates off East Africa and improved onboard security.

With just 10 incidents reported in Somalia this year, there is a risk that international attention will turn away from the 40 hostages still being held for ransom by suspected Somali pirates.

“Some of those crew members have been held captive there for more than four years now, with fading hope of immediate release. Seafarers should not underestimate the continuing threat of Somali piracy,” said Mr Mukundan.