Piracy off the coast of Somalia is getting a lot of press recently.  The recent piratical takeover of a ship laden with tanks and munitions is prompting concerns and debate between the world's shippers and the countries affected.  France, Ukraine, North Korea, and now Denmark all have had ships taken in the last several years.  It seems that NATO and perhaps the United States will need to have an increased maritime presence to provide security for the vital sea lane.

The United Nations has even passed resolutions which squarely infringe on the sovereignty of Somalia, such as it is.  Resolution 1816, adopted June 2008 (recently renewed by Resolution 1838, adopted October 2008 ) provided that the Security Council:

Decides that for a period of six months from the date of this resolution, States cooperating with the TFG in the fight against piracy and armed robbery at sea off the coast of Somalia, for which advance notification has been provided by the TFG to the Secretary-General, may:

(a) Enter the territorial waters of Somalia for the purpose of repressing acts of piracy and armed robbery at sea, in a manner consistent with such action permitted on the high seas with respect to piracy under relevant international law; and

(b) Use, within the territorial waters of Somalia, in a manner consistent with action permitted on the high seas with respect to piracy under relevant international law, all necessary means to repress acts of piracy and armed robbery…

The Shipping coalition, in their releases here, here suggest that governmental, and not private security, response is warranted.   The world's major maritime insurer, Lloyds of London, began issuing risk policies including private security teams here.

The French have shown a willingness to go farther than the territorial sea to apprehend pirates:

Earlier Somalia pirate posts here, here and here, here.