Maritime defence in Mediterranean: The seas are very important for the world all the ships carry most of the world’s goods and people travel across oceans. UN Secretary-General António Guterres told the Security Council that “Without maritime security, there can be no global security.” He said countries must obey the UN Charter and the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea to keep seas safe.
But many things are now making the seas unsafe. Pirates, crime groups, and armed attacks happen on the water. In early 2025, reports of attacks went up by 47.5% compared to 2024. In Asia attacks almost doubled, especially in the Straits of Malacca and Singapore.
In the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden the Houthis attacked commercial ships and slowed global trade. The Gulf of Guinea has pirates, kidnappers, and oil thieves. People and weapons are being moved illegally across seas. Hackers also try to attack ports and shipping systems, creating new danger for maritime safety.
Experts at the SHADE MED conference in November focused on how strong systems must stay during unstable times. The meeting was organized by EUNAVFOR MED Irini and NATO Maritime Command.
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The Mediterranean is surrounded by many nations and handles heavy sea traffic every day. Because of this, it faces risks that are not always easy to spot. Specialists warned that modern threats do not always look like traditional battles. Instead, hostile actors may use cyber interference, disruption of land facilities, or pressure on supply chains.
Old and New Problems in the Mediterranean
The Mediterranean has crime and conflict. Smugglers still move people and drugs. Pirates can attack small boats and ships. About 4% to 18% of all marine species live here and illegal fishing puts them in danger.
NATO and EU navies work together to patrol waters. Exercises with the US 5th Fleet and other partners try to stop threats and protect shipping. These efforts improve cooperation and show that countries see this sea as very important for peace and trade.
But threats are changing like Terrorism, drones, and cyberattacks now worry security watchers more than before. UN officials say private maritime companies must prepare for these new dangers and still obey international law.
