Maritime piracy: an analysis of attacks and violence

Maritime piracy has become a core subject in maritime security and safety. Using ICC International Maritime Bureau data from 2002 to 2009, we use binary choice models to estimate the success/failure of pirate attacks as a function of vessel type, flag, vessel operation, number of pirates, boarding methods, and arms type. Rather than forecasting the piracy incidents, the binary models are used to quantify how pirate characteristics and behaviour determine the rate of success and degree of violence of piracy attacks. The results identify three major approaches for pirate attacks, with the different approaches being associated with different levels of violence and arms used and different targets. The study proposes managerial implications for maritime security.