Danish oil‑trading and supply company Monjasa has reported losing contact with one of its oil and chemical tankers. The 135‑metre vessel, Monjasa Reformer, was attacked and boarded by pirates in the Gulf of Guinea. At the time of the attack the ship sailed under a Liberian flag and was operated by Dubai‑based Montec Ship Management, which is owned by Monjasa.
All 16 crew members retreated to a citadel—a pre‑planned safe room built into the ship for use when pirates attempt to board. The shipping company’s spokesperson said that on‑board communications are currently down and that Monjasa is working with local authorities to re‑establish contact, assess the situation and provide the crew with the support they need.
Montec Ship Management, in a statement from Denmark, confirmed that relevant maritime authorities in the Gulf have been notified. The incident has also been reported to a maritime cooperation centre run by the British and French navies, which monitors safety in the Gulf of Guinea.
While the Gulf of Guinea remains a global piracy hotspot, the U.N. Security Council notes that incidents have declined since 2021 as national authorities have intensified security measures with assistance from foreign naval forces.
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