It seems clear that naval operations in the Gulf of Aden are having a positive effect on security in the region.

Successful attacks on vessels are down and with a clear legal mandate to prosecute pirates now supporting the arsenal of military hardware on offer, it seems the risk-reward balance could be tipping back in favour of the shipowner.

But without a sustained naval presence in the region, experts agree that the significant gains of the past few months could very quickly be lost.

Maintaining political engagement long term will be difficult for the industry once this issue inevitably drops off the mainstream media’s radar.

Once the spotlight fades, the multi-million dollar budgets for anti-piracy operations may not seem such an urgent priority for governments struggling to bail out their own economies.

The hope is that by this time a more sustainable solution will be in place. Capacity building projects on land, regional support and involvement, together with a UN commitment to long-term support for Somalia are ultimately the best hope of an enduring political solution.

However, it is unlikely that we will see the benefit of such projects any time soon.

Until we do, it is likely that both governments and the pirates will keep a close eye on the risk-reward balance and asking themselves what they can get away with.