Armed assailants have seized the Tanzanian-flagged chemical tanker MT Asana in the Gulf of Aden, maritime security sources report.
The vessel, which had listed the Somali port of Bosaso as its next destination, was boarded off the southern coast of Yemen and is now being moved toward Puntland.
The condition of the crew remains uncertain as negotiations begin.
This incident marks a significant escalation in regional piracy activity, directly impacting risk assessments for vessels transiting the Gulf of Aden.
Markets are likely to see renewed pressure on war risk insurance premiums for tankers and bulk carriers operating in the corridor.
The hijacking adds to existing concerns about supply chain vulnerabilities in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, where shipping routes have already faced disruptions from geopolitical tensions.