Some Japanese ships have taken a route around the Cape of Good Hope instead of through the Red Sea following dozens of pirate attacks this year in waters off Somalia, the Japanese Shipowners' Association said.

The association estimated that an additional 40 million yen (420,000 dollars) would be required for one ship to avoid the Red Sea and take the alternative course around South Africa.

Of the 2,000 Japanese ships that sail through the Suez Canal each year, some 250 are relatively small and sail at a speed of less than 15 knots, making them more vulnerable to attacks by pirates.

If they all change route, adding up to 10 days and 6,500 kilometres (4,030 miles) to the journey, it would cost an additional 10 billion yen (105 million dollars), the industry body said.

The Japanese government is considering sending a naval mission to guard its cargo ships in the area, as marine lobbyist groups have urged.

"We are also hoping the government will dispatch a naval mission to protect Japanese ships," said a spokesman for the Japanese Shipowners' Association.

It would not be easy for Japan, which is officially pacifist after its defeat in World War II, to dispatch its military overseas. The country was forced to renounce the right to wage war and the government would need to create a special law to allow such a mission.

Shipping groups worldwide have reported a new surge in hijackings off Somalia and the International Maritime Bureau said pirates based in the lawless African nation were now "out of control".

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