The world's largest shipping company has announced that its oil tankers will be avoiding pirate-plagued waters around the Gulf of Aden.

Maersk says it will be re-routing its 50-strong fleet on a major detour via the Cape of Good Hope in order to prevent any of the vessels from being captured.

The move follows the capture of the Siruis Star oil tanker by Somali pirates over the weekend.

Dozens of vessels have been seized off the coast of Somalia this year, most of which have been returned following the payment of a ransom.