Andrew Mwangura of the East African Seafarers Assistance Programme confirmed media reports of the release of the Blue Star, seized on Jan. 1 with a cargo of 6,000 tonnes of the fertiliser urea.

"She is now under way to safe waters," he said in a statement.

State-run newspapers in Egypt quoted a security official as saying the 28-member crew were expected to return home soon.

Somali pirates, typically in small groups aboard speedboats, have successfully demanded millions of dollars in ransom from ship owners after seizing cargo vessels. It was not clear if a ransom had been paid in the Egyptian case.

The surge in piracy has provoked international alarm and several countries have sent warships to the region in order to curb the hijacks.

Newly elected Somali President Sheikh Sharif Ahmed, a moderate Islamist, and his new government aim to bring peace to the chaotic Horn of Africa nation. It has had no effective government since warlords ousted dictator Mohamed Siad Barre in 1991 and then turned on each other.