The ICC International Maritime Bureau (IMB) has reported a decline in global maritime incidents and piracy in 2024, but urges continued caution as crew safety remains at risk. The IMB annual Piracy and Armed Robbery Report recorded 116 incidents against ships in 2024 compared to 120 in 2023 and 115 in 2022.
The report reveals that 94 vessels were boarded, there were thirteen attempted attacks, six vessels were hijacked and three were fired upon.
Also read: IMB: Piracy incidents lowest since 1994, threats remain
More crew taken hostage or kidnapped
While the number of reported incidents in 2024 remains similar to those reported in 2023 and 2022, IMB urges caution to promote crew safety given an increase in the number of crew taken hostage or kidnapped – from 126 taken hostage in 2024 compared to 73 in 2023 and 41 in 2022. Twelve crew were reported kidnapped, compared to fourteen in 2023 and two in 2022. A further twelve crew were threatened and one injured in 2024.
The reported use of weapons also continues to rise. In 2024, guns were reported in 26 incidents compared to fifteen in 2023. Knives were reported in 39 incidents in 2024, compared to 42 incidents in 2023.
‘While we welcome the reduction of reported incidents, the ongoing threats to crew safety remain a significant concern,’ says ICC Secretary General John W.H. Denton AO. ‘Safeguarding routes and ensuring the security of seafarers, who are essential to maintaining global commerce, is vital. Every effort must be made to protect lives at sea while ensuring the seamless flow of goods through international supply chains. This requires a collaborative effort, with continued regional and international naval presence being crucial to this endeavour.’
Also read: Piracy incidents fall, but attacks more violent
Crew safety at risk in Gulf of Guinea
Activity remains relatively lower in the Gulf of Guinea with eighteen incidents reported in 2024, compared to 22 in 2023, nineteen in 2022, 35 in 2021 and 81 in 2020. However, crew members continue to be at risk, with the region accounting for all twelve kidnapped crew and 23 per cent of the total number of crew taken hostage in 2024.
In East Africa, at least eight incidents were reported, including the hijacking of two fishing vessels and a bulk carrier in the first half of 2024. IMB encourages vigilance and adherence to the recommendations in the latest Best Managements Practices.
IMB Director Michael Howlett: ‘Despite the restrained activity, there is no room for complacency as ongoing threats to crew safety highlight the importance of continued caution. Masters and vessel operators are strongly encouraged to strictly adhere to all recommendations in the Best Management Practices while transiting the Gulf of Guinea and waters off East Africa.’
Also read: IMB: Somali piracy threat continues
A rise in weapons in Singapore Straits
Incidents in the Singapore Straits continue to rise with 43 in 2024 compared to 37 in 2023 and 38 in 2022. The 2024 IMB Piracy and Armed Robbery report reveals that 93 per cent of vessels targeted were boarded and eleven large vessels over 100,000 deadweight tonnage (DWT) were targeted in this strategically important seaway.
Harm to crew continued, with thirteen taken hostage, five threatened and one injured during the incidents. While considered low-level opportunistic crimes, the use of guns and knives increased to eight and nineteen in 2024 respectively, compared to three and fifteen in 2023. Most incidents were reported during the hours of darkness and while vessels were underway.
The IMB Piracy Reporting Centre (PRC) has also expressed concern of late reports as well as under reporting, by vessels being boarded in these waters.
Also read: 13% of seaborne trade under attack from Houthis and Somali pirates
More incidents in Indonesia and Bangladesh
A year-on-year increase in reported incidents has been observed in the Indonesian archipelago, up from ten in 2022 and eighteen in 2023 to 22 in 2024. While twenty incidents remain under the definition of armed robbery, two fall under the definition of piracy.
In these two incidents, crew members were taken hostage for the duration of the incidents. Overall, 31 crew were taken hostage and one threatened. Knives were reported in ten incidents and guns in three.
The highest number of incidents in a decade was reported at anchorages in Bangladesh. IMB recorded fourteen incidents in 2024, of which thirteen were on board ships anchored at Chattogram and one at Mongla anchorage. Two crew were taken hostage and a further three threatened. Knives were reported in seven incidents.
Picture by IMB.
