Over the first half year, ninety incidents of piracy and armed robbery were reported, a fifty per cent increase compared to the same period in 2024, reports the ICC International Maritime Bureau (IMB) Piracy Reporting Centre. The Singapore Strait saw a surge in armed robbery incidents.
The ninety reported incidents are the highest number of reported incidents for the same period since 2020, reveals the ICC IMB Piracy Reporting Centre. Of the incidents reported, 79 vessels were boarded, six attempted attacks, four hijackings and one vessel fired upon. Concern for crew wellbeing continues with forty crew taken hostage, sixteen kidnapped, five threatened and three each assaulted and injured.
Also read: IMB reports spike in piracy in Singapore Straits
Incidents in Singapore Strait on the rise
The Singapore Strait recorded 57 incidents and accounts for roughly 63 per cent of total globally reported incidents. Fifteen incidents were reported in these waters during the first half of 2024.
The boarding of large vessels exceeding 150,000 DWT in this narrow and congested waterway remains a significant concern, particularly given the 95 per cent success rate of boardings in the Singapore Strait. Although relatively low-level incidents, this risk is further compounded by the continued use of guns and knives in 35 of the 57 reported incidents.
Crew safety and wellbeing also remain fragile, with thirteen crew members held hostage during incidents, five threatened, three injured, and one assaulted.
‘The Singapore Strait is a critical shipping route, with ships carrying roughly thirty per cent of global trade,’ says IMB Director, Michael Howlett. ‘This rise in incidents is deeply concerning as it puts the safety of our seafarers and the security of international commerce at risk.’
Also read: Shipping organisations concerned about seafarer safety
Caution in the Gulf of Guinea and off Somalia
Despite lower incident numbers, the Gulf of Guinea continues to pose significant risks to crew safety and remains a region where continued caution is essential. The region recorded twelve incidents and accounted for 87 per cent of all crew kidnappings globally in the first half of 2025.
While no new incidents have been reported off Somalia since April 2025, Somalia waters maintain a continued threat of potential piratical incidents, particularly as the Southwest Monsoon subsides in the coming months.
The IMB continues to encourage all seafarers transiting waters known for piratical and armed robbery incidents to exercise vigilance and follow the recommended practices outlined in the latest Best Management Practices.
Also read: Industry groups launch BMP Maritime Security publication
