The ICC International Maritime Bureau (IMB) has revealed a slight increase in reported incidents of maritime piracy and armed robbery in the first nine months of 2025. The Singapore Straits has recorded the highest number of attacks since 1991, when the IMB Piracy Reporting Centre was founded.
Despite the rise, IMB and its Piracy Reporting Centre (PRC) highlight a continued overall reduction in global incident levels, with no significant attacks recorded.
Also read: Spike in armed robbery incidents in Singapore Strait
116 incidents
IMB reported 116 incidents for the period of January-September 2025, up from 79 in the same period last year, the highest reported nine-month figures since 2021.
The report reveals that 102 vessels were boarded, nine faced attempted boardings, four were hijacked and one was fired upon. In 91 per cent of incidents, perpetrators successfully gained access to the vessel with most boarding incidents occurring at night.
The threat of violence against crew remains a concern, with weapons identified in 55 per cent of reported incidents in the first nine months of 2025. Guns were visibly carried in 33 per cent of cases – the highest level since 2017. During this period, 43 crew members were taken hostage, sixteen kidnapped, seven threatened, three assaulted and three injured.
‘We urge the continued use of collaborative frameworks and commend the efforts undertaken by regional authorities that has contained incident levels and enhanced security of crews and vessels globally,’ comments IMB Director Michael Howlett.
Sustained decline in Gulf of Guinea
In the first nine months of 2025, fifteen incidents were reported in the Gulf of Guinea region, compared to twelve in the same period of 2024. Of these, ten occurred in territorial waters, under the definition of armed robbery and the remaining five under the definition of piracy.
While incident numbers remain curbed, crew safety remains a concern. Fourteen crew were kidnapped in these waters from January to September 2025. Despite zero crew kidnappings in Q3, perpetrators continue to demonstrate the capability to target vessels out at sea. In late August, a product tanker was boarded 46 nm from Ghana. Its thirteen crew are safe, but this and other reports underscore the need to continue adhering to the latest versions of the industry-recognised Best Management Practices.
Also read: Shipping organisations concerned about seafarer safety
Authorities intervene in Singapore Straits
A total of 73 incidents were reported in the Singapore Straits between January and September 2025 – the highest number recorded since 1991. Despite this overall rise, there has been a marked reduction in incidents following the arrest of two gangs in July 2025 by the Indonesian Marine Police (IMP).
IMB commends the actions of the authorities and encourages all ships to report any incidents while in these waters.
Also read: IMB reports spike in piracy in Singapore Straits
Caution urged off Somalia and Gulf of Aden
No incidents were reported in the waters off Somalia and the Gulf of Aden in Q3 , likely due to the prevailing southwest monsoon conditions. IMB advises vessels to continue to adhere to guidelines as 26 crew were taken hostage from two fishing vessels and one dhow in the first six months of 2025.
‘This is an important time to reinforce the need for vigilance. There can be no room for complacency and globally, vessel owners and operators are encouraged to follow industry guidelines and report incidents promptly,’ says Howlett.
Download a copy of the January to September 2025 Piracy and Armed Robbery Against Ships report here.
