- IFC recorded a total of 1,095 maritime incidents in the first half of 2024, down by 27% compared to the same period in 2023, reflecting stronger enforcement efforts.
- Significant reductions were noted in piracy, maritime incidents, and human migration, though certain areas such as environmental security and cyber security remain concerns.
- The IFC expects the second half of 2024 to bring potential risks due to weather, economic instability, and political factors affecting different maritime issues.
The Information Fusion Centre (IFC) recorded 1,095 maritime incidents in the first half of 2024, marking a 27% decrease from the 1,500 incidents reported in the same period in 2023. This improvement is likely due to increased enforcement efforts aimed at reducing maritime security (MARSEC) incidents at sea, reports Safety4Sea.
Decline in Theft, Robbery, and Piracy
There were 50 incidents of theft, robbery, and piracy reported, compared to 70 incidents during the same period in 2023. This significant drop is attributed to enhanced law enforcement and heightened vigilance by the shipping community, especially in the Singapore Strait.
However, incidents in the Chattogram/Kutubdia and Dumai/Lubuk Gaung anchorage areas have increased. If enforcement efforts continue and the shipping community remains vigilant, the IFC expects the downward trend of incidents to continue.
Maritime Incidents Show a Sharp Decline
The total number of maritime incidents fell from 528 in 2023 to 302 in 2024. The majority of incidents were reported in the Philippines and Indonesia, with bad weather and equipment failure being the primary causes. IFC predicts a potential increase in incidents during the second half of the year due to the rough seas brought by the Southwest Monsoon.
Reduction in Contraband Smuggling Incidents
Incidents of contraband smuggling decreased to 376 in 2024, down from 434 in 2023. This reduction is attributed to better enforcement and economic policies that have made smuggling less profitable. However, global economic and political instability may impact enforcement efforts in the second half of the year, keeping contraband smuggling an area of concern.
Illegal, Unregulated, and Unreported Fishing
Incidents of illegal, unregulated, and unreported fishing (IUUF) remained comparable to the previous year, with 293 incidents reported. Most incidents occurred in the waters off Malaysia, the Philippines, and Sri Lanka. The IFC expects a similar trend in the second half of the year, potentially influenced by recent law enforcement efforts and industry education.
Irregular Human Migration Declines
There were 55 incidents of irregular human migration reported in the first half of 2024, down from 124 in 2023. Enforcement efforts have notably reduced the number of migrants moving from Bangladesh and Myanmar to Indonesia and Malaysia. However, there has been an increase in migrants entering Australia. The IFC predicts that political and economic instability could trigger more irregular migration in the second half of the year.
Environmental Security Incidents Decrease
Environmental security incidents dropped to 16 in the first half of 2024, down from 21 in 2023. Most incidents were related to MARPOL violations in the waters off China, Malaysia, and South Korea. The IFC expects this issue to persist in the second half of 2024 due to the ongoing high levels of maritime activity and the use of darkened vessels, which pose risks of spills and accidents.
Cyber Security Concerns Remain
Only three cyber security incidents were reported in the first half of 2024, compared to 13 in all of 2023. However, this decrease is likely due to underreporting. The IFC anticipates cyber security threats to remain significant in the second half of the year, especially following reports of malware targeting cargo vessels in Europe.
No Maritime Terrorism Incidents
There have been no maritime terrorism incidents reported since 2021, continuing through 2023 and 2024. This is largely due to ongoing enforcement efforts by authorities.
The Republic of the Marshall Islands advisory reported that IFC recorded 26 incidents in the Singapore Strait from January to July 2024. Most of these incidents occurred in the Phillip Channel and near the waters of Bintan and Batam Islands.
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Source: SAFETY4SEA
