- IMB reported 116 piracy and armed robbery incidents in 2024, similar to 2023 and 2022, but hostage cases surged from 73 in 2023 to 126 in 2024.
- The Gulf of Guinea accounted for all 12 crew kidnappings and 23% of hostages in 2024.
- IMB raised concerns about delayed and underreported incidents, particularly in Southeast Asia and Bangladesh.
The IMB’s 2024 annual Piracy and Armed Robbery Report offers a detailed global maritime security trends analysis. While incident numbers remain stable compared to previous years, the report emphasizes an alarming rise in hostage-taking, weapon usage, and regional threats, particularly in the Gulf of Guinea, Southeast Asia, and Bangladeshi anchorages, reports ICC-CCS.
Incident Numbers Hold Steady While Hostage-Taking Escalates
The 2024 report recorded 116 piracy and armed robbery incidents, slightly lower than 120 in 2023 and 115 in 2022.
However, hostage cases rose dramatically from 73 in 2023 to 126 in 2024. Crew kidnappings saw a slight decrease, from 14 in 2023 to 12 in 2024, while reported injuries and threats increased.
Gulf of Guinea Remains a High-Risk Area
Though piracy activity in the Gulf of Guinea has declined compared to earlier years, it remains a significant threat to crew safety. All 12 kidnappings reported globally occurred here, with 23% of the year’s hostages taken in this region.
IMB stressed the importance of vigilance and adherence to Best Management Practices for vessels transiting these waters.
Southeast Asia Sees Rising Incidents in Key Shipping Routes
The Singapore Straits witnessed 43 incidents in 2024, up from 37 in 2023. Most targeted vessels were boarded during night hours while underway, with harm to crew escalating—13 taken hostage, five threatened, and one injured.
The use of guns and knives also rose, further emphasizing the need for heightened caution.
Bangladesh Reports a Decade-High in Anchorage Incidents
14 incidents were reported at Bangladeshi anchorages, including 13 at Chattogram.
Two crew were taken hostage, and three were threatened during these incidents, with knives reported in half the cases. The IMB urged timely reporting to help mitigate these risks.
Underreporting Undermines Global Safety Efforts
Late and underreported incidents, especially in Southeast Asian waters, hinder effective response strategies.
IMB continues to emphasize the critical role of timely reporting for enhancing maritime safety.
IMB Piracy Reporting Centre’s Role in Maritime Security
Since its establishment in 1991, the IMB Piracy Reporting Centre has played a vital role in tackling maritime threats by serving as a 24/7 point of contact for piracy reports.
Its efforts have strengthened security coordination and provided key data for understanding modern piracy trends.
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Source: ICC-CCS
