- Piracy and armed robbery in Asian waters rose by 53% in Q1 2025, with 43 incidents reported.
- The Straits of Malacca and Singapore remain the main hotspot, accounting for 39 incidents so far in 2025.
- Authorities urge enhanced vigilance and coordinated regional action to tackle rising maritime threats.
Asian waters saw a sharp escalation in piracy and ship robbery incidents in the first quarter of 2025, with a 53% rise compared to the same period in 2024, according to the ReCAAP Information Sharing Centre (ReCAAP ISC).
43 incidents were recorded in Q1 2025, a significant increase from 28 incidents in Q1 2024—marking one of the steepest rises in recent years.
The Straits of Malacca and Singapore (SOMS) continued to be the primary hotspot, accounting for 36 incidents between January and March 2025. This was followed by three incidents in Indonesian waters and two each in Indian waters and the South China Sea, according to Container Sea.
During the 1–7 April 2025 weekly update, four new incidents of armed robbery were confirmed in the Singapore Strait’s Traffic Separation Scheme (TSS). Though no injuries were reported, engine spares and other items were stolen in three of the cases.
With these updates, the SOMS region alone has reported 39 incidents since the beginning of 2025. ReCAAP ISC has advised ships to exercise caution while transiting and called on littoral States to enhance patrol and enforcement efforts.
Regional Conference Addresses Maritime Security Concerns
In response to these growing threats, ReCAAP ISC, in collaboration with the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) and the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies (RSIS), organized the Anti-Piracy and Sea Robbery Conference during Singapore Maritime Week 2025.
The conference focused on the impact of geopolitical tensions, emerging maritime threats, and technological challenges on global shipping security.
In his keynote speech, Arsenio Dominguez, Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), acknowledged that while new technology brings innovation, it also introduces risks. He reaffirmed that piracy and armed robbery are ongoing issues requiring continuous vigilance and regional cooperation.
Experts at the event also highlighted the vulnerability of vessels transiting the Phillip Channel, a narrow passage where ships usually slow down—making them prime targets for unauthorized boarding.
Call for Coordinated Action
Between January and March 2025, ReCAAP ISC issued three incident alerts. These highlighted a surge in attacks during the early morning hours and an increase in barges being targeted in the Singapore Strait.
Krishnaswamy Natarajan, Executive Director of ReCAAP ISC, stressed the need for a multi-pronged strategy. He emphasized the importance of international collaboration, improved patrols, and active involvement from shipping companies, insurers, and authorities to enhance security and reduce piracy-related threats.
Did you subscribe to our daily Newsletter?
It’s Free Click here to Subscribe!
Source: Container News
