- 27 piracy and robbery cases were reported in Q1 2025, up from just 7 in the same period last year.
- Guns were used in 14 cases, with 10 crew members taken hostage and one injured.
- Piracy remains a concern in the Gulf of Guinea and off Somalia, with multiple crew kidnappings reported.
The International Maritime Bureau (IMB) has reported a significant rise in piracy and armed robbery incidents in the Singapore Straits during the first quarter of 2025. This surge has contributed to a global increase in maritime security threats, reports ICC CCS.
Alarming Increase in the Singapore Straits
Between January and March 2025, the IMB recorded 45 piracy and armed robbery cases worldwide, marking a nearly 35% increase compared to the same period in 2024. Notably, 27 of these incidents occurred in the Singapore Straits, a substantial rise from just seven incidents in the first quarter of the previous year.
While many of these incidents are classified as low-level opportunistic crimes, the threat to crew safety remains significant. In the Singapore Straits, guns were reported in 14 incidents, and ten crew members were taken hostage in six separate events. Additionally, two crew members were threatened, and one was injured during these attacks.
IMB Director Michael Howlett expressed concern over the rising incidents, emphasizing the urgent need to protect seafarers navigating these vital waters. He stated, “Ensuring the security of these vital routes is essential, and all necessary measures must be taken to safeguard crew members.”
Global Maritime Security Concerns
Beyond the Singapore Straits, the Gulf of Guinea remains a hotspot for maritime crime. In the first quarter of 2025, six incidents were reported in this region, including two attacks where a total of 13 crew members were kidnapped. One notable incident involved the hijacking of a bitumen tanker southeast of Santo Antonio, resulting in the abduction of ten crew members.
The IMB also highlighted ongoing threats off the coast of Somalia. Between February and March 2025, two fishing vessels and a dhow were hijacked, with 26 crew members taken hostage. Although all hostages were eventually released, these incidents underscore the persistent capabilities of Somali pirate.
Call for Vigilance and Reporting
The IMB urges shipmasters and owners to report all actual, attempted, and suspected piracy and armed robbery incidents to its Piracy Reporting Centre. Established in 1991, the Centre operates 24/7, providing support to ships under threat and coordinating with response agencies to enhance maritime security.
Timely reporting is crucial for allocating adequate resources to combat maritime piracy effectively. The IMB emphasizes that transparent statistics from an independent, non-political organization can act as a catalyst for international efforts to ensure the safety of seafarers and the security of global trade routes.
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Source: ICC CCS
