In a remarkable achievement for maritime security, the ICC International Maritime Bureau (IMB) recently reported that incidents of piracy and armed robbery against ships reached their lowest recorded levels in nearly three decades. While this is a promising development, global efforts must persist to ensure the safety of seafarers and vessels, as reported by Icc-ccs.
- IMB reports a historic low in piracy incidents globally for 2022, with only 115 cases, highlighting improved maritime security.
- Challenges persist, especially in the Singapore Straits where incidents are on the rise, emphasizing the need for ongoing vigilance.
- Underreporting and late reporting of incidents remain concerns, and continued efforts are necessary to ensure seafarer safety and safeguard international trade.
A Historic Low in Piracy Incidents
The IMB’s annual report for 2022 documented 115 incidents of piracy and armed robbery against ships, marking a decrease from the 132 incidents reported in 2021. Notably, half of these incidents occurred in Southeast Asian waters, particularly in the Singapore Straits, where such incidents continue to rise. Perpetrators managed to gain access to vessels in 95% of the reported incidents, with boarding being the most common method. These incidents were more likely to occur during the hours of darkness, posing risks to both crew and trade.
Caution in the Gulf of Guinea
The reduction in overall piratical activities was attributed to a noteworthy decrease in the highly risky waters of the Gulf of Guinea, where incidents dropped from 35 in 2021 to 19 in 2022. Nevertheless, sustained efforts are imperative to maintain the safety of seafarers in this region, which still poses dangers. Recent incidents in late 2022, including the commandeering of a Ro-Ro vessel and the firing upon a Suezmax tanker, underscore the need for vigilance and continued security measures. IMB Director Michael Howlett emphasized the importance of ongoing efforts to enhance maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea.
Surging Incidents in the Singapore Straits
One concerning trend is the rising number of incidents in the Singapore Straits, with a third of all global incidents in 2022 occurring in this crucial waterway. Notably, all 38 underway vessels in these incidents were successfully boarded. The majority of targeted vessels were large, with six laden vessels exceeding 150,000 DWT. While these are categorized as low-level opportunistic crimes, the safety of crews is still at risk. In some incidents, crew members were threatened or taken hostage, and firearms were reportedly used. IMB Director Michael Howlett praised local authorities for their investigations into these incidents and emphasized the need for heightened vigilance due to potential navigational and environmental consequences.
Underreporting and Efforts in South America
Despite a noticeable decrease in reported incidents in Central and South American waters, ports in several countries, including Brazil, Guyana, Peru, Venezuela, Mexico, and Haiti, continue to be affected by armed robbery crimes. The reduction is partly attributed to a decrease in incidents in Callao anchorage in Peru. IMB also acknowledges a degree of underreporting and late reporting of incidents, encouraging ship masters to promptly report all incidents to enable authorities to take action against perpetrators.
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Source:icc-ccs
