The International Maritime Bureau (IMB) of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) is urging caution in the Strait of Singapore. The number of armed robberies there has reached its highest level since 2020.  

According to the recently published IMB report, a total of 90 cases of piracy and armed robbery at sea were reported worldwide in the first half of 2025. This represents an increase of 50 % compared to the same period last year. A total of 79 ships were boarded, six attacks were attempted, four ships were hijacked and one ship was shot at. The risk to crews remains high: 40 crew members were taken hostage, 16 were kidnapped, five were threatened and three each were attacked and injured.

Straits of Singapore: Concern about important trade route

 At 63 %, the majority of the reported incidents relate to the Singapore Strait, which handles around 30 % of global trade flows. With 57 incidents, the risk has increased significantly compared to the same period last year (15 incidents). In the process, 13 crew members were taken hostage, five were threatened, three were injured and one crew member was attacked. Oliver Wieck, Secretary General of ICC Germany, commented: "The increasing number of incidents on a shipping route that is so important for global trade is extremely worrying. Especially in times of manifold challenges for global trade, it is in everyone's interest that international sea routes are free and safe to navigate."

 Caution in the Gulf of Guinea and off the coast of Somalia

 Despite a decrease in incidents, the risk of hijackings in the Gulf of Guinea remains high: 87 % of all crew hijackings (15 incidents) were reported from this region in the first half of 2025.

Even though no new incidents have been reported off Somalia since April 2025, the danger in Somali waters remains high. New attacks must be expected at the latest when the south-west monsoon subsides.