From an ICC Germany press release on the IMB Annual Report 2025.

The world's oceans have become less safe in 2025. The International Maritime Bureau (IMB) of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) reports a noticeable increase in incidents of piracy and violence at sea. The 2025 annual report published on 15 January 2026 paints a clear picture: the risks for merchant ships and their crews are increasing again - with a geographical focus on Southeast Asia.

More robberies, more violence

137 incidents were registered worldwide - an increase of over 18 per cent compared to 2024 (116). Ships were boarded in 121 cases, four were hijacked, two were shot at and ten attacks were attempted. Particularly alarming: firearms were used in 42 incidents in 2025 - significantly more than in the previous year (26). Even though many incidents are categorised as "minor", the situation for seafarers remains serious:

- 46 crew members were taken hostage,

- 25 kidnapped,

- ten threatened, four injured and three assaulted.

Oliver Wieck, Secretary General of ICC Germany, summarises: "Maritime trade is central to economic development and growth. If trade routes are impaired, this has a direct impact on the global economy. The IMB report makes it clear how crucial it is to protect maritime trade routes. - and above all the crews - is. International and regional partners must prioritise this protection."

Singapore: Straits under pressure

With 80 reported incidents (2024: 43), the Strait of Singapore was the world's most dangerous hotspot, accounting for 58 per cent of all global reports. The qualitative change is striking: although many assaults are considered minor, the possession of weapons by perpetrators increased massively (27 reports compared to eight in 2024). However, the number of incidents fell significantly in the second half of the year after the Indonesian marine police broke up two gangs in July 2025.

Somalia: Deterrence works - Vigilance remains a duty

There was no renewed increase in piracy off the coast of Somalia. Two incidents in November - far off the coast - show, however, that Somali groups can still operate over long distances. In both cases, well-prepared crews and the rapid response of naval forces prevented worse.

Gulf of Guinea: Stable, but not safe

The situation in the Gulf of Guinea also remained stable thanks to regional efforts: 21 incidents in 2025 (2024: 18; 2023: 22). Nevertheless, the IMB warns against negligence - Kidnappings, hostage-takings and injuries show that violence remains part of the risk profile.

Conclusion

The numbers are rising, the weapons are becoming more common - and strategic bottlenecks come under pressure. Where naval presence, coordination and on-board measures are effective, the risk decreases. Where they weaken, criminal networks fill the gap.

Background

Since its establishment in 1991, the Piracy Reporting Centre of the International Maritime Bureau (IMB) has served as an important, round-the-clock point of contact for reporting piracy offences and providing assistance to ships under threat. The data collected by the centre also provides important insights into the nature and status of modern piracy. The detailed annual report 2025 can be downloaded free of charge.