Piracy: Significant increase!

ICC germany publishes the current situation of maritime piracy: Significant increase in crime in the first quarter

The number of piracy and armed robbery incidents worldwide increased significantly in the first quarter, according to the ICC's International Maritime Bureau (IMB) in its latest report. The threat to the crews of merchant ships remains high. A total of 45 cases of piracy and armed robbery against ships were reported in the first three months - around 35 per cent more than in the same period last year. 37 ships were boarded, four ships were hijacked and an attack was attempted on four ships. The threat to the safety of the crews remains high: a total of 37 crew members were taken hostage, 13 were kidnapped, two were threatened and one was injured.

 Increase in incidents in the Singapore Strait

Crime has increased in the Straits of Singapore in particular. With 27 reports, the number of incidents in the first quarter has almost quadrupled compared to the same period last year (7). The increase in cases involving firearms, which were involved in 14 incidents, is particularly dramatic. By comparison, 26 incidents involving firearms were reported worldwide in 2024 as a whole. ICC Germany Secretary General Oliver Wieck: "The increasing use of firearms poses a massive threat to ship crews. Especially in the Singapore Strait, one of the most important sea routes for international trade, the safety of crews and ships must be a top priority."

Continued caution off the coast of Somalia and in the Gulf of Guinea

Between early February and mid-March 2025, two fishing boats and a dhow were hijacked off the coast of Somalia and 26 crew members were taken hostage. Overall, the number of reported incidents in the Gulf of Guinea and neighbouring waters has fallen to its lowest level in almost two decades. Nevertheless, crew members are more at risk than ever and the IMB advises vessels travelling these waters to strictly adhere to the current version of Best Management Practice (BMP).

The detailed report for the first quarter of 2025 is available at https://icc-ccs.org/request-piracy-report/ can be downloaded free of charge.