The ICC International Maritime Bureau (IMB) has revealed a rise in global piracy and armed robbery incidents in the first quarter of 2025 – driven by a spike of incidents in the Singapore Strait.
A total of 45 cases of piracy and armed robbery against ships were recorded in the first three months of 2025 – an almost 35% increase compared to the same period in 2024.
Of the incidents reported, 37 vessels were boarded, four were hijacked, and four had attempted attacks. The threat to crew safety remains high, with 37 crew members taken hostage, 13 kidnapped, two threatened, and one injured.
The Q1 report highlights a spike in recorded incidents in the Singapore Strait as 27 incidents were reported from vessels transiting these waters compared to seven for the same period in 2024 with Splash reporting regularly on attacks in the Southeast Asia region in recent months.
While most incidents were considered low-level opportunistic crimes, crewmembers were at great risk with guns reported in 14 incidents. In 2024, guns were reported in 26 incidents globally. Ten crewmembers were taken hostage in six separate incidents, two were threatened, and one was reported injured.
92% of all vessels targeted in the Singapore Strait were successfully boarded, including nine bulk carriers and tankers over 100,000 dwt in size.
IMB director Michael Howlett said: “The reported rise of incidents in the Singapore Straits is concerning, highlighting the urgent need to protect the safety of seafarers navigating these waters. Ensuring the security of these vital routes is essential, and all necessary measures must be taken to safeguard crewmembers.”
