Global piracy and armed robbery against ships increased to 137 incidents in 2025 from 116 in 2024, with the Singapore Straits recording the highest number, according to the ICC International Maritime Bureau (IMB).
The IMB Annual Piracy and Armed Robbery Report, released on Thursday, details 121 vessels boarded, four hijacked, two fired upon and 10 attempted attacks.
Most incidents were classified as low-level and opportunistic.
However, violence against crews continued with 46 crew members taken hostage in 2025 although incidents of this crime decreased from 126 in 2024 and 73 in 2023.
Twenty-five crew were kidnapped, up from 12 in 2024, while 10 were threatened, four injured and three assaulted.
Firearms were reported in 42 incidents, a notable increase from 26 in 2024, while knives featured in 33 cases (down from 39).
ICC secretary general John Denton called for sustained cooperation to ensure safety at sea in light of the rising number of incidents reported.
“Maritime trade remains a cornerstone of real economic activity and growth. The rise in reported maritime incidents highlights the importance of protecting seafarers and securing key shipping routes not only for crew safety, but for the stability of global supply chains and the economies that depend on them,” Denton said.
“Ensuring safe passage at sea requires sustained cooperation, with regional and international partners working together to safeguard maritime commerce.”
According to the report, Somali piracy remained largely contained through sustained naval presence, vessel hardening, and the employment of best management practices.
Only a small number of incidents were reported, although two in November occurred far from shore, indicating pirates retain long-range capability.
In both cases, well-prepared crews and rapid naval intervention ensured vessel and crew safety. IMB acknowledged the deterrent effect of active naval patrolling in the region and urged its continuation.
The Gulf of Guinea recorded 21 incidents in 2025 (up from 18 in 2024), including 23 crew kidnapped in four separate incidents, three taken hostage, and one injured. IMB commended regional authorities' efforts while calling for further coordination and strengthened measures to reduce violence against crew.
The Singapore Straits accounted for the highest number of incidents globally, with 80 reported in 2025 – more than half (58%) of the total – compared to 43 in 2024. Gun use rose sharply to 27 incidents from eight, with 14 crew taken hostage, eight threatened, three injured, and one assaulted. A significant decline occurred in the latter half of the year after Indonesian Marine Police apprehended two gangs in July.
Incidents in the Indonesian archipelago fell to 12 in 2025 from 22 in 2024 and 18 in 2023, with two crew taken hostage and one threatened. Knives were reported in three cases.
IMB Director Michael Howlett highlighted the work of the sustained naval presence off Somalia and progress in the Gulf of Guinea, while stressing the importance of timely reporting to the IMB Piracy Reporting Centre.
“Timely reporting is key to preventing further incidents and protecting other vessels in the area,” he said.
“We continue to urge all ships to report incidents promptly, so that risks can be better understood and effective measures taken to protect crews and vessels.”
The IMB Piracy Reporting Centre, established in 1991, operates 24 hours a day to receive reports, coordinate responses, issue warnings, and provide data insights on piracy trends.
