The Regional Cooperation Agreement on Combating Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships in Asia Information Sharing Centre (ReCAAP ISC) has reported a marked decline in piracy in the Straits of Malacca and Singapore (SOMS).
According to a ReCAAP information sharing centre update for January to June released on Friday, there was a total of 51 incidents of piracy and armed robbery in the region during the period. This represents a 16% decrease compared to 61 incidents reported in the same period last year.
ReCAAP ISC said in a statement that the decline in incidences is due to enhanced surveillance and the arrests made by the littoral states of SOMS (Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore).
The centre also provided updates on new initiatives to assist the shipping industry with timely and accurate incident reporting and information sharing. This included the enhanced ReCAAP mobile app and posters with updated contact details of Maritime Rescue Coordination Centres in Asia.
ReCAAP ISC Executive Director, Krishnaswamy Natarajan, said the decline in incidents could be attributed to “concerted efforts by maritime stakeholders, stricter monitoring and enforcement by the law enforcement agencies of coastal states, and proactive reporting of incidents by shipmasters and shipping companies.”
“The momentum needs to be maintained and all parties should not lower their guard. Notwithstanding the lower number of incidents in Asia, ReCAAP ISC notes that there has been a higher number of incidences of petty theft reported at some ports and anchorages from January to June, compared to the first half of 2023,” he said.
“This has to be dealt with by the port authorities and law enforcement agencies of coastal States. Shipping companies need to be vigilant and maintain lookout when their vessels are anchored or berthed, and to report all incidents to the relevant authorities immediately
ReCAAP is the first regional government-to-government agreement to promote and enhance cooperation against piracy and armed robbery against ships in Asia. The agreement came into effect on September 4, 2006, with 14 Asian countries as contracting parties, and the ISC was established on November 29, 2006. To date, 21 States, including 14 Asian countries, five European countries, Australia, and the USA have become contracting parties to ReCAAP.
