The International Chamber of Shipping’s (ICC) International Maritime Bureau (IMB) has recorded just 16 incidents of piracy and armed robbery against ships worldwide in the first quarter of 2026, the lowest figure for any January-to-March period since 1991.
This marks a sharp decline from 45 incidents in the first quarter of 2025 and 33 for the same period in 2024, according to the IMB’s latest piracy report.
“Most of the world’s commerce travels by sea. Keeping key routes safe is therefore not just a maritime issue. It’s a confidence issue for the global economy,” said ICC secretary general, John Denton.
IMB director Michael Howlett said it was “very positive” to see reported maritime piracy and armed robbery incidents fall to their lowest first-quarter levels since 1991.
“This evidences the positive effects of timely reporting and sustained cooperation, but continued vigilance is essential to keep seafarers safe and shipping routes secure,” Howlett said.
Crew safety remains a priority concern despite the overall reduction in these crimes. Two crew members were taken hostage and one was injured during the quarter. Knives were reported in seven incidents and guns in two.
According to the IMB report, half of all incidents reported occurred in the Singapore Straits where there were eight boardings, a substantial drop from 27 during the first quarter of 2025.
Most were low-level and opportunistic, although weapons featured in six cases. In two separate incidents, one crew member was taken hostage and another injured.
All targeted vessels were successfully boarded, including two bulk carriers over 150 000 DWT.
The IMB attributes the decline in these crimes to ongoing cooperation and enforcement by regional authorities.
Four incidents were reported in the Philippines – two at Manila anchorage and two at Bauan anchorage in Batangas Bay – up from none in first quarter of 2025. One crew member was taken hostage in these incidents.
Off Somalia, pirates from that country remain active with one hijacking and one attempted attack. The IMB has warned vessel owners and masters against complacency and urges strict adherence to the latest Best Management Practices when transiting these waters.
The Gulf of Guinea saw the lowest activity in recent years, with only one low-level theft reported at Takoradi anchorage in Ghana. One boarding was recorded in Papua New Guinea.
The IMB cautioned that, despite a drop in these crimes, risks persisted, and called for continued vigilance, prompt incident reporting, and adherence to best management practices to protect crews and safeguard maritime trade routes.
