The world's busiest shipping routes experienced a notable increase in piracy and armed robbery in 2025, with the Singapore Straits accounting for over half of all reported incidents worldwide, according to the latest report from the International Maritime Bureau.
The ICC International Maritime Bureau recorded 137 incidents against ships in 2025, a rise from 116 in 2024 and 120 in 2023. This shows a worrying trend in maritime security threats. While most incidents were of lower severity, the report indicates a disturbing increase in violence and the use of firearms at sea.
In the Singapore Straits, there were 80 incidents in 2025—almost double the 43 reported in 2024—representing 58 percent of all maritime incidents globally. These attacks are notable not just for their frequency but also for their growing violence. Reports of firearms in the Singapore Straits increased from eight in 2024 to 27 in 2025, with 14 crew members taken hostage, eight threatened, three injured, and one assaulted.
“Timely reporting is crucial to prevent further incidents and protect other vessels in the area,” said IMB Director Michael Howlett. “We strongly encourage all ships to report incidents quickly, so risks can be understood better, and effective measures can be taken to protect crews and vessels.”
The report highlighted a significant drop in incidents in the Singapore Straits during the latter half of 2025, following the Indonesian Marine Police's arrest of two criminal gangs in July.
On a global scale, the 2025 report shows that 121 vessels were boarded, four were hijacked, two were fired upon, and 10 attacks were attempted. The human cost remains high, with 25 crew members kidnapped—more than double the 12 kidnapped in 2024.
The use of weapons is also on the rise. Guns were reported in 42 incidents in 2025, compared to 26 in 2024, while knives were noted in 33 incidents.
“Maritime trade is a key driver of economic activity and growth,” said ICC Secretary General John W.H. Denton AO. “The increase in reported maritime incidents emphasizes the need to protect seafarers and secure important shipping routes for the safety of crew members and the stability of global supply chains.”
Near the Somali coast, a naval presence continues to effectively deter piracy. Although only a few incidents were reported in 2025, two attacks in November occurred far offshore, indicating that Somali pirate groups can still operate at a distance. In both cases, prepared crews and quick naval responses ensured the safety of vessels and crews.
“Incidents off the Somali coast highlight the ongoing need for a strong naval presence in these crucial trade waters,” Howlett noted.
The Gulf of Guinea experienced 21 incidents in 2025, a slight increase from 18 in 2024, and this area witnessed 23 crew kidnappings across four separate incidents.
The Indonesian archipelago saw an improvement, with incidents dropping from 22 in 2024 to 12 in 2025.
The IMB, which has operated its 24-hour Piracy Reporting Centre since 1991, continues to urge shipmasters and owners to report all actual, attempted, and suspected incidents. This is a crucial first step in ensuring that sufficient resources are allocated to fight maritime piracy.