Spike in armed robbery incidents raises concerns for vital Singapore Strait trade route

Globally, the crime of piracy and armed robbery reached 90, the highest number of reported incidents since the first half of 2020, according to the newly released report by the ICC International Maritime Bureau (IMB) Piracy Reporting Centre.

A total of 90 cases of piracy and armed robbery against ships were recorded in the first half of 2025 – a 50% increase compared to the same period in 2024.   

Of the incidents reported, 79 vessels were boarded, six attempted attacks, four hijackings and one vessel fired upon. Concern for crew wellbeing continues with 40 crew taken hostage, 16 kidnapped, five threatened and three each assaulted and injured. The Singapore Straits recorded 57 incidents and accounts for roughly 63% of total globally reported incidents. Fifteen incidents were reported in these waters during the first half of 2024.  

The boarding of large vessels exceeding 150,000 DWT in this narrow and congested waterway remains a significant concern, particularly given the 95% success rate of boardings in the Singapore Strait. Although relatively low level incidents, this risk is further compounded by the continued use of guns and knives in 34 of the 57 reported incidents. Crew safety and wellbeing also remain fragile, with 13 crew members held hostage during incidents, five threatened, three injured, and one assaulted.

“The Singapore Strait is a critical shipping route, with ships carrying roughly 30% of global trade,” said IMB Director Michael Howlett.

“This rise in incidents is deeply concerning as it puts the safety of our seafarers and the security of international commerce at risk.” 

Despite lower incident numbers, the Gulf of Guinea continues to pose significant risks to crew safety and remains a region where continued caution is essential. The region recorded 12 incidents and accounted for 87% of all crew kidnappings globally in the first half of 2025.  

While no new incidents have been reported off Somalia since April 2025, Somalia waters maintain a continued threat of potential piratical incidents, particularly as the Southwest Monsoon subsides in the coming months.  

The IMB continues to encourage all seafarers transiting waters known for piratical and armed robbery incidents to exercise vigilance and follow the recommended practices outlined in the latest Best Management Practices. 

About the IMB Piracy Reporting Centre  

Since its founding in 1991, IMB’s Piracy Reporting Centre has served as a crucial, 24-hour point of contact to report crimes of piracy and lend support to ships under threat. Quick reactions and a focus on coordinating with response agencies, sending out warning broadcasts and email alerts to ships have all helped bolster security on the high seas. The data gathered by the Centre also provides key insights on the nature and state of modern piracy.  

IMB encourages all shipmasters and owners to report all actual, attempted and suspected global piracy and armed robbery incidents to the Piracy Reporting Centre as a vital first step to ensuring adequate resources are allocated by authorities to tackle maritime piracy.