ReCAAP reveals rising theft of ship engine spares in the Singapore and Malacca Straits, hinting at a black market for these parts.
At a media briefing for its half-year report, the ReCAAP Information Sharing Centre highlighted a troubling trend: the theft of ship engine spares from vessels in the Singapore and Malacca Straits, suggesting a possible black market for these specialized parts.
“Our concern is the engine spares that are being stolen,” said ReCAAP ISC Executive Director Krishnaswamy Natarajan. The theft of engine spares is notably more complex than taking items stored on deck, such as paint tins or scrap metal, as seen in other parts of Asia. Perpetrators must navigate multiple decks to reach the engine room, locate the spares, and then transport them back up and overboard to their own craft.
ReCAAP is analyzing the destination of these stolen spares and whether a black market exists. The organization is also investigating whether these robberies target vessels on regional or international trade routes and if there is any collusion with crew members. Despite repeated inquiries, shipowners have not provided evidence of crew involvement.
In related news, sea robbery incidents in the Singapore and Malacca Straits fell by 49% year-on-year in the first half of 2024, totaling 21 incidents. This decrease is attributed to increased enforcement by Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore, including arrests and coordinated patrols. Most incidents (81%) involved bulk carriers, with a notable reduction in attacks on tugs and barges following arrests of perpetrators targeting these low-draught, slow-moving vessels.
The rising theft of ship engine spares underscores the need for enhanced security measures and cooperation to protect maritime assets in these critical waterways.
