Reports of piracy and armed robbery hit a 30-year low in 2024, but threats to crew safety persist, warns ICC IMB.
In the first nine months of 2024, reported incidents of piracy and armed robbery in maritime operations have reached their lowest levels since 1994, according to the latest report from the ICC International Maritime Bureau (IMB). The IMB reported a total of 79 incidents from January to September, down from 99 during the same period last year.
Despite this significant decline, IMB and its Piracy Reporting Centre caution that crew safety remains at risk. Of the reported incidents, 62 vessels were boarded, six were hijacked, nine faced attempted attacks, and two were fired upon. Alarmingly, in 86 percent of these cases, perpetrators successfully accessed the vessels, with most incidents occurring at night. The report highlights that 111 crew members were taken hostage, 11 kidnapped, and three threatened, often by armed individuals using guns and knives.
IMB Director Michael Howlett noted the encouraging decrease in piracy and armed robbery but urged vessel owners and operators to adhere to IMB guidelines to maintain this trend. He commended the efforts of governments and law enforcement agencies for contributing to this improvement.
However, the Indonesian Archipelago remains a hotspot for maritime crime, with 17 incidents reported from January to September 2024, up from 12 in 2023 and nine in 2022. Weapons were involved in 11 of these incidents, leading to the hostage-taking of 27 crew members. IMB has called on local authorities to increase their on-water presence to deter these crimes.
In the Gulf of Guinea, only 12 incidents were reported, the lowest since 1996. While this reduction is positive, 11 crew members were kidnapped and 21 taken hostage, highlighting ongoing safety concerns. Similarly, eight incidents were recorded off the coast of Somalia and the Gulf of Aden, with three vessels hijacked.
In the Singapore Straits, incidents decreased to 23 from 33 in the same period last year, but perpetrators successfully boarded vessels in 96 percent of cases. The IMB urges vessels to adhere to the latest best management practices to ensure the safety of crews, vessels, and cargo, while commending local authorities for their investigative efforts and emphasising the importance of timely reporting of maritime incidents.
