The ICC International Maritime Bureau (IMB) has reported an increase in global maritime incidents and piracy and armed robbery in 2025, though classifying most cases as low-level.
According to the IMB Annual Piracy and Armed Robbery Report, 137 incidents against ships were recorded in 2025 compared to 116 in 2024.
It reveals that 121 vessels were boarded, four vessels were hijacked and two fired upon as well as 10 attempted attacks.
The Singapore Straits recorded the highest number of reported incidents in 2025 with 80 compared to 43 in 2024. These incidents account for more than half (58%) of the globally reported incidents of 2025.
While considered low level and opportunistic, reported incidents in the Singapore Straits show a disproportionate increase in the carriage of guns, with 27 reports in 2025 compared to eight in 2024. Fourteen crew were taken hostage, eight threatened, three injured and one assaulted.
“Timely reporting is key to preventing further incidents and protecting other vessels in the area,” said IMB Director Michael Howlett. “We continue to urge all ships to report incidents promptly, so that risks can be better understood and effective measures taken to protect crews and vessels.”
Most reported incidents in 2025 were categorised as low level, but violence against crew continues, with 46 crew members taken hostage in 2025 compared to 126 in 2024 and 73 in 2023. Twenty-five crew were reported kidnapped, compared to 12 in 2024 and 14 in 2023. A further 10 crew were threatened, four injured and three assaulted in 2025.
The reported use of guns continues to rise. In 2025, they were reported in 42 incidents compared to 26 in 2024. Knives were reported in 33 incidents in 2025, compared to 39 incidents in 2024.
Although only a small number of incidents were reported off the Somali coast in 2025, two incidents in November took place far from shore, showing that Somali pirate groups still have the ability to operate at range. In both cases, well-prepared crews, together with the swift response of naval forces, ensured the safety of the vessels and their crews.
The lack of a broader resurgence in Somali piracy continues to reflect the strong deterrent effect of sustained naval presence, supported by vessel hardening and the use of best management practices. IMB acknowledges active patrolling and robust responses to piracy by naval forces and encourages their continued presence in these waters.
The Gulf of Guinea also saw another year of restricted piracy activity, thanks to the efforts of the Gulf of Guinea authorities. Twenty-one incidents were reported in 2025, compared with 18 in 2024, and 22 in 2023.
(Dreamstime photo of Singapore Straits)