Piracy and marine robbery up in 2025

INCIDENTS of piracy and armed robbery rose globally in 2025 but most cases were classified as low-level.

According to the International Chamber of Commerce’s International Maritime Bureau Annual Piracy and Armed Robbery Report, 137 incidents against ships were recorded last year compared to 116 in 2024 and 120 in 2023. It reveals that 121 vessels were boarded, four vessels were hijacked and two fired upon as well as 10 attempted attacks.

While most reported incidents in 2025 were categorised as low level, violence against crew continues, with 46 crew members taken hostage in 2025 compared to 126 in 2024 and 73 in 2023, the IMB says. 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.

For ships trading with Australia, the bad news is that 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 note 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.

However, IMB reports a significant decline in the number of incidents in these waters in the last half of 2025, after the Indonesian Marine Police apprehended two gangs in July 2025.  

Incidents reported within the Indonesian archipelago, show a decrease from 18 and 22 in 2023 and 2024 respectively to 12 in 2025. In 2025, two crew members were taken hostage, and one threatened in separate incidents. Knives were reported in three incidents.

Other key areas of concern remain the Somali coast and the Gulf of Guinea, although the IMB notes incidents have reduced due to the strong deterrent of sustained naval presence and good preparation by crews. Nevertheless, Somali pirate groups still have the ability to operate at range and continued efforts are required in the Gulf.

ICC secretary general John W.H. Denton AO said maritime trade remained a cornerstone of real economic activity and growth.

“The rise in reported maritime incidents highlights the importance of protecting seafarers and securing key shipping routes not only for crew safety, but for the stability of global supply chains and the economies that depend on them," Mr Denton said.

 “Ensuring safe passage at sea requires sustained cooperation, with regional and international partners working together to safeguard maritime commerce.” 

IMB director Michael Howlett expressed concern of late reporting, given that timely reporting supports preventive action and contributes directly to the safety of other vessels in the vicinity. 

“Timely reporting is key to preventing further incidents and protecting other vessels in the area. 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,” he said.