The International Maritime Bureau (IMB) highlighted a decline in incidents in its annual report, although concerns were raised regarding the increased use of weapons and the risks to crew safety. The IMB reported a decrease in maritime piracy and armed robbery cases during 2024. According to its latest annual report, published in January, 116 incidents were recorded, compared to 120 in 2023 and 115 in 2022.
By type of incident, 94 vessels were boarded; six were hijacked; three were fired upon; and attempts were made at thirteen other attacks. Although the numbers indicate a slight improvement, the IMB stresses the importance of enhancing security measures to protect crews. In 2024
The use of weapons has also shown a troubling increase. In 2024, firearms were reported in 26 incidents, compared to 15 in 2023. Meanwhile, bladed weapons were involved in 39 cases, down from 42 the previous year.
For John Denton, the Secretary General of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), these figures represent an ongoing challenge. “While we welcome the reduction in incidents, crew safety remains a top priority. Ensuring safe routes and protecting seafarers, who form the backbone of global trade, is crucial. This requires close cooperation between regional and international stakeholders,” Denton stated.
Regional breakdown
In terms of geographic distribution, the Gulf of Guinea recorded 18 incidents in 2024, a decrease from 22 in 2023, 19 in 2022, and 35 in 2021. However, this region accounted for all twelve crew kidnappings reported during the year and 23% of hostage cases. On the East African coast, eight incidents were reported, including the hijacking of two fishing vessels and a bulk carrier in the first half of the year. IMB Director Michael Howlett urged continued vigilance and adherence to Best Management Practices (BMP5), warning that, “despite the decline in activity, we cannot let our guard down. Operators must strictly follow recommendations to ensure safety.”
Increase in Incidents in Southeast Asia
The Singapore Strait recorded 43 incidents in 2024, an increase from 37 in 2023. According to the IMB report, 93% of the affected vessels were boarded, including eleven ships exceeding 100,000 deadweight tons. During the attacks, thirteen crew members were taken hostage, five were threatened, and one was injured. Although these acts are considered low-level opportunistic crimes, the use of weapons has increased: in 2024, there were eight cases involving firearms and 19 involving bladed weapons, compared to three and fifteen, respectively, in 2023. In the Indonesian archipelago, incidents also rose from 18 in 2023 to 22 in 2024. In two cases, crew members were temporarily held hostage. In total, 31 crew members were detained, and one was threatened.
Bangladesh recorded its highest number of incidents in a decade, with fourteen cases in 2024. Of these, thirteen occurred at anchorage points in Chattogram and one in Mongla. During the attacks, two crew members were taken hostage, and three were threatened. Bladed weapons were present in seven of these incidents.