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Global Piracy Trends: A Mixed Bag in 2024

Global piracy and armed robbery incidents saw a slight decrease in 2024 compared to 2023, according to the International Maritime Bureau’s Piracy Reporting Centre (IMB PRC). While this is positive news overall, a closer look reveals some concerning trends.

Somali Pirate Resurgence

One major concern is the unexpected return of Somali pirate activity. After years of decline, nine incidents linked to Somali pirates, including four hijackings, were reported in the Western Indian Ocean/Gulf of Aden between December 2023 and May 2024. These incidents occurred significantly far from the Somali coastline, showcasing the continued capability of these criminals. However, thankfully, no further incidents have been reported since May 2024.

Gulf of Guinea Remains a Hotspot

Despite historically low incident levels in 2024, the Gulf of Guinea continues to pose a significant risk for crews. This region accounted for all crew kidnappings in 2024.

Other Regions of Concern

Here’s a quick overview of piracy concerns in other areas:

• The Americas saw a significant drop in incidents with only two recorded in 2024.
• Southeast Asia remains threatened by piracy, particularly the Singapore Strait. This is a major concern for the shipping industry due to the increasing number of incidents in this strategically important waterway.

Surge in Violence Against Crews

Another alarming trend is the increasing use of violence against crew. The IMB PRC reports a more than doubling of the number of crew impacted by piracy and armed robbery over the last two years. The agency also observed a rise in the use of weapons, with guns or knives reported in 65 incidents in 2024, compared to 55 in 2023.

Asia: Hotspot of Activity

According to ReCAAP ISC, 107 incidents were recorded in Asian waters in 2024. The Straits of Malacca and Singapore (SOMS) continues to be Asia’s top piracy concern. However, there’s also a rise in incidents in Indonesia and, notably, a significant increase in anchorages in Bangladesh.

Important Shipping Lanes Unders Attack

The Singapore Strait saw a continued increase in incidents, reaching 61 in 2024. While most were low-level thefts, the threat remains, as perpetrators often use weapons to intimidate crews. ReCAAP ISC has identified an area off Pulau Cula, Indonesia, as a particular point of concern, and issued an incident alert in February 2025.

Africa: Somalia Returns

West African waters remain the primary hotspot in Africa, accounting for 70% of incidents. However, the resurgence of Somali piracy in the Indian Ocean adds another layer of complexity.

The Americas Improve: But Stay Vigilant

The South and Central American and Caribbean waters saw a significant drop in incidents in 2024, with only two recorded. This is encouraging, but the IMB PRC advises continued vigilance in past hot spots, including Brazil (Macapa), Ecuador (Guayaquil) and Venezuela- (Puerto La Cruz/Puerto Jose/Guanta).

Stay Alert: Key Recommendations

The threat from piracy and armed robbery varies greatly by region and can change quickly. Before entering any potential piracy zone, follow these crucial steps:

• Get up-to-date information from local sources and security experts.
• Review your ship’s security plan.
• Conduct a voyage-specific risk assessment.
• Train your crew and ensure they are prepared.
• Test your vessel’s emergency communication plans.

Always adopt relevant preventive measures based on industry best practices and guidance. Failing to follow these practices in high-risk areas can have severe consequences.

Continue to stay informed and prioritize safety at sea.