The ICC International Maritime Bureau, which monitors international piracy and maritime crimes, announced that there has been an increase in maritime incidents globally by analyzing reports for the year 2025. The Bureau highlighted the rise in piracy and armed robbery cases, emphasizing that although the majority of incidents are classified as low-level crimes, the trend of increase must be taken seriously.

The IMB underscored the critical importance of timely and complete reporting in combating crimes.

Reported Incident Numbers Increased

According to IMB data, 137 incidents targeting ships were reported in 2025. This number was recorded as 116 in 2024 and 120 in 2023.

Reports for the year 2025 revealed the following data:

121 ships were boarded.

Four ships were hijacked.

Two ships were fired upon.

Ten incidents were recorded as failed attempts.

Notable Change in Armed Perpetrators

Another source of concern was the change in incidents involving armed perpetrators. According to the IMB report, the number of perpetrators carrying firearms increased from 26 in the previous year to 42.

In contrast, a slight decrease was observed in incidents involving knives. The number of knife-related incidents, which was 39 in 2024, was recorded as 33 in 2025.

Violence Against Crew Continues

Although most incidents are classified as low-level crimes, violence against crew members persists. In 2025:

46 crew members were taken hostage.

25 crew members were kidnapped.

10 crew members were threatened.

Four individuals were injured.

Three individuals were physically assaulted.

In comparison, it was noted that 126 crew members were taken hostage in 2024, and 73 in 2023.

Moving Vessels at Greater Risk

According to the report, the majority of incidents occurred on moving vessels. Of the 88 reported attacks in 2025, they took place on vessels in motion.

The IMB pointed out that a moving vessel is three times more likely to be attacked compared to a vessel at anchor.

When looking at the types of vessels:

Bulk carriers continue to be the most vulnerable group, with 50 incidents.

Approximately 20 incidents were recorded for both container ships and product tankers.

Southeast Asia the Most Risky Region

In terms of geographical distribution, Southeast Asia became the greatest source of concern in 2025, with 95 reported incidents. Almost all incidents occurred in the Singapore Strait.

According to reports submitted to the IMB, in 2025 in the Singapore Strait:

75 ships were attacked.

Five additional attempts were reported.

Indonesia emerged as the second country with the most reported incidents in Southeast Asia.

More Than Half of Incidents Occurred in the Singapore Strait

In 2025, more than half of global maritime incidents occurred in the Singapore Strait. The report particularly emphasized a disproportionate increase in the use of perpetrators described as 'male thieves.' Such incidents rose from eight in 2024 to 27 in 2025.

According to IMB data in the Singapore Strait:

14 crew members were taken hostage.

Eight individuals were threatened.

Three individuals were injured.

One individual was attacked.

Despite this, it is noted that most crimes in the region are low-level, and perpetrators typically flee after stealing equipment or spare parts.

Decrease in Incident Numbers in the Second Half

Both the IMB and the regional maritime security cooperation mechanism ReCAAP reported a significant decrease in the number of incidents around the Singapore Strait and Indonesia in the second half of 2025.

This decrease is attributed to the capture of two criminal gangs by the Indonesian Marine Police in July 2025.

Gulf of Guinea and Off the Coast of Somalia Under Close Monitoring

The report also emphasized that security efforts led by local authorities in the Gulf of Guinea have yielded positive results. The number of incidents in the region was recorded as 21 in 2025, compared to 18 in 2024 and 22 in 2023.

The resurgence of incidents off the coast of Somalia has drawn public attention, with the IMB attributing the lack of a broader resurgence in piracy to the continued deterrent presence of naval forces in the region and the increased defensive measures taken by ships.

The IMB notes that the two reported incidents off the coast of Somalia occurred in areas far from the shore and that pirate groups still possess the capacity to interfere with maritime traffic. In 2025, it was recorded that 26 crew members were taken hostage off the coast of Somalia.

The report further emphasized that Africa, particularly its western coasts, continues to be the regions where nearly all piracy incidents on the continent occur.

IMB's Warning on Late Reporting

The IMB explicitly expressed its concern regarding the late reporting of incidents in its report. According to the Bureau, fast and accurate reporting not only facilitates intervention by authorities but also contributes to the protection of other vessels in the region.

Source: SeaNews Türkiye