Piracy Incidents Reach Five-Year Peak, Driven by Surge in Singapore Strait

The ICC International Maritime Bureau (IMB) has reported a sharp 50% increase in piracy and armed robbery incidents against ships in the first half of 2025, marking the highest mid-year tally since 2020. A total of 90 incidents were recorded, up from 60 during the same period in 2024, with the Singapore Strait emerging as a major hotspot. The IMB’s Piracy Reporting Center has raised urgent concerns, emphasizing that this critical shipping lane that handles about a third of global trade, has seen a dramatic spike in attacks.

Singapore Strait Accounts for Majority of Incidents

Nearly two-thirds of all reported incidents (57 out of 90) occurred in and around the Singapore Strait, a staggering rise compared to just 15 cases in the first half of 2024. Historically, the region has seen fewer than 20 incidents in previous mid-year reports.

Of particular concern is the high success rate of boardings, 90% of targeted vessels were breached while underway, with larger ships (exceeding 150,000 dwt) being especially vulnerable. The IMB noted that weapons were used in 34 of the 57 Singapore Strait incidents, including guns and knives. While most attacks were classified as low-level, crew safety remains at risk: 13 seafarers were taken hostage, five were threatened, three injured, and one assaulted.

Recent Attacks Highlight Growing Threat

ReCAAP, Asia’s regional piracy monitoring agency, has also warned of escalating dangers, reporting 107 incidents across Asia in 2025. In just the first week of July, 11 armed robberies were recorded, all in the Singapore Strait’s eastbound lane.

Notable cases include:

• Three incidents on July 1 and three more on July 4, with engine spare parts stolen in four instances.
• A CMA CGM containership breached for 10 minutes without detection, underscoring the stealth and persistence of attackers.

Call for Heightened Vigilance

The IMB urges ship operators to maintain extreme caution, particularly in high-risk areas like the Singapore Strait. Although Somalia has seen no incidents since April 2025, the agency warns that risks may resurge as monsoon conditions ease.

Key Statistics (Jan-June 2025):

• 90 total incidents (up from 60 in 2024)
• 57 in Singapore Strait (vs. 15 in 2024)
• 40 crew taken hostage, 16 kidnapped, 5 threatened, 3 injured
• Gulf of Guinea: 12 incidents, but 14 crew kidnapped