PIRACY and global maritime incidents declined in 2024, according to new statistics from the ICC International Maritime Bureau, but crew safety is still at risk.

IMB’s annual report on piracy and armed robbery recorded 116 incidents against ships last year, compared to 120 in 2023 and 115 in 2022. The bureau received reports of 94 vessels boarded, 13 attempted attacks, six vessels hijacked and three fired upon.

While the number of reported incidents in 2024 is similar to those reported in the two previous years, IMB flagged an increase in the number of crew taken hostage or kidnapped; 126 were taken hostage last year, compared with 73 in 2023 and 41 in 2022.

Twelve crew were reported kidnapped, compared to 14 in 2023 and two in 2022. A further 12 crew were threatened and one injured in 2024.

Reports indicate the use of weapons is also on the rise. In 2024, guns were reported in 26 incidents compared with 15 in 2023. Knives were reported in 39 incidents in 2024, compared with 42 incidents in 2023.

“While we welcome the reduction of reported incidents, the ongoing threats to crew safety remain a significant concern,” ICC secretary general John Denton said.

“Safeguarding routes and ensuring the security of seafarers, who are essential to maintaining global commerce, is vital. Every effort must be made to protect lives at sea while ensuring the seamless flow of goods through international supply chains.

“This requires a collaborative effort, with continued regional and international naval presence being crucial to this endeavour.”

Gulf of Guinea

The Gulf of Guinea saw a decrease in incidents reported in 2024, but the regional accounted for all 12 kidnapped crew and 23% of the total number of crew taken hostage last year.

In East Africa, at least eight incidents were reported, including the hijacking of two fishing vessels and a bulk carrier in the first half of 2024.

IMB Director Michael Howlett said ongoing threats to crew safety highlighted a need for continued caution in the region, despite the restrained activity.

“Masters and vessel operators are strongly encouraged to strictly adhere to all recommendations in the best management practices while transiting the Gulf of Guinea and waters off East Africa,” he said.

Singapore Straits

In the Singapore Straits, incidents rose to 42 in 2024, up from 37 in 2023 and 38 in 2022.

Ninety-three per cent of vessels targeted were boarded and 11 large vessels of more than 100,000 DWT were targeted in the straits. Thirteen crew were taken hostage, five threatened and one injured.

IMB said the incidents were considered low-level opportunistic crimes, but the use of guns and knives increased to eight and 19 in 2024, respectively, compared with three and 15 in 2023.

Most incidents were reported during the hours of darkness and while vessels were underway.

Mr Howlett said the increased use of weapons and the late and underreporting by vessels boarded in these waters, is concerning.

“We continue to urge vigilance and strongly encourage the timely reporting of all incidents, as the optimal way of providing a clearer understanding of the risks and safety measures to take,” he said.

Indonesian archipelago

A year-on-year increase in reported incidents has been observed in the Indonesian archipelago, up from 10 in 2022 and 18 in 2023 to 22 in 2024. While 20 incidents remain under the definition of armed robbery, two fall under the definition of piracy.

In these two incidents, crew members were taken hostage for the duration of the incidents. Overall, 31 crew were taken hostage and one threatened. Knives were reported in 10 incidents and guns in three.

The highest number of incidents in a decade was reported at anchorages in Bangladesh.

IMB recorded 14 incidents in 2024, of which 13 were onboard ships anchored at Chattogram and one at Mongla anchorage. Two crew were taken hostage and a further three threatened. Knives were reported in seven incidents.