There is growing concern over the surge in maritime piracy incidents in 2025. The International Maritime Bureau’s latest figures for Q1 confirm this. The IMB is a branch of International Chamber of Commerce specializing in the fight against maritime crime, which has a section dedicated to piracy crimes.
Its latest quarterly report states that between January and March there were 45 cases of piracy, a 35% increase compared to the same period in 2024. 37 ships were boarded, there were four attempted attacks, and four hijackings.
The report highlights how the involvement of crew members remains high. In the 45 piracy attacks, 37 seafarers were held hostage, another 13 were kidnapped, two were threatened and one was injured.
17 of the vessels involved were bulk carriers, 13 were oil tankers and 6 were boxships.
In the Singapore Straits the IMB notes, the number of incidents has increased considerably, from 7 cases reported in the Q1 2024 to 27 between January and March 2025.
Although crimes committed against commercial vessels crossing the Strait were mostly qualified as ‘low risk’, 92% of boarding attempts were successful. Risks for crew members’ physical safety have skyrocketed. Firearms were reported in 14 incidents. Ten seafarers were taken hostage in six incidents, two others were threatened and one was injured.
According to IMB Director Michael Howlett: “The reported rise of incidents in the Singapore Straits is concerning, highlighting the urgent need to protect the safety of seafarers navigating these waters. Ensuring the security of these vital routes is essential and all necessary measures must be taken to safeguard crew members.”
The report points out that in the Gulf of Guinea, constant efforts to keep the region safe have helped to significantly lower the level of risk to ships transiting in the area. Nevertheless, 13 hostage-taking incidents were reported in two separate attacks. In one of these, 10 seafarers were kidnapped following the boarding of an oil tanker not far off the coasts of São Tomé and Príncipe, In another case a fishing vessel sailing south of Accra, Ghana, was successfully attacked by pirates, with a total of three seafarers being taken hostage. Overall, six incidents were reported in the area between January and March.
“While we welcome the reduction of incidents, the safety of crew members in the Gulf of Guinea remains at greater risk. It is essential to maintain a strong regional and international naval presence to address these incidents and ensure the protection of seafarers,” Mr. Howlett stated.
Somalia remains another dangerous area for crew safety. Between 7th February and 16th March, two fishing boats and another vessel were seized off the country’s coast. In these attacks, 26 crew members were taken hostage, demonstrating that Somali pirates’ capabilities continue to persist. Reports show that all crew members were released along with their vessels.
Translation by Giles Foster