The ICC International Maritime Bureau (IMB) reported a total of 116 incidents of piracy and armed robbery against ships from January to December 2024. This is a slight decrease from 120 incidents in 2023 and a marginal increase from 115 incidents in 2022.
The 2024 report indicates that 94 vessels were boarded, there were 13 attempted attacks, six vessels were hijacked, and three were fired upon.
While the overall number of reported incidents in 2024 remains similar to those in 2023 and 2022, the IMB emphasises the importance of caution to enhance crew safety. Notably, the number of crew members taken hostage or kidnapped has increased significantly, with 126 individuals taken hostage in 2024 compared to 73 in 2023 and 41 in 2022. Twelve crew members were kidnapped in 2024, down from 14 in 2023 and up from two in 2022. Another 12 crew members faced threats, and one was injured during this period.
The use of weapons has also been on the rise. In 2024, firearms were involved in 26 incidents, compared to 15 in 2023. Knives were reported in 39 incidents in 2024, down from 42 in 2023.
Gulf of Guinea
Activity in the Gulf of Guinea remained relatively low, with 18 incidents reported in 2024, down from 22 in 2023, 19 in 2022, 35 in 2021, and 81 in 2020. However, crew members continue to be at risk in this region, which accounted for all 12 of the crew members kidnapped and 23% of the total number taken hostage in 2024.
Somalia
There were at least eight incidents reported in the East African region off the coast of Somalia, including the hijacking of two fishing vessels and a bulk carrier in the first half of 2024. Members with ships operating in that region should harden their vessels in line with the latest Best Management Practices (BMP).
Singapore Straits
Incidents in the Singapore Straits have increased, with 43 reported in 2024, compared to 37 in 2023 and 38 in 2022. The report states that 93% of targeted vessels were boarded, and 11 large vessels with over 100,000 deadweight tonnage (DWT) were targeted in this strategically important seaway.
There were also 13 crew members taken hostage, five threatened, and one injured. Although these incidents are categorised as low-level opportunistic crimes, the use of guns and knives has risen to eight and 19 incidents, respectively, in 2024, compared to three and 15 in 2023. Most incidents occurred during nighttime while vessels were underway.
Indonesia
There has been a year-on-year increase in reported incidents in the Indonesian archipelago, rising from 10 in 2022 and 18 in 2023 to 22 in 2024. Of these, 20 incidents fall under the definition of armed robbery, while two qualify as piracy, during which crew members were taken hostage for the duration of the events. In total, 31 crew members were taken hostage, and one was threatened. Knives were reported in 10 incidents, and guns were involved in three.
Bangladesh
The highest number of incidents in a decade was reported at anchorages in Bangladesh, with the IMB recording 14 incidents in 2024. Thirteen of these occurred on ships anchored at Chattogram, and one incident was reported at Mongla anchorage. In these incidents, two crew members were taken hostage, and three were threatened. Knives were involved in seven of the reported incidents.
Please refer to the attached report for further information.
