The International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) International Maritime Bureau (IMB) has published its latest annual Piracy and Armed Robbery Report, which reveals a slight year-on-year drop in global maritime incidents during 2024.
There were 116 incidents against ships last year, down from 120 in 2023 but slightly higher than the 115 recorded in 2022. The figures break down as 94 vessels boarded, 13 attempted attacks, six hijackings and three vessels fired upon. Three of the vessels were classed as heavy load carriers.
“While the number of reported incidents in 2024 remains similar to those reported in 2023 and 2022, there has been a significant increase in the number of crew taken hostage – 126 in 2024 compared to 73 in 2023 and 41 in 2022,” the report said.
“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.”
In light of this increase in hostages and kidnappings, the IMB urged “caution to promote crew safety”.
The use of firearms is also on the rise, with guns reported in 26 incidents during 2024 (15 in 2023). Knives were reported in 39 incidents, down from the 42 logged in 2023.
ICC secretary general John W H Denton said: “While we welcome the reduction of reported incidents, the ongoing threats to crew safety remain a significant concern. 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.”
Particular hotspots of activity include the Gulf of Guinea, where the number of incidents was “restrained” at 18 (compared with 81 in 2020) but where 23 percent of the total hostages were taken and where all 12 of last year’s kidnappings occurred. There were also several incidents, including the hijacking of a bulk carrier, off East Africa.
The Singapore Straits were the site of 43 incidents, up from 37 in 2023, and numerous crew were harmed during attacks in that area.
With regard to the Singapore Straits, IMB director Michael Howlett said: “The increase in use of weapons and the late and under reporting by vessels are areas of concern. 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.”
Armed robbery and piracy are also up in the Indonesian archipelago, while reaching their highest level in a decade at anchorages in Bangladesh with 14 incidents recorded during 2024.
