In the first nine months of 2024, piracy and armed robbery at sea fell to their lowest levels in three decades, according to a report by the ICC International Maritime Bureau (IMB).
A total of 79 incidents were reported between January and September 2024, down from 99 during the same period in 2023. This marks the lowest number of incidents since 1994, marking a significant reduction in maritime crime.
Despite the trend, the IMB and its piracy reporting centre cautioned that the safety of crew members remains a critical concern. Of the reported incidents, 62 vessels were boarded, six were hijacked, nine faced attempted attacks, and two were fired upon.
In 86 percent of these cases, according to the report, perpetrators managed to gain access to the ships, with most incidents occurring under the cover of darkness.
As also seen in the mid-year report, violence against crew members continues to be an issue. From January to September, 111 crew were taken hostage, 11 were kidnapped, and three were threatened. In 45 of the reported incidents, perpetrators were armed with weapons, including guns and knives.
“With reported incidents at their lowest since 1994, the decline in piracy and armed robbery incidents is encouraging,” said IMB director Michael Howlett.
“However, this is no time for complacency. Vessel owners and operators must continue to follow IMB guidelines. We commend the efforts of governments and law enforcement, whose work has contributed to these improvements.”
While global incidents have declined, the Indonesian archipelago has seen a concerning rise in piracy. Seventeen incidents were reported from January to September 2024, up from 12 in 2023 and nine in 2022. In 11 of these incidents, weapons were involved and 27 crew members were taken hostage. Two hijackings occurred near the same location south of Tanjung Malatayur, Central Kalimantan, where oil cargoes were stolen from barges. The IMB has called on local authorities to increase patrols to deter further crimes.
The Gulf of Guinea once considered a piracy hotspot, saw a significant decline, with only 12 incidents reported in the first nine months of 2024, the lowest since 1996. However, he region remains a high-risk area for crews, with 11 kidnappings and 21 hostages reported. Somalia and the Singapore Straits also reported fewer incidents, contributing to the overall decline in global piracy rates.
Despite the progress, maritime organisations continue to emphasise the need for ongoing vigilance to ensure crew safety and deter future incidents.
