Reported incidents of piracy fell slightly in the first nine months of the year, according to the International Maritime Bureau (IMB).
Nevertheless, the danger to crews is increasing. The Indonesian archipelago is a particular cause for concern. For the period from January to September 2024, the IMB reported a significant increase in violence against crew members to the International Chamber of Commerce. For example, 111 people were taken hostage, eleven kidnapped and three threatened. In 45 of the reported cases, the perpetrators were armed.
Compared to 2023, this is an increase of around 32%; in the same period last year, there were a total of 95 incidents of violence against crew members.
A total of 79 incidents of piracy
A total of 79 incidents of piracy and armed robbery against ships were reported in the first nine months of the year. Compared to 99 incidents in the same period last year, this represents a significant decrease and the lowest number reported since 1994.
According to information from the IMB, 62 ships were boarded and six hijacked. Nine were attacked and two were fired upon. In 86% of cases, the perpetrators managed to gain access to the ship. Most incidents occurred at night.
“The decrease in incidents at sea is certainly good news,” said Oliver Wieck, Secretary General of ICC Germany, the German representative of the International Chamber of Commerce ICC, to which the IMB belongs. “However, the report makes it clear above all that the risks for crews have continued to increase. This is a cause for concern. Safe international sea routes are of crucial importance both for crews and for global trade.”
Violence in Indonesia on the rise
The Indonesian archipelago continues to be an area of concern, with the number of reported incidents steadily increasing: 17 incidents were reported from January to September 2024, compared to 12 in 2023 and nine in 2022, according to the IMB. Eleven incidents involved the use of weapons, 27 crew members were taken hostage and one crew member was threatened.
In the Gulf of Guinea region, on the other hand, piracy has decreased. Twelve incidents were reported here in the period under review, the lowest number since 1996. Although the decline is to be welcomed, concerns about the safety of crews remain: 11 crew members were kidnapped and 21 were taken hostage.
Eight incidents were reported in the waters off Somalia and in the Gulf of Aden, with three ships hijacked and two fired upon. In the Singapore Strait, the number of incidents fell from 33 in the same period last year to 23, with the perpetrators almost always succeeding in boarding the ships.
The IMB praised the governments and local authorities for their work in making this positive development possible. Shipping companies and crews are still called upon to report incidents at sea in good time and to comply with the IMB’s latest Best Management Practices in order to ensure the safety of crew, ship and cargo.
