According to the International Maritime Bureau (IMB), piracy and armed robbery incidents against ships increased by 50% in the first half of 2025. The Piracy Reporting Centre has urged all stakeholders to remain vigilant and expressed serious concern over the rising number of cases. Notably, May saw the highest number of boarding incidents in a single month over the past decade.

A total of 90 incidents were reported in the first six months of 2025, up from 60 during the same period in 2024. IMB noted that this marks the highest mid-year total since 2020. Alarmingly, in 90% of cases, perpetrators successfully boarded vessels—most of which were underway at the time. The current mid-year figure already accounts for three-quarters of the 116 incidents reported for the whole of 2024.

The Singapore Strait continues to be a hotspot, with incidents steadily increasing over the past five years. IMB highlighted that the rise in cases in the Singapore Strait—a critical maritime corridor handling nearly one-third of global trade—is particularly concerning.

Out of the 90 total global incidents, nearly two-thirds occurred in or near the Singapore Strait. IMB received reports of 57 cases from this region in the first half of 2025, a sharp increase compared to 15 incidents during the same period in 2024. In recent years, the number of incidents in the first half of the year had typically remained below 20.

According to the Regional Cooperation Agreement on Combating Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships in Asia (ReCAAP), six vessels transiting the Singapore Strait were attacked by pirates between May 2 and May 7. The incidents occurred along the eastbound lane near the western part of the Phillip Channel.

“The boarding of large vessels—some exceeding 150,000 deadweight tons—remains a serious concern in this narrow and congested waterway,” IMB stated. “This is especially troubling given the 95% boarding success rate in the Singapore Strait. Although the incident rate remains relatively low, 34 of the 57 reported cases involved firearms or knives, significantly elevating the risk.”

The report also highlighted the vulnerability of crew safety and well-being. Thirteen crew members were taken hostage, five were threatened, three were injured, and one was assaulted.

ReCAAP also raised alerts regarding the increased frequency of incidents in Asia, particularly in and around the Singapore Strait. As of now, Asia has recorded 107 incidents in 2025. During the week of June 30 to July 7 alone, 11 armed robbery cases were reported—all targeting ships in the eastbound lane of the Singapore Strait. Three incidents occurred on July 1, another three on July 4, with the rest spread throughout the week. In four of these cases, engine parts were stolen. In one case, a stowaway was discovered onboard a CMA CGM container vessel approximately 10 minutes after boarding unnoticed. No injuries to crew members were reported, though the events underline increasing risks.

According to IMB data, as of mid-2025, 40 crew members have been taken hostage, 16 kidnapped, five threatened, three assaulted, and three injured. Although the Gulf of Guinea has seen fewer overall incidents this year, it accounts for 87% of global crew kidnappings, with 12 incidents reported between 10 and 14 over the first half of the year.

Other regions have remained relatively calm, with only isolated incidents of piracy reported. However, IMB continues to urge seafarers to remain alert, warning that risks persist. For instance, while no incidents have been reported off Somalia’s coast since April 2025, the report notes that risk may rise again as the monsoon season wanes.