However, from 1 January to 30 September, 79 accidents occurred, 20 fewer than in the same period last yea
In the first nine months of the current year, maritime piracy attacks (excluding Houthis) are at their lowest since 1994. according to according to the latest report by the ICC International Maritime Bureau (IMB). Despite the lowest reported incidents in three decades, IMB and its Piracy Reporting Centre warns that crew safety remains at risk. at a time when many ships employed on the Asia – Europe trade are forced to circumnavigate Africa to avoid the risk of ending up in the crosshairs of Houthi militiamen.
IMB reported 79 incidents for the period of January-September 2024, down from 99 incidents in the same period last year. This marks a significant overall reduction and the lowest reported numbers since 1994.
IMB Director Michael Howlett said:“With reported incidents at their lowest since 1994, the decline in reported piracy and armed robbery incidents is encouraging. This is an important time to reinforce our message not to be complacent, and for vessel owners and operators to adhere to IMB guidelines. We commend governments and law enforcement for their excellent work, which has made this improvement possible.”
Escalating violence in the Indonesian Archipelago
The Indonesian Archipelago remains an area of concern with a steady rise in the number of reported incidents. From January to September 2024, 17 incidents were reported compared to 12 in 2023 and nine in 2022.Weapons were reported in 11 incidents, 27 crew were taken hostage and one crew was threatened.
Two hijackings were reported in February and September in nearly the same location South of Tanjung Malatayur, Central Kalimantan where oil cargoes were stolen from barges under tow.
IMB calls upon local authorities to increase their on-water presence to act as a deterrent to these crimes.
From January to September, 62 vessels were boarded, six were hijacked while nine faced attempted attacks and two were fired upon. In 86% of incidents, perpetrators successfully gained access to the vessel with most incidents occurring at night.
Violence towards crew members remains concerning, with 111 crew taken hostage, 11 kidnapped and three threatened. Perpetrators were armed with weapons, guns, and knives in 45 of the reported incidents
Fewer incidents in Gulf of Guinea, Somalia and Singapore Straits
In the first nine months of 2024, 12 incidents were reported in the Gulf of Guinea region, the lowest number of reports since 1996.
While the drop in the number of reported incidents is welcome, there remains concern over the safety of crew, with 11 crew kidnapped and 21 taken hostage.
Eight incidents have been reported in the waters off Somalia and the Gulf of Aden, with three hijacked vessels and two fired upon.
IMB has not received reports of any maritime piracy incidents from vessels transiting these waters between July and September, possibly due to the prevalence of monsoons.
Incidents in the Singapore Straits have dropped to 23, compared to 33 over the same period last year. Perpetrators were successful in boarding the vessels in 96% of the cases.
Considering the navigational challenges of these waters, IMB warns that even low-level opportunistic incidents on board such large vessels could potentially increase the risk to navigation.
IMB urges vessels to continue adhering to the latest Best Management Practices to ensure safety of crew, vessel and cargo
In 86% of cases, pirates managed to get on board, with most attacks occurring at night. Violence against crew members remains particularly worrying: in 45 episodes the perpetrators were armed with guns or knives.
A positive figure !
Good news comes from the Gulf of Guinea, with only 12 incidents reported in the first nine months of 2024, the lowest number since 1996, a positive figure for a region fundamental to the Italian maritime industry. Even in that stretch of sea, however, 21 people were taken hostage, and Nigeria remains the epicenter of these events.
Somalia and Gulf of Aden
By contrast, incidents have increased in waters off Somalia and the Gulf of Aden, with three vessels hijacked and two struck. Worthy of note is the fact that, between July and September, the International Maritime Bureau received no reports of piracy from ships transiting these routes, perhaps thanks to the monsoons, which make attacks more difficult.
Singapore Strait
In the Singapore Strait, incidents dropped to 23 from 33 last year, with pirates managing to board in 96% of cases. In Indonesia, however, piracy is growing, with 17 incidents in 2024 compared to 12 in 2023 and 9 in 2022.
Finally, two hijackings were reported in February and September off the coast of Borneo, involving the theft of oil cargoes via barges.
About IMB Piracy Reporting Centre
Since its founding in 1991, IMB’s Piracy Reporting Centre serves as a crucial, 24-hour point of contact to report crimes of piracy and lend support to ships under threat. Quick reactions and a focus on coordinating with response agencies, sending out warning broadcasts and email alerts to ships have all helped bolster security on the high seas. The data gathered by the Centre also provides key insights on the nature and state of modern piracy.
