Although the reduction in incidents, the IMB stresses the importance of sustained cooperation to protect seafarers and safeguard trade in these waters.

The International Maritime Bureau (IMB) of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) reported a sharp decline in global maritime piracy and armed robbery incidents in the first quarter of 2026. This was the lowest figure for the first quarter since 1991. While this decline highlights the positive impact of sustained cooperation and enforcement efforts, risks to seafarers persist. The IMB therefore continues to urge vigilance, timely reporting, and strict adherence to best management practices, in order to help safeguard crews and protect vital maritime trade routes.

16 incidents reported  between January and March 2026,

.Meanwhile, 16 incidents were reported worldwide between January and March 2026, down from 45 in Q1 2025 and 33 in Q1 2024. These incidents included 14 cases of vessels being boarded, one hijacking, and one attempted attack. In the majority of cases, perpetrators were able to gain access to the vessel, with successful boardings recorded in 94% of incidents. Although the overall number of incidents has fallen significantly, the risk to crews has not disappeared.

 Keeping key routes safe is not just a maritime issue

"The globe's trade is predominantly transported by sea. Keeping key routes safe is not just a maritime issue, then. It’s a confidence issue for the global economy.” – ICC Secretary General John W.H. Denton AO. It is encouraging to see reported incidents of maritime piracy and armed robbery fall to their lowest levels in the first quarter since 1991. This demonstrates the positive effects of timely reporting and sustained cooperation, but continued vigilance is essential to keep seafarers safe and shipping routes secure.’ – IMB Director Michael Howlett

The safety of the crew is still a concern.

During the first three months of 2026, two crew members were taken hostage, and one was injured. Weapons were reported in several incidents, with knives identified in seven cases and guns in two incidents during the reporting period.

A sharp decline in incidents across the Singapore Strait has been witnessed.

The Singapore Straits maintained its position as the global leader in reported incidents, with eight incidents recorded in Q1 2026. Although this remains the highest concentration worldwide, it represents a significant decrease from the 31 incidents recorded in the same period last year.

The majority of incidents in the Singapore Straits were regarded as low-level and opportunistic, although armaments were reported in six cases. In two separate incidents, one crew member was taken hostage, and another was injured. All targeted vessels were successfully boarded, including two bulk carriers with a DWT of over 150,000.

The IMB notes that this decline reflects the ongoing cooperation and enforcement efforts of regional authorities, while emphasising that vessels must remain vigilant and report incidents promptly.

Reports of incidents are increasing in number in the Philippines.

Four incidents were reported in the Philippines during the first quarter of 2026. Two occurred at Manila anchorage and two at Bauan anchorage in Batangas Bay. This marks an increase compared with no incidents reported during the same period in 2025.

In these incidents, one crew member was taken hostage. IMB continues to encourage close cooperation between regional authorities and the shipping industry to improve crew safety in these waters.

Related : The ReCAAP ISC did not receive any reports of piracy against ships in Asia over the past week.

Somali maritime piracy remains a concern.

In the first quarter of 2026, two incidents were reported in Somalia: one attempted attack and one successful hijacking. The IMB is still urging vessel owners and masters to be vigilant and to strictly adhere to the latest Best Management Practices (BMPs) when transiting these waters.

The Gulf of Guinea saw the lowest level of activity.

During the quarter, the Gulf of Guinea experienced a welcome respite with only one low-level theft reported at the Takoradi anchorage in Ghana. Although the reduction in incidents is encouraging, the IMB stresses the importance of continued vigilance and sustained cooperation to protect seafarers and safeguard trade in these waters.

Related : IMB : Maritime piracy to increase in 2025

The significance of reporting

The IMB has once again emphasised the importance of promptly reporting incidents to the IMB Piracy Reporting Centre (PRC). Prompt reporting enables faster responses, helps prevent further incidents, and improves safety for nearby vessels. Free support is provided to vessels under threat by the IMB PRC, which operates as a 24-hour, single point of contact. Transparent and reliable data is delivered to the maritime industry, authorities, and governments worldwide by the IMB PRC

Related : IMB : Piracy decreased, but kidnappings of seafarers increased

About: International Maritime Bureau (IMB) 

International Maritime Bureau (IMB) is an independent, non-governmental, ship’s International Classification Society. Top Management of IMB has long experience in the ship class and statutory surveys and certification since 1994 as an employee in a classification society and since 1999 as Director, Technical and Quality Manager. IMB has its Head Office in Limassol, Cyprus. IMB is dedicated to providing classification and statutory certification services to ships and other marine structures, to safeguard life, property, and the environment. IMB is ISO 9001:2015 certified.

Download the January to March 2026 Maritime Piracy and Armed Robbery Against Ships report here.

#International Maritime Bureau (IMB) #ICC #IMB Piracy Reporting #Philippines #Somali maritime piracy #Singapore Straits  #Gulf of Guinea #Batangas Bay