Global maritime piracy and armed robbery incidents increased by 18% in 2025, with 137 incidents recorded worldwide, according to the annual report from the ICC International Maritime Bureau (IMB).

The bureau reported 116 incidents in 2024 and 120 in 2023. Of the 2025 total, 121 vessels were boarded, four were hijacked, two were fired upon, and 10 attacks were attempted.

Although most cases were classified as low level, violence against crew members persisted. IMB data shows 46 crew members were taken hostage during the year, compared with 126 in 2024 and 73 in 2023. However, kidnappings increased to 25, up from 12 the previous year. A further 10 crew members were threatened, four were injured, and three were assaulted.

The reported use of firearms rose sharply, with guns cited in 42 incidents in 2025, compared with 26 a year earlier. Knives were reported in 33 cases, down from 39 in 2024.

ICC Secretary General John W.H. Denton AO said: "Maritime trade remains a cornerstone of real economic activity and growth. The rise in reported maritime incidents highlights the importance of protecting seafarers and securing key shipping routes not only for crew safety, but for the stability of global supply chains and the economies that depend on them."

The Singapore Straits recorded the highest number of incidents in 2025, with 80 cases, up from 43 in 2024. These accounted for 58% of all reported incidents globally. IMB said the region also saw a disproportionate increase in gun use, with 27 reports involving firearms, compared with eight a year earlier. Fourteen crew members were taken hostage, eight threatened, three injured, and one assaulted.

IMB noted a decline in incidents in the Singapore Straits during the second half of the year, following the arrest of two gangs by the Indonesian Marine Police in July 2025.

Within the Indonesian archipelago, incidents fell to 12 in 2025, from 22 in 2024 and 18 in 2023. Two crew members were taken hostage, and one was threatened, with knives reported in three incidents.

Off the Somali coast, only a small number of incidents were recorded during the year. However, two cases in November occurred far from shore, indicating that pirate groups retain the capability to operate at range. IMB said prepared crews and swift naval responses ensured vessel and crew safety, and credited sustained naval presence with preventing a wider resurgence.

The Gulf of Guinea recorded 21 incidents in 2025, compared with 18 in 2024 and 22 in 2023. The region accounted for 23 crew kidnappings across four incidents, along with three hostages and one injured crew member.

IMB Director Michael Howlett commented: "Reported incidents off the Somali coast highlight the ongoing importance of a sustained naval presence in these trade-critical waters. We also commend the Gulf of Guinea authorities for the steps taken to reduce reported incidents, while recognising that crew members continue to be affected."

The IMB Piracy Reporting Centre, established in 1991, operates as a 24-hour contact point for reporting piracy and armed robbery incidents and coordinates alerts to support ships under threat.