Escalating Incidents in Singapore Straits Highlight Growing Concerns for Maritime Safety

In its semi-annual report, the International Maritime Bureau’s Singapore-based International Maritime Centre (IFC) revealed that there has been a significant increase in incidents in the Singapore Straits. The number of incidents rose from 27 in the first half of 2022 to 37 in the same period of 2023. This is also an increase from the 20 incidents reported in the first half of 2021. The IFC attributed this rise to several factors, including the slow regional economic recovery, poor fishing yields affecting livelihoods, and increased financial commitments during the holiday season. Most of these incidents occurred on the Phillip Channel, with the Singapore Strait being a particular concern.

The IFC expects the number of incidents to remain high in the second half of the year, with the Singapore Strait continuing to be a major area of concern. In fact, it accounted for over half of the 68 incidents reported by the IFC in the first half of 2023 in Southeast Asia and the Indian subcontinent. To support its findings, the IFC provided photographic evidence of a vessel used in a robbery on the westbound lane of the traffic separation scheme in the Singapore Strait. The IFC urged ship captains to be vigilant and aware of similar types of wooden boats operating in the area, which typically have a flat-bottomed hull and a narrow open deck.

Overall, the increase in incidents in the Singapore Straits is a cause for concern. The IFC highlights several factors that have contributed to this rise, including the slow regional economic recovery, poor fishing yields affecting livelihoods, and increased financial commitments during the holiday season. The Singapore Strait, in particular, has emerged as a major area of concern, accounting for more than half of the reported incidents in the region. Ship captains are advised to exercise caution and remain vigilant to ensure the safety and security of their vessels.

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