Surge in Global Piracy: 45 Shipping Attacks Reported in Q1 2025

Piracy has become a growing concern for global shipping, with 45 cases of piracy and armed robbery against ships reported in the first quarter of this year, according to the International Maritime Bureau (IMB) based in London. This marks a nearly 35% increase compared to the same period in 2024. The IMB noted that from January to March of last year, there were 33 incidents reported, and 27 in the first quarter of 2023.

The IMB’s report highlighted a particular surge in piracy incidents in the Singapore Straits, with 27 attacks or attempted attacks reported between Singapore and Indonesia. In these incidents, 37 vessels were boarded, four were hijacked, and four had attempted attacks. The IMB emphasized the high threat to crew safety, with 37 crew members taken hostage, 13 kidnapped, two threatened, and one injured in the first quarter of 2025.

IMB Director Michael Howlett expressed concern over the increase in piracy in the region, emphasizing the urgent need to protect the safety of seafarers navigating these waters. Howlett stressed the importance of ensuring the security of vital shipping routes and taking all necessary measures to safeguard crew members. The IMB is affiliated with the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) based in Paris.

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