IMB Reports Decline in Maritime Piracy But Warns of Rising Violence Against Crews

The International Maritime Bureau (IMB) reports a decrease in piracy and armed robbery incidents against ships in the first half of 2024. However, Bureau is calling for sustained vigilance to protect seafarers amid increasing violence.

In the first half of 2024, 60 incidents of piracy and armed robbery against ships were recorded, a decrease from 65 incidents during the same period in 2023, according to the IMB’s 1H 2024 report. Of the 60 reported incidents, 46 vessels were boarded, eight faced attempted attacks, four were hijacked, and two were fired upon, with an 85% success rate for boardings.

The IMB’s report revealed a concerning increase in violence towards crew members , with 85 taken hostage, 11 kidnapped, and two threatened. Guns and knives were involved in 34 incidents.

“While we are reassured to see a fall in the number of overall reported acts of piracy, the concerning rise in incidents of a violent nature underscores the need for continued vigilance from the international community to ensure the safety of all seafarers — especially at this time of heightened uncertainty for maritime transport,” said ICC Secretary General John W.H. Denton.

Somali Piracy

Despite the global decline in reported incidents, Somali piracy remains a threat, with eight reported incidents in the first half of 2024, including three hijackings. Somali pirates continue to demonstrate the capability to target vessels up to 1,000 nautical miles off the Somali coast.

IMB Director Michael Howlett urged caution, advising vessel owners and Masters to harden their vessels and follow recommended guidelines in the latest Best Management Practices while transiting Somali waters.

Gulf of Guinea

In the Gulf of Guinea, incidents dropped from 14 to 10 in the first six months of 2024, but threats to crew safety and wellbeing continue. The region accounts for 11 crew kidnappings globally in the first half of this year in two separate incidents and 21 crew taken hostage in one incident. IMB stresses the need for a robust regional and international naval presence to respond to these incidents.

Singapore Straits

The Singapore Straits saw a noticeable decrease in reported incidents from 13 in the first half of 2024 compared to 20 in the same period last year. However, the targeting and boarding of large vessels transiting these waters remain a concern. Low-level opportunistic crimes continue, with 10 crew taken hostage in six separate incidents, and guns and knives reported in 11 incidents.

IMB’s report highlights that despite a decline in reported incidents, some remain unreported. The Indonesian archipelago recorded 12 incidents, the highest since early 2021, with two crew members taken hostage and one threatened. Knives were involved in six incidents and guns in one. Dumai anchorage saw an increase to six incidents this year from one in the first half of 2023.

In Bangladesh, low-level incidents have increased from one in the first six months of 2023 to ten in 2024, the highest number reported in the first half of a year since 2015. All vessels were at anchorage, with eight incidents reported at Chattogram.

IMB reiterates the need for continued vigilance and robust regional and international efforts to safeguard life at sea.

“While the decline in reported incidents is welcome, sustained and continued regional maritime cooperation remains essential to safeguard seafarers, global shipping and trade. There is no room for complacency,” said Howlett.

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