Rise in Piracy Incidents in Gulf of Guinea and Singapore Straits Raises Concern

The latest piracy report from ICC International Maritime Bureau (IMB) has revealed a rise in reported incidents in the Gulf of Guinea, as well as ‘worrying signs’ for the Singapore Straits.

According to the report, there were 99 incidents of piracy and armed robbery against ships in the first nine months of 2023, marking an increase from 90 incidents during the same period in 2022.

Among the reported incidents, 85 vessels were boarded, nine had attempted attacks, three were hijacked, and two were fired upon. The perpetrators successfully boarded 89% of the targeted vessels, with most incidents occurring at night.

While the reported violence towards crew members is relatively low compared to the past three decades, there remains a real risk to crew safety. In the first nine months of 2023, 69 crew members were taken hostage, 14 were kidnapped, eight were threatened, three were injured, and one was assaulted.

IMB Director Michael Howlett expressed concern over the rise in reported incidents in the Gulf of Guinea.

“The Gulf of Guinea stands as a region of concern with a rise in reported incidents, as opposed to the downward trend we have seen in the past two years,” said Howlett. “The IMB sees regional ownership as critical to safeguard shipping and trade and to address these crimes.”

Gulf of Guinea

The report showed an increase in reported incidents in the Gulf of Guinea, with 21 incidents recorded in the first nine months of 2023, compared to 14 incidents during the same period in 2022. Among these incidents, 17 were classified as armed robberies and four as piracy. The safety of crew members is a mounting concern, as 54 were taken hostage, 14 were kidnapped, and two were injured.

Singapore Straits

The Singapore Straits also raised concerns, with 33 reported incidents in the first nine months of 2023, compared to 31 incidents during the same period last year. Out of these incidents, 31 vessels were boarded, five crew members were taken hostage, and two were threatened. The majority of incidents were reported in July, with ship stores or properties being the primary target for theft.

The navigational challenges of the Singapore Straits further compound the risks posed by these incidents, potentially affecting safe navigation in these congested waters.

IMB emphasizes the importance of early reporting of incidents, even low-level opportunistic ones, to protect seafarers and ensure the safety of regional and international shipping and trade. The organization commends local authorities for their efforts in investigating nearly all reported incidents.

Indonesian Archipelago and South America

The IMB’s report also highlighted an increase in the number of incidents in the Indonesian archipelagic region, with 12 incidents reported during the first nine months of 2023, compared to 10 incidents during the same period in 2020 and seven incidents in 2021. Knives were sighted in five out of the 12 reported incidents.

Furthermore, reports from Callao Anchorage in Peru increased to 13 incidents from eight during the same period in 2022. These incidents included nine crew members being taken hostage, one member being threatened, and another member being assaulted.