The ReCAAP Information Sharing Centre’s year-end report for 2025 has highlighted a significant increase in piracy and robbery incidents in the maritime regions surrounding Singapore, particularly in the Singapore Strait and the Straits of Malacca (SOMS). The report noted a 74% surge, with a total of 108 reported incidents (104 actual and four attempted), marking the highest number recorded since monitoring began in 2007. This escalation, which peaked in mid-2025, has raised concerns about maritime security despite the fact that much of the activity consists of low-level thefts.
In Southeast Asia overall, ReCAAP documented 132 piracy and robbery incidents in 2025, a 23% increase from the previous year. Most of this rise was attributed to the Singapore Strait and Straits of Malacca. Conversely, regions such as Bangladesh, Indonesia, and the Philippines experienced a decrease in piracy and robbery in ports and anchorages, with just a marginal increase noted in India’s anchorages. Importantly, ReCAAP reported no abductions of crew members in the Sulu-Celebes Seas and off Eastern Sabah for the fifth consecutive year, with the last reported cases occurring in January 2020.
Vijay D. Chafekar, Executive Director of ReCAAP ISC, commented that although the increase in incidents underscores ongoing security challenges for vessels navigating these waters, the decline following the arrest of suspects illustrates the effectiveness of law enforcement efforts. In fact, 87% of reported incidents in the SOMS occurred within the first seven months of the year, with a noticeable drop in incidents from August to December following Indonesian authorities’ actions against the perpetrators.
The majority of incidents involved low-level crimes focused on thefts of items like engine spare parts, scrap metal, and ship supplies. ReCAAP noted that in half of the reported cases, nothing was stolen, and most perpetrators were unarmed and fled when confronted. Interactions between criminals and crew members were minimal, with no serious injuries reported among crew members in 2025. The report indicated that the lowest level crimes have increased from 44% in 2024 to 53% in 2025.
Despite the observed declines in the second half of the year, ReCAAP cautioned that this does not signify an end to maritime dangers in the region. Ships are urged to take proactive measures to safeguard their crews and prevent boarding incidents. Additionally, the report emphasizes the importance of prompt incident reporting and swift responses from local authorities to mitigate further threats. The security landscape in this critical maritime trade area remains precarious, necessitating ongoing vigilance and enforcement efforts.
