Summary of Global Piracy Trends (2024)
In 2024, global piracy and armed robbery decreased by 3% compared to 2023, reflecting positive overall trends, yet revealing troubling developments in certain areas. The International Maritime Bureau (IMB) highlighted a resurgence of Somali piracy for the first time since 2017, with nine incidents reported in the Western Indian Ocean and Gulf of Aden, including four hijackings between December 2023 and May 2024. This uptick occurred far from the Somali coastline, demonstrating the enduring capabilities of these criminals, although no new incidents were reported post-May 2024.
Conversely, the Gulf of Guinea maintained historically low piracy levels, but it was the site of all crew kidnappings in 2024. Reportedly, only two piracy incidents transpired in the Americas, marking a significant decline, especially with no events reported from the notorious Callao Anchorage in Peru.
Southeast Asia remains a significant concern, particularly in the Singapore Strait, which saw increasing piracy incidents and violent encounters. The Regional Cooperation Agreement on Combating Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships in Asia (ReCAAP) identified specific locations, like off Pulau Cula, Indonesia, as particularly dangerous. From January to mid-February 2025, 12 incidents were recorded in the Singapore Strait alone, underscoring this trend.
Increasing Violence Against Crew
A particularly alarming trend involves the escalating violence against crew members. The total number of affected crew members has doubled over the past two years, soaring from 55 in 2022 to 151 in 2024. Incidents involving weapons have also increased—65 incidents reported in 2024 compared to 55 in 2023—with Somali piracy significantly contributing to this rise. Additionally, Southeast Asia witnessed worsening conditions, confirmed by ReCAAP’s findings on incident severity.
Regional Highlights
Asia: A total of 107 incidents were reported in Asian waters in 2024, primarily classified as armed robbery or petty theft. The Straits of Malacca and Singapore continue to be of major concern, with 61 incidents alone in the Singapore Strait. Most occurrences took place at night, primarily targeting bulk carriers. Although many incidents were low-level thefts with minor physical harm, the presence of armed assailants poses a significant threat.
Africa: In 2024, African waters recorded 26 piracy incidents, similar to 2023. Despite the resurgence of Somali piracy, West African waters still represented 70% of all African piracy incidents, with a gradual decline in overall numbers. Cooperation among regional naval forces contributed to a reduced risk, yet the region remains dangerous for crew, accounting for all reported crew kidnappings in 2024.
The Americas: Only two incidents occurred in the Americas, marking continued improvement. For the first time since 2016, no incidents were reported in Peru’s Callao Anchorage. Nevertheless, caution is advised in past hotspots, as the potential for piracy remains unpredictable.
Conclusion
While some positive trends in global piracy may be observed, the resurgence of Somali pirate activity and the increasing violence against crews pose serious threats. Enhanced vigilance, adherence to best management practices, and regional cooperation are essential for maritime safety. The recent drop in incidents in various regions, especially in the Americas, should not lead to complacency, as vigilant surveillance and proactive measures remain critical in combating piracy.
