In July, the Regional Cooperation Agreement on Combating Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships in Asia (ReCAAP) released a half-yearly report indicating a concerning rise in piracy incidents in Asia. From January to June 2020, 51 attacks were reported, an alarming 82% increase compared to the same period in 2019. The International Maritime Bureau (IMB) mirrored this trend, noting a doubling of piracy incidents. This surge is not limited to Asia, with West Africa and the Americas also experiencing increases, suggesting a global rise in piracy of around 20% for 2020.
Historically, piracy rates peaked in 2010 when Somali pirates executed over 200 attacks and hijacked at least 49 vessels. By contrast, in 2019 and early 2020, hijackings dropped significantly. In the first half of 2020, IMB recorded only one hijacking, a fishing boat seized off the Ivory Coast, underscoring a relative decline in severe hijacking incidents, albeit with concerning trends in commercial raiding.
In Southeast Asia, particularly the Singapore Straits, piracy attacks are at their highest since 2015, with 14 out of 35 reported incidents occurring in this region during the first half of 2020. These attacks tend to be opportunistic, with most vessels being large tankers or cargo ships while underway. Recent increases in piracy are attributed to complacency in enforcement following earlier successes against piracy in the Malacca and Singapore Straits.
The Sulu and Celebes Seas have also seen significant pirate activity, primarily from the Abu Sayyaf group, known for maritime kidnappings. In response, Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines have initiated coordinated naval patrols. Recent escalations, including bombings linked to Abu Sayyaf, indicate an ongoing threat in the region.
Piracy in West Africa, particularly in the Gulf of Guinea, has risen sharply, driven by socio-economic issues like poverty and violence. In the first half of 2020, 49 crew members were kidnapped, a 50% increase from the previous year. This area is now recognized as highly dangerous, with over 90% of crew kidnappings occurring there. The situation is compounded by violence, with recent incidents including the abduction of Russian sailors in Lagos.
Similarly, the Bay of Campeche in the Gulf of Mexico faces rising pirate threats, with armed groups targeting oil platforms and supply vessels. While official reports cite only a handful of incidents, local assessments suggest the numbers may be significantly higher.
Addressing these challenges requires strengthening local law enforcement and enhancing regional cooperation. The U.S. and other nations have been providing resources, training, and support to help improve maritime security capabilities in piracy-prone areas. The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated conditions facilitating piracy, including increased poverty and diminished trade revenues, leading to fewer resources for shipping companies to invest in security.
Amid these rising threats, there were reports of decreased piracy incidents in late July and August 2020 compared to the same months in 2019, possibly due to intensified counter-piracy measures. However, it remains uncertain whether this represents a lasting trend or a temporary reprieve.
The author, Brandon Prins, is a political science professor and a global security fellow. His insights emphasize the complexity of piracy and the necessity for comprehensive strategies to combat this escalating danger.
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