Global Piracy Outrage Seen Reach Highest Nine-Month Total Since 2021
Piracy and armed robbery incidents saw an exponential spike in 2025, with the International Maritime Bureau recording 116 incidents during the first nine months compared to just 79 during 2024 - representing an alarming 46% increase and marking the highest nine-month figure since 2021. This dramatic deterioration in maritime security across key shipping corridors can only be described as alarming.
Of the 116 reported incidents, 102 vessels were boarded, nine faced attempted boardings, four were hijacked and one was fired upon. Of these incidents, perpetrators managed to gain entry to 91% of vessels attacked; most attacks happened between midnight and dawn when steaming vessels were under assault. Engine spares became the primary target cargo on boarded vessels.
Piracy Crisis Reaches Three-Decade High in Singapore Strait
The Singapore Strait experienced an unprecedented spike in piracy between January and September 2025 -- the highest number recorded since 1991. The Singapore Strait alone accounted for 63% of global piracy incidents during that nine month period - turning one of the world's busiest shipping lanes into an increasing security concern for maritime industry stakeholders.
Indonesian Marine Police arrested two organized piracy gangs in July 2025, leading to a dramatic decrease in incidents. The International Maritime Bureau praised Indonesian enforcement efforts and encouraged vessels transiting the Strait to report any incidents via VHF Channel 16 (monitored by Indonesian patrol boats).
Crew Safety Decreasing Due to Increased Violent Activity
While incident numbers increased, crew safety metrics indicated growing concerns. Over the first nine months of 2025, 43 crew members were taken hostage; 16 kidnapped; seven threatened; three assaulted; three assaulted; three injured and weapons were identified in 55% of reported incidents - this being their highest percentage since 2017. Weapons were visibly carried in 33% of reported cases--the highest percentage seen since 2017.
The Gulf of Guinea was responsible for 87% of global crew kidnapping incidents during 2025 despite reporting only 15 incidents during that nine-month period, 14 crew members being abducted between January and September, with pirates targeting vessels as far away as 46 nautical miles off Ghana in late August.
Regional Variations and Emerging Threats
Asian waters witnessed significant piracy activity, with ReCAAP recording 95 incidents during the first six months of 2025--an 84% increase from 52 incidents reported during this same timeframe in 2024. At the same time, Somalia and Gulf of Aden waters experienced no incidents in third quarter due to monsoon conditions; nonetheless 26 crewmembers were taken hostage from fishing vessels and dhows over this time period.
On November 14 of 2025, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps seizing Marshall Islands-flagged tanker Talara in the Strait of Hormuz on allegations of unauthorised cargo was caused. This vessel had been travelling between United Arab Emirates and Singapore but had been diverted back into Iranian territorial waters upon allegations.
Industry Response and Protective Measures (IRPMs)
The maritime industry remains dedicated to adhering to Best Management Practices (BMPs) as the cornerstone of its defense against piracy. International Maritime Bureau Director Michael Howlett stated: We strongly advocate the continued use of collaborative frameworks and commend the efforts taken by regional authorities that has reduced incidents globally while simultaneously increasing crew and vessel security.
U.S. maritime authorities maintain active advisories for the Gulf of Aden, Arabian Sea and Indian Ocean where three boarding or hijacking incidents have taken place since January 2025. Pirates have utilized fishing vessels as motherships to extend their operational range up to 600 nautical miles away from Somalia's coast. It is recommended that commercial vessels conduct prevoyage risk analyses, incorporate protective measures into security plans and stay vigilent on VHF Channel 16.