The ICC International Maritime Bureau (IMB) recently revealed a rise in global piracy and armed robbery incidents in the first quarter of 2025 – driven by a spike of incidents in the Singapore Straits. 

A total of 45 cases of piracy and armed robbery against ships were recorded in the first three months of 2025 – an almost 35% increase compared to the same period in 2024.  

Of the incidents reported, 37 vessels were boarded, four were hijacked and four had attempted attacks. The threat to crew safety remains high with 37 crew members taken hostage, 13 kidnapped, two threatened and one injured.

Rise of incidents in Singapore Straits

The Q1 report highlights a spike in recorded incidents in the Singapore Straits as 27 incidents were reported from vessels transiting these waters compared to seven for the same period in 2024. 

While most incidents were considered low-level opportunistic crimes, crew members were at great risk with guns reported in 14 incidents. In 2024, guns were reported in 26 incidents globally. Ten crew members were taken hostage in six separate incidents, two were threatened and one was reported injured.

Ninety-two percent of all vessels targeted in the Singapore Straits were successfully boarded, including nine bulk carriers and tankers over 100,000 deadweight tonnage in size. 

IMB Director Michael Howlett, said: “The reported rise of incidents in the Singapore Straits is concerning, highlighting the urgent need to protect the safety of seafarers navigating these waters. Ensuring the security of these vital routes is essential and all necessary measures must be taken to safeguard crew members.”

Note: The full summary of the IMB Piracy Report for January to March 2025 can be read here. 

Photo credit: The ICC International Maritime Bureau
Published: 21 April, 2025

A Panama-flagged crude oil tanker was boarded by an armed gang while transiting eastbound in the Philip Channel, 4.5 nautical miles northwest of Pulau Terung, Indonesia, according to Ambrey Analytics, the digital intelligence arm of the Ambrey risk management group, on Monday (21 April). 

The three individuals were reportedly armed with knives. At the time of the incident, the vessel was underway at 10.3 knots with an estimated freeboard of 6.3 metres. 

“The tanker was observed continuing on its original planned route to Johor, Malaysia,” Ambrey Analytics said in a report. 

It said crews transiting the Singapore Strait with freeboards lower than 10 metres are advised they are at heightened risk. 

“Crews should lock down access to the accommodation block and ship's stores. It is recommended to carry out partnered deck patrols. Do not confront criminals,” Ambrey Analytics added.

Photo credit: Ambrey Analytics
Published: 21 April, 2025

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) on Monday (14 April) was alerted at about 1.30pm that a moored Belize-registered dredger, KSE Hitachi, had sunk off Tuas.

There were no personnel reported to be on board the dredger at the time of the incident.

“MPA is investigating the incident,” it said in a statement. 

Port operations remain unaffected. It added that a navigational broadcast has been issued to advise passing vessels to keep clear of the area. 

“The dredger’s company is making arrangements to salvage the vessel,” it said. 

Three MPA patrol crafts have been deployed to the site to render assistance.

Photo credit: Manifold Times
Published: 15 March, 2025