We have received the piracy and armed robbery report for 2024 from the International Maritime Bureau Piracy Reporting Centre (IMB PRC) together with the summary below. For more details, please refer to the attached files.

Summary

A total of 116 incidents were reported to the IMB Piracy reporting Centre in 2024. These are broken down as 94 vessels boarded, 13 attempted attacks, six vessels hijacked and three fired upon. Violence against and threats to crew continue with 126 crew taken hostage, 12 kidnapped, 12 threatened, and one injured.

The majority of the successful incidents were reported while vessels were anchored or steaming.

Regions where incidents reported.

Somalia

A total of eight incidents reported in these waters. This includes the hijacking of two fishing vessels and one bulk carrier. Masters are urged to follow all recommendations in the latest Best Management Practices.

Gulf of Guinea

Activity remains relatively low in the Gulf of Guinea with 18 incidents reported in 2024, compared to 22 in 2023, 19 in 2022, 35 in 2021 and 84 in 2020. However, crew members continue to be at risk, with the region accounting for all 12 kidnapped crew and 23 % of the total number of crew taken hostage in 2024. The IMB commends the efforts of regional cooperation and coastal authorities and encourages them to continue and build on these efforts.

Asia

Indonesia: The Indonesian archipelago has seen a year-on-year increase in reported incidents, from 10 in 2022 and 18 in 2023 to 22 in 2024. While 20 incidents remain under the definition of armed robbery, two fall under the definition of piracy. A total of 31 crew members were taken hostage and one was threatened. Knives were reported in 10 incidents and guns in three.

Singapore Straits: The number of incidents in the Singapore Strait continues to rise, with 43 in 2024 compared to 37 in 2023 and 38 in 2022. The IMB Piracy and Armed Robbery Report for 2024 shows that 93% of vessels targeted were boarded and 11 large vessels over 100,000 deadweight tonnage (DWT) were targeted in this strategically important seaway.

Bangladesh: The highest number of incidents in a decade were reported at anchorages in Bangladesh. The IMB recorded 14 incidents in 2024, 13 of which were boarded while anchoring at Chattogram and one at Mongla anchorage. Two crew members were taken hostage and a further three were threatened. Knives were reported in seven incidents.