Piracy trends: Rising hostage risks amid stable attack numbers in 2024

In 2024, the International Maritime Bureau (IMB) reported 116 piracy-related incidents worldwide, a figure that remains largely consistent with recent years. However, the nature of these attacks is shifting—with a troubling rise in hostage-taking and the use of weapons, posing new challenges for seafarers and the maritime industry at large.

While the overall number of piracy incidents has not significantly increased, the escalation in violence and crew targeting signals a growing threat to maritime safety.

Southeast Asia remains the global piracy hotspot, recording 70 incidents in 2024 and accounting for over 60% of all reported cases globally. The Singapore Strait alone witnessed 43 incidents, making it the most dangerous shipping lane in the region. Most attacks here involved armed boarding of vessels at anchor or during low-speed transit, targeting crew valuables, cargo, or vessel equipment.

The Gulf of Guinea (West Africa) came up as the epicentre for crew kidnappings, even as the total number of reported incidents slightly declined. All 12 reported crew abductions globally occurred in this region, underlining the persistent threat of organised, high-risk maritime crime.

Kidnappers often demand ransom, posing not only a financial burden on shipping companies but also grave psychological trauma for crew members.

Indonesia, despite previous improvements in maritime security, saw an uptick for the third consecutive year, with 22 incidents reported in 2024. Compared to 18 incidents in 2023 and 10 in 2022, the trend raises concerns about weakening enforcement or shifting criminal tactics within Indonesian waters.

Chattogram Anchorage (Bangladesh) recorded 14 incidents, making it the most active location for piracy in South Asia in a decade. The rise here reflects vulnerabilities in port security and the need for enhanced surveillance and patrolling measures.

In terms of weapon use, guns were reported in 26 incidents, a significant jump from 15 in 2023. Knives were also involved in 39 attacks, indicating growing aggression even in opportunistic boardings.