The Information Fusion Centre (IFC) reports that in the first half of 2024, it recorded a total of 1095 incidents, a 27% decrease from the same period in 2023 (1500 incidents), which is likely due to increased enforcement efforts, leading to fewer MARSEC Incidents at sea.
#1 Theft robbery and piracy: Total number of reported incidents: 50 (70 in 2023)
The number of incidents has decreased significantly compared to the same period in 2023, likely due to increased enforcement efforts by authorities and the vigilance of the shipping community, especially in the Singapore Strait (SS). However, there has been a rise in incidents in the Chattogram/Kutubdia and Dumai/Lubuk Gaung anchorage areas.
If enforcement efforts continue and the shipping community remains vigilant, the IFC expects the downward trend of incidents to continue into the second half of 2024. However, there are areas of concern such as the aforementioned anchorages, where perpetrators may resort to such crimes due to socio-economic factors or the need for alternative income following crackdowns on other maritime crimes such as IUUF.
#2 Maritime Incidents (MI): Total number of reported incidents: 302 (528 in 2023)
The number of incidents has decreased significantly compared to the same period in 2023, with the majority occurring in the Philippines and Indonesia. Bad Weather and Equipment Failure are the main causes of these incidents.
Based on past trends, the IFC expects the number of incidents in the second half of 2024 to increase, likely due to the onset of the Southwest Monsoon between July and September, leading to rougher seas and more extreme weather conditions that may impact maritime activities.
#3 Contraband Smuggling: Total number of reported incidents: 376 (434 in 2023)
The number of incidents has decreased compared to the same period in 2023, likely due to enhanced enforcement efforts and the implementation of economic
policies for certain commodities, making smuggling less lucrative.
#4 Illegal, Unregulated, and Unreported Fishing (IUUF): Total number of reported incidents: 293 (300 in 2023)
The number of incidents is comparable to 2023 over the same period with the majority occurring mainly in the waters off Malaysia, the Philippines and Sri Lanka.
#5 Irregular Human Migration (IHM): Total number of reported incidents: 55 (124 in 2023)
The number of incidents has decreased compared to the same period in 2023, likely due to enforcement efforts by regional authorities. Of note, there has been a notable decrease in number of people moving from Bangladesh and Myanmar to Indonesia and Malaysia, and an increase in the number of migrants entering Australia.
Based on past trends, the IFC expects that economic or political insecurity, conflict, and the displacement of minorities will potentially be the main catalysts for irregular methods of migration in the second half of 2024.
#6 Environmental Security (ENVSEC): Total number of reported incidents: 16 (21 in 2023)
The number of incidents has decreased compared to the same period in 2023. Majority of the incidents are due to MARPOL, mainly in waters off China, Malaysia and South Korea.
#7 Cyber Security (CYBSEC): Total number of reported incidents: 3 (13 in all of 2023)
The number of incidents has decreased compared to the same period in 2023, likely due to a lack of open-source reporting. The IFC expects cybersecurity threats in the industry to remain significant in the second half of 2024, as evidenced by reports of malware infiltrating the computer systems of cargo vessels in Europe this year.
#8 Maritime Terrorism (MT): Total number of reported incidents: 0 (0 in 2023)
There has been no incident since 2021, likely due to the ongoing enforcement effort by authorities.
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