The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has published its Annual Report on acts of piracy and armed robbery against ships for 2024, noting a decrease in incidents compared to 2023.
According to information in IMO’s GISIS module on piracy and armed robbery, 146 incidents of piracy and armed robbery against ships were reported in 2024. In 2023, 150 incidents were reported, and in 2022, there were 131 incidents. This represents a decrease of about 2.7% compared to last year. The affected areas in 2024 included the Straits of Malacca and Singapore (91 incidents), Indian Ocean (19 incidents), West Africa (17 incidents), South China Sea (10 incidents), Arabian Sea (7 incidents), South America (Caribbean) (1 incident), and South America (Atlantic) (1 incident).
Incidents in the Straits of Malacca and Singapore
In the Straits of Malacca and Singapore, incidents increased to 91 from 85 in 2023, a 7% rise. About 77% of these incidents targeted steaming ships, compared to 58% worldwide in 2024.
Incidents in the Indian Ocean
In the Indian Ocean, incidents increased to 19 from 5 in 2023, with 18 occurring in port areas and one in international waters.
Incidents in the Gulf of Guinea (West Africa)
In the Gulf of Guinea (West Africa), incidents decreased by 5 to 17, a 23% drop compared to 2023. Five incidents involved hostage/kidnapped crew, totaling 42 crew members, with 29% in international waters and 71% in port areas.
Incidents in the South China Sea
In the South China Sea, incidents decreased by 4 to 10, a 29% reduction.
Incidents in the Arabian Sea
In the Arabian Sea, incidents rose to 7 from 2 in 2023, a 250% increase, all occurring in international waters.
Incidents in South America and the Caribbean
In South America and the Caribbean, incidents dropped by 17 to 2, an 89% decrease. The Caribbean saw a drop from 4 incidents in 2023 to 1 in 2024, while the South American Atlantic region remained at 1 incident, the same as 2023. No incidents were reported in the South America Pacific region, which had 14 incidents in 2023.
Crew taken hostage/kidnapped
The total number of crew reported as taken hostage/kidnapped in 2024 remained at 132, an increase from 92 in 2023. The number of crew taken hostage/kidnapped in West Africa decreased to 42 from 68 in 2023. However, 9 crew members were taken hostage/kidnapped in the Indian Ocean and 44 in the Arabian Sea in 2024, while no such incidents occurred in 2023.
Total number of piracy and armed robbery incidents
From 1984 to December 2024, the total number of piracy and armed robbery incidents reported to the Organization has risen to 9,014. Information on each report is available in the piracy and armed robbery module in GISIS.
