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The article entitled "Piracy: A Persistent Threat to Seafarers" highlights both positive and unsettling trends regarding maritime piracy as of the early 2025s. In consideration of data from the International Maritime Bureau's Piracy Reporting Centre (IMB PRC), it has been revealed that the number of global piracy and armed robbery incidents fell by 3% in 2024 in comparison to those that were reported the previous year. Nevertheless, there are still certain regions where the risks are notably high:

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Somali Pirate Activity:

Somali pirates resumed their activities after having been dormant for several years as the first piracy-related attacks to occur since 2017 are recorded, with nine incidents incidences including four hijackings occurring in the Western Indian Ocean and Gulf of Aden between late December 2023 and May 2024. The attacks took place far from the coast of Somalia, indicating an expanding operational area.

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Gulf of Guinea:

Although piracy was at historical lows, the region accounted for all crew kidnappings reported in 2024, continuing to pose a danger for marine crews.

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Southeast Asian Waters:

A worrying increase in piracy and armed robbery has been seen in the Singapore Strait. In 2024, ReCAAP ISC reported Pulau Cula, Indonesia, in the Philip Channel as a hot spot. The upward trend continues into 2025, with 12 incidents recorded from January 1 to February 10.

In addition, the IMB PRC reports a dramatic increase in the violence employed against crew members; the number of persons affected has doubled for the second year in a row-from 55 in 2022 to 151 in 2024. There has also been a significant increase in weapon usage during these attacks.

In conclusion, while piracy has gone down marginally on the international count, seafarers are exposed to serious threats in high-risk regions, with the problem of violence against crews reaching alarming proportions.

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Piracy: A Persistent Threat to Seafarers – Hellenic Shipping News

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