In the first half of 2025, Asia reported a total of 95 piracy and armed robbery incidents against ships, marking an 83% year-on-year increase. The Singapore Strait and the Malacca Strait were the most severely affected areas, accounting for 84% of all cases in Asia with a combined total of 80 incidents—nearly four times the number recorded during the same period last year.
Of the 80 incidents in the Singapore and Malacca Straits, one occurred in the Malacca Strait, while the remaining 79 took place in the Singapore Strait. Among these, 77 were concentrated in the eastbound lane, two in the precautionary area, and one in the westbound lane.
From January to June this year, two of the 95 incidents were piracy cases in international waters, while the other 93 were armed robberies within coastal states’ territorial waters. Among these, 92 involved actual boardings, with three being attempted but unsuccessful.
Most cases were opportunistic crimes, with perpetrators typically targeting vessels with lower hulls, slower speeds, and weaker security measures, employing a “hit-and-run” approach. Aggressive confrontations were rare.
The report did not specify the exact reasons for the increase in incidents but noted that, in terms of severity, the proportion of less severe Category 3 and Category 4 cases among the 95 incidents rose significantly, reaching 40% and 48%, respectively—an increase of nine and 10 percentage points compared to the same period last year. Category 2 cases remained at eight, while no Category 1 incidents, the most severe, have been reported this year.
According to the ReCAAP website, Category 1 incidents involve large groups of armed perpetrators, often carrying firearms or sharp weapons, with crew members at risk of assault or kidnapping and significant losses to ships or cargo. Category 2 incidents involve fewer perpetrators, some armed, with crew briefly held hostage and valuables such as cash stolen. Category 3 cases typically involve small groups of perpetrators who may be armed but do not harm the crew, with some attempts failing. Category 4 incidents are the least severe, with unarmed perpetrators fleeing empty-handed upon detection, leaving the crew unharmed.
The report also noted that among the 80 incidents in the Singapore and Malacca Straits, over half (52%) targeted bulk carriers in transit, with 90% of cases resulting in no injuries to crew members.
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