During the first six months of 2025, 90 pirate attacks were recorded worldwide, representing a 50% increase compared to the same period in 2024, according to the latest report from the International Maritime Bureau (IMB) on piracy and armed robbery incidents against merchant vessels. This figure is the highest since 2020.
According to the report, from January to June 2025, a total of 79 ships were boarded, four were hijacked, one was fired upon, and six other attacks were attempted. Violence against crews remains high: 40 sailors were taken hostage, 16 were kidnapped, five were threatened, and three were injured or assaulted.
By region, the Singapore Strait has solidified its position as the global epicenter of piracy, with 57 recorded attacks, accounting for 63.3% of the total and nearly quadrupling the figure from the same period in 2024. According to the IMB report, most boardings in these waters occur on vessels exceeding 150,000 tons, with a 95% success rate for attackers. Although considered low-level opportunistic crimes, the use of weapons and the vulnerability of crews are raising growing alarm.
Critical Routes
In other traditionally volatile areas, such as Somalia and the Red Sea, no new incidents have been recorded since April 2025, although the IMB warns that the threat persists and could resurge with the change of season and the end of the monsoon. Southeast Asia, beyond the Singapore Strait, and South America show stable figures, though sporadic incidents require attention.
For IMB Director Michael Howlett, “the Singapore Strait is a critical route for maritime transport, with vessels carrying nearly 30% of global trade. This surge in incidents is deeply concerning, as it jeopardizes the safety of sailors and the stability of international trade.” Howlett insists that “the safety of crews and the protection of trade routes must be a priority, and it is essential that shipowners and officers strictly adhere to best management practice recommendations.”
