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International trade

Spike in Armed Robbery Incidents Raises Concerns for Vital Singapore Strait Trade Route

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The Singapore Strait, a critical shipping route handling 30% of global trade flows, has seen a surge in armed robbery incidents, according to the International Maritime Bureau (IMB) Piracy Reporting Centre. The number of reported incidents in the first half of 2025 has reached 90, a 50% increase compared to the same period in 2024. This has driven the crime to its highest level since 2020, with concerns growing for crew wellbeing and the security of international commerce.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Singapore Strait recorded 57 incidents in the first half of 2025, accounting for 63% of total globally reported incidents.
  • The boarding of large vessels exceeding 150,000 DWT in the Singapore Strait remains a significant concern, with a 95% success rate of boardings.
  • Crew safety and wellbeing remain fragile, with 13 crew members held hostage, 5 threatened, 3 injured, and 1 assaulted during incidents.
  • The Gulf of Guinea continues to pose significant risks to crew safety, with 12 incidents reported in the first half of 2025, accounting for 87% of all crew kidnappings globally.
  • Somalawaters maintain a continued threat of potential piratical incidents, particularly as the Southwest Monsoon subsides in the coming months.
  • The IMB continues to encourage all seafarers transiting waters known for piratical and armed robbery incidents to exercise vigilance and follow recommended practices outlined in the latest Best Management Practices.

Statistics:

  • 90 cases of piracy and armed robbery against ships were recorded in the first half of 2025, a 50% increase compared to the same period in 2024.
  • 57 incidents were reported in the Singapore Strait in the first half of 2025, accounting for 63% of all globally reported incidents.
  • 79 vessels were boarded, 6 attempted attacks, 4 hijackings, and 1 vessel fired upon during the first half of 2025.
  • 40 crew were taken hostage, 16 kidnapped, 5 threatened, 3 injured, and 1 assaulted during incidents.
  • 12 incidents were reported in the Gulf of Guinea in the first half of 2025, accounting for 87% of all crew kidnappings globally.

Sources:

  • International Maritime Bureau (IMB) Piracy Reporting Centre
  • International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) News: Spike in Armed Robbery Incidents Raises Concerns for Vital Singapore Strait Trade Route
  • https://iccwbo.org/news-publications/news/spike-in-armed-robbery-incidents-raises-concerns-for-vital-singapore-strait-trade-route/

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