Global Maritime Piracy Incidents Reach Historic Lows, Somali Activity Resurges

The ICC International Maritime Bureau (IMB) has reported a significant reduction in maritime piracy and armed robbery incidents worldwide during the first nine months of 2026, reaching the lowest figures recorded since 1992. Despite this overall decline, a notable resurgence in Somali piracy incidents has prompted the IMB to urge continued vigilance and adherence to Best Management Practices (BMP).

According to Hellenic Shipping News Worldwide, the IMB Piracy Reporting Centre (PRC) recorded 51 incidents between January and September 2026. This marks a substantial decrease from 116 incidents reported during the same period in 2025. Of the 51 incidents, 36 vessels were boarded, eight were hijacked, four were fired upon, and three attempted boardings occurred. In 86% of cases, perpetrators successfully gained access to vessels, predominantly at anchor or steaming, with most boardings taking place at night.

While the number of incidents decreased, the threat of violence against crew members remains a concern. A total of 105 crew members were directly affected in the first nine months of 2026, an increase from 72 in the corresponding period of 2025. Weapons were identified in 53% of reported incidents.

Somali Piracy Risks Heighten

IMB Director Michael Howlett acknowledged the historically low incident levels but highlighted the recent increase in Somali piracy. Somali pirates were responsible for eight vessel hijackings and 94% of all crew taken hostage globally between January and September 2026. Most hijacked vessels were subsequently released, with crews reported safe. However, a tragic incident in late September saw Puntland authorities report five crew members killed and five injured during the release of the Palau-flagged product tanker Honour 25, which had been hijacked on 21 April 2026.

The IMB noted that vessels implementing the latest BMP have successfully deterred hijacking attempts, even when pirates managed to board. The current scale and reach of Somali piracy operations are not comparable to the deep-sea piracy that characterised the 2008-2013 era, but these incidents underscore the continued capability of Somali pirates to target vessels in the region.

Declines in Other Key Regions

The Gulf of Guinea experienced a significant reduction, with only two incidents reported from January to September 2026 and none in the last quarter. The IMB commended the efforts of littoral states in maintaining these low levels.

Similarly, the Singapore Straits saw a welcome decrease in reported incidents, falling to 13 in the first nine months of 2026 from 73 in the same period last year. Despite the reduction, perpetrators in the Singapore Straits were armed with guns or knives in over 69% of incidents and successfully boarded all targeted vessels, indicating ongoing risks. Two crew members were taken hostage, two were threatened, and one was injured in the region. Indonesian Archipelagic waters also reported fewer incidents, with six in the first nine months of 2026 compared to nine in 2025. Nine anchored vessels were boarded in the Philippines, with two crew taken hostage and weapons reported in five cases.

Mr Howlett concluded that the reductions in the Gulf of Guinea and Singapore Straits are encouraging, reflecting the positive impact of sustained efforts by authorities, and emphasised the importance of maintaining momentum through continued vigilance and timely reporting.