Witherbys.com
Posted by Witherbys, ICS on 18th Dec 2025
Piracy and Armed Robbery at Sea: 2025 Overview
Reported piracy attacks on shipping increased by 50% in the first half of 2025, according to the International Maritime Bureau (IMB) (Tradewinds, 2025).
Indian Ocean – Somali Piracy Resurges
Recent IMB reporting highlights a resurgence of Somali Piracy in 2025, including multiple incidents involving vessels being approached, fired upon and boarded at significant distances from shore (Skuld, 2025; Splash 247, 2025).
The importance of crew safety and the need for consistent reporting continues to be stressed by IMB.
The most serious event occurred on 6 November 2025, when the Malta flagged tanker HELLAS APHRODITE was fired upon and boarded approximately 560 nm southeast of Eyl (Skuld, 2025).
Gulf of Guinea – Crew Kidnappings Continue
While piracy in the Gulf Of Guinea has declined from its mid-2010s peak, IMB reports that recent 2025 incidents have involved multiple crew kidnappings (Seatrade Maritime, 2025).
Nine crew were kidnapped from a gas carrier of Equatorial Guinea and ten crew were abducted from another vessel earlier in 2025 (Rivieramm, 2025).
These events reinforce that the region remains a persistent risk to vessels and crews.
Asia – Incidents Increase in 2025
ReCAAP recorded 127 piracy and sea robbery incidents in 2025, compared with 107 in 2024, with the Straits of Malacca and Singapore accounting for the majority.
Often conducting long and predictable transits through the Singapore Strait, more than 50 incidents have occurred in the bulk carrier segment, the highest number of reported cases. (Container News, 2025).
Conclusion
Understanding regional trends and maintaining current, practical security guidance remains essential for shipowners, operators and crews.
For those responsible for ship security planning and onboard preparedness, the new ‘Piracy, Armed Robbery and Conflict at Sea (2026 – 27 Edition)’ provides consolidated guidance aligned with today’s operating environment.
Order now in print and eBook at https://shop.witherbys.com/piracy-armed-robbery-and-conflict-at-sea-2026-27-edition/
Further Reading:
https://splash247.com/emboldened-somali-pirates-spark-fear-in-the-indian-ocean/
https://www.skuld.com/topics/port/piracy/somali-piracy-surge-update--guidance/
https://www.seatrade-maritime.com/piracy/nine-crew-kidnapped-from-gas-carrier-off-equatorial-guinea