The ICC International Maritime Bureau (IMB) is calling for regional and international players to
sustain their efforts, particularly in the Gulf of Guinea, as global piracy and armed robbery incidents
reach their lowest levels since 1992.
ICC IMB’s latest global quarterly piracy report details 90 incidents of piracy and armed robbery against
ships in the first nine months of 2022, the lowest recorded figure in three decades.
Perpetrators were successful in gaining access to the vessels in 95% of the reported incidents which
are broken down as 85 vessels boarded, four attempted attacks, and one vessel hijacked. In many of
the cases vessels were either at anchor or steaming when boarded, with nearly all the incidents
occurring during the hours of darkness.
Though these are amongst the lowest reports in decades, violence to crew continues with 27 crew
taken hostage, six assaulted and five threatened. The risk to crew, however petty or opportunistic the
incident, remains real.
No room for complacency in the Gulf of Guinea
Of the 90 global piracy and armed robbery incidents, 13 have been reported in the Gulf of Guinea
region – compared to 27 over the same period of 2021 – signalling a positive and significant decline in
the number of reported incidents in the region off west Africa which emerged as the world’s biggest
piracy hotspot in recent years.
IMB Director Michael Howlett said: “We commend the efforts of the coastal authorities of the Gulf
of Guinea. While the decline is welcome, sustained and continued efforts of the coastal authorities
and the presence of the international navies remain essential to safeguard seafarers and long-term
regional and international shipping and trade. There is no room for complacency.”
Incidents on the rise in the Singapore Straits
Incidents in the Singapore Straits continue to increase with 31 reportsin the first nine months of 2022,
compared to 21 in the same period last year. Vessels underway, including several large vessels and
tankers, were boarded in all 31 reports and in most cases ship stores or properties were stolen. Crews
also continue to be at risk with weapons reported in at least 16 incidents, including some involving
very large bulk carriers and tankers.
IMB Director Michael Howlett said: “While these are so far considered low level opportunistic crimes,
with no crew kidnappings or vessel hijackings, littoral states are requested to increase patrols in
what is a strategically important waterway for the shipping industry and for global trade.”
