Padmesh Prabhune –
The rate of maritime crime and piracy have reduced this year to 79 incidents, falling to their lowest level since 1994, according to the latest report by the ICC International Maritime Bureau (IMB).
According to the report, the 20 percent decline in incidents this year as compared to the last year marks a significant overall reduction. It is the lowest reported numbers since 1994.
IMB received reports of 79 incidents for the period between January and September 2024, down from 99 incidents in the same period last year. Bulkers appear to be the most vulnerable to incidents possibly due to the large number of these types of vessels which accounted for more than a third or a total of 30 of the reports. The reports however were nearly evenly split between vessels at anchor (38 incidents) and underway (37 incidents).
Michael Howlett Director of IMB said, “With reported incidents at their lowest since 1994, the decline in reported piracy and armed robbery incidents is encouraging.”
Adding further that the IMB commend governments and law enforcement for their excellent work, which has made this improvement possible. “This is an important time to reinforce our message not to be complacent, and for vessel owners and operators to adhere to IMB guidelines.”, he said.
According to report in the first nine months of this year, 62 vessels were boarded, six were hijacked while nine faced attempted attacks and two were fired upon. In 86 percent of incidents, perpetrators successfully gained access to the vessel with most incidents occurring at night.
While the incidents have reduced but violence towards crew members remains concerning, with 111 crew taken hostage, 11 kidnapped, and 03 threatened. In 45 of the reported incidents, they said the perpetrators were armed with weapons, guns, and knives.
Further the report cites that the Indonesian Archipelago saw a steady rise in the number of reported incidents wherein 17 incidents were reported as compared to 12 in 2023 and 09 in 2022. Weapons were reported in 11 incidents, 27 crew were taken hostage and one crew was threatened.
Two hijackings were reported, in February and September, in nearly the same location South of Tanjung Malatayur, Central Kalimantan where oil cargoes were stolen from barges under tow.
On the other hand, the Gulf of Guinea witnessed the lowest number of reports since 1996 wherein just 12 reports were received; with 11 crew kidnapped and 21 taken hostage, in the area.
There were also 08 incidents reported in the waters off Somalia and the Gulf of Aden, with 03 hijacked vessels and 02 fired upon.
The IMB mentioned that it did not received reports of any maritime piracy incidents from vessels transiting these waters between July and September, possibly due to the prevalence of monsoons.
Marex Media