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Global Piracy Rises to 137 Cases, With Singapore Strait the Epicenter

IMB reporting highlights frequent boardings, with crews facing real danger despite many incidents labeled minor.

Overview

  • The International Maritime Bureau counted 137 attacks and attempted attacks worldwide last year, up from 116 in 2024.
  • Pirates boarded vessels in 121 incidents, with four hijackings, two shootings, and ten attempted attacks recorded.
  • The Singapore Strait accounted for 80 cases, or 58.4% of the total, on a shipping corridor that handles about one-third of global trade.
  • Eight incidents involved vessels connected to Germany, a figure shaped by the widespread use of foreign flags in its commercial fleet.
  • A March case near Ecuador detailed how the container ship Callao Express detected two unlit boats, alerted authorities, increased speed, and evaded pursuit.