Global piracy and armed robbery attacks against commercial shipping have increased by some 12% during the first six months of 2023, compared to the same period last year.

A total of 65 incidents were recorded, up from 58 in the first half of 2022. 57 vessels were boarded, four were attacked, two were hijacked, and two were fired upon during the recorded period. According to anti-piracy body the ICC International Maritime Bureau (IMB), 36 crew members were taken hostage, 14 were kidnapped, three were threatened, two were injured and one was attacked.

IMB has highlighted the revival of recorded occurrences in the Gulf of Guinea waters as well as the increase in incidents in the Singapore Straits.

The Gulf of Guinea witnessed a surge in maritime incidents between Q1 and Q2 of 2023, with five incidents in the first quarter and nine in the second quarter. Out of these, 12 were classified as armed robberies and two as piracy, predominantly targeting anchored vessels in the region.

Large vessels transiting through the Singapore Straits remain targeted and boarded, with a significant 25% increase in reported incidents compared to the same period last year.

Meanwhile, IMB is reporting a sustained decrease in incidents in the Indonesian archipelagic region compared to years preceding 2020, with seven incidents recorded. South and Central American ports accounted for 14% of global incidents with 13 reported incidents.