The ICC International Maritime Bureau (IMB) is reporting an increase in piracy activity globally against shipping during the first nine months of 2023 reversing a trend that had seen activity reach modern lows. The third quarter report shows that there has been an increase in piracy in the Gulf of Guinea, the Callaoanchorage in Peru, and the Singapore Strait and Southeast Asia, the three primary hot spots for piracy, with an especially alarming rise in the number of crew being taken hostage in these incidents.
The number of incidents against ships globally was up 10 percent in the first nine months of 2023 versus 2022. In total, the IMB received reporting for 99 attacks up from 90 in the first nine months of 2022. The increase also exceeded the level of activity in 2021, when 97 incidents were recorded in the first nine months of the year.
While the IMB believes most of the attacks are opportunistic, they are highlighting that the pirates have become more effective in their tactics. Perpetrators boarded 89 percent of the vessels they targeted or a total of 85 ships in the first nine months of 2023. Most often it was bulkers, which accounted for 40 of the vessels attacked, but tankers and containerships were also targeted as were smaller vessels including commercial fishing boats.
The incidents were nearly evenly split between vessels anchored or underway. A total of 51 were anchored when they were attacked while 40 were underway. Only eight ships were at berth when they were attached.
The number of crew that were taken hostage during the incidents nearly tripled (from 27 to 69), with the IMB noting the violent nature of some of the attacks. For example, in April when the Singapore-flagged product tanker, MT Success 9 was attacked around 307 nm south-southwest of Abidjan, Ivory Coast, the vessel was boarded by twelve pirates wearing ski masks and gloves and armed with guns. Hijacking the tanker, the crew was restrained with cable ties and kept hostage as part of the oil cargo was stolen. Before leaving the vessel, the pirates also destroyed the tanker’s navigational equipment.
"The Gulf of Guinea stands as a region of concern with a rise in reported incidents, as opposed to the downward trend we have seen in the past two years,” said IMB Director Michael Howlett. During the first nine months of 2023, the number of reported incidents reached 21 compared to 14 last year, and notably in addition to the 51 crew held hostage, 14 were kidnapped versus none in 2022, and two crew were injured in the incidents. Most of the incidents in the region took place in Ivory Coast, Sierra Leone, and The Congo.
Southeast Asia however remains the primary area for piracy attacks. Of the 99 reported incidents globally, 53 were in Southeast Asia and specifically 33 in the Singapore Strait. The IMB notes that 25 percent of the incidents were reported in July. While most of the reports continued to be petty crimes with ship stores or property stolen, they however noted that five crew were taken hostage and two were threatened during 31 boarding in the Singapore Strait.
Elsewhere in the world, the IMB received reports for an increased number of incidents also in the Callao Anchorage in Peru. There nine crew were taken hostage during 13 incidents. The organization also recorded an increase in the number of incidents in the Indonesian archipelago.
The IMB renewed its calls for regional efforts to safeguard shipping and trade as the number of incidents is again on the rise. Further, they also expressed concern over the risk of late or underreporting of incidents. They commended local authorities for investigating nearly all reported incidents while noting that late reporting hampers the efforts of the authorities.
As a maritime security expert with a comprehensive understanding of global piracy trends, I bring to light the concerning surge in piracy activities reported by the ICC International Maritime Bureau (IMB) during the first nine months of 2023. My extensive knowledge in this field allows me to dissect and elucidate the various facets mentioned in the provided article.
Firstly, the report indicates a notable increase in piracy incidents worldwide, reversing a previous trend of reaching modern lows. The Gulf of Guinea, the Callao Anchorage in Peru, and the Singapore Strait and Southeast Asia emerge as the primary hot spots for piracy. The spike in crew hostage incidents, particularly in these regions, is alarming, signifying a shift in the dynamics of maritime security.
The statistics presented in the article reveal a 10 percent uptick in global piracy incidents compared to the same period in 2022, with a total of 99 attacks reported, up from 90 in the previous year. This increase surpasses the activity level recorded in 2021, highlighting a concerning escalation in maritime security threats.
Notably, the IMB emphasizes that the attacks are largely opportunistic but underscores the growing effectiveness of pirate tactics. Boarding occurred in 89 percent of targeted vessels, indicating a high success rate for pirates, affecting various types of ships, including bulkers, tankers, containerships, and even smaller vessels like commercial fishing boats.
The geographic distribution of these incidents is diverse, with vessels being attacked both while anchored and underway. The article underscores that 51 vessels were anchored, 40 were underway, and only eight were at berth during the attacks, providing insights into the vulnerability of ships at different stages of their maritime journey.
The report draws attention to the tripling of the number of crew taken hostage during these incidents, rising from 27 to 69. Specific instances, such as the attack on the Singapore-flagged product tanker MT Success 9, illustrate the violent nature of these encounters, with pirates employing intimidation tactics, restraining crew members, and stealing cargo.
Regionally, the Gulf of Guinea emerges as a significant cause for concern, with reported incidents increasing from 14 to 21 in the first nine months of 2023. Notably, Ivory Coast, Sierra Leone, and The Congo witness the majority of incidents in this region, including crew kidnappings and injuries.
Southeast Asia, however, remains the primary area for piracy attacks, accounting for 53 out of the 99 reported incidents globally. The Singapore Strait, with 33 incidents, stands out as a major piracy hotspot, with July recording a quarter of the reported incidents. While many incidents involve petty crimes, the article highlights instances of crew hostage-taking and threats during boardings in the Singapore Strait.
The Callao Anchorage in Peru also experiences an increase in piracy incidents, with nine crew members taken hostage during 13 reported incidents. Additionally, there is a noted rise in incidents in the Indonesian archipelago, broadening the scope of global piracy concerns.
In response to these escalating threats, the IMB calls for regional efforts to safeguard shipping and trade. They express concern about the potential for late or underreporting of incidents, emphasizing the importance of timely reporting for effective response and investigation by local authorities.
In conclusion, the reported surge in piracy incidents underscores the evolving challenges faced by the maritime industry. The need for collaborative regional efforts and timely reporting becomes paramount in addressing this resurgence of maritime piracy globally.
