Piracy Cases Surge 80 in Straits of Malacca, Singapore H1 2025

Piracy and armed robbery incidents against ships in Asia surged by 83% in the first half of 2025, with 95 cases reported compared to 52 in the same period last year, according to the Regional Cooperation Agreement on Combating Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships in Asia (ReCAAP). The majority of these incidents, 80 in total, occurred in the Straits of Malacca and Singapore, a region flagged as a significant area of concern. Most attacks were low severity, with 90% causing no crew injuries and involving perpetrators targeting slow-moving, ill-prepared ships, especially bulk carriers and tankers, often under the cover of darkness. Despite the increase in cases, there have been no severe violent acts or hijackings in the past several years, though the presence of armed intruders has a substantial psychological impact on crews. The ReCAAP report highlights that socioeconomic factors may be driving these crimes, as many attacks involve the theft of low-value items or even no theft at all. Authorities are urged to increase patrols and crews advised to enhance vigilance and preventive measures during vulnerable transit areas to deter unauthorized boardings.