According to the ICC International Maritime Bureau (IMB), there has been a 12% increase in global piracy and armed robbery attacks against commercial shipping 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.
Out of these incidents, 57 vessels were boarded, four were attacked, two were hijacked, and two were fired upon.
Additionally, 36 crew members were taken hostage, 14 were kidnapped, three were threatened, two were injured, and one was attacked.
The IMB has highlighted two areas of concern.
The Gulf of Guinea has seen a surge in maritime incidents, with five incidents in the first quarter and nine in the second quarter of 2023.
These incidents primarily targeted anchored vessels in the region, with 12 classified as armed robberies and two as piracy.
The Singapore Straits have also experienced an increase in reported incidents, with a significant 25% rise compared to the same period last year. Large vessels transiting through this area remain targeted and boarded.
On the other hand, there has been a sustained decrease in incidents in the Indonesian archipelagic region compared to years preceding 2020, with only seven incidents recorded.
South and Central American ports accounted for 14% of global incidents, with 13 reported incidents. SOURCE: Spalsh 247.
