The ICC International Maritime Bureau (IMB) received 115 reports of maritime piracy and armed robbery incidents globally in 2022 and it has published an analysis report. The report notes that the number of incidents in 2022 was at its lowest in the last 30 years with a particular decrease of piratical activity within the Gulf of Guinea region. The overall downward trend should be credited to the joint efforts of coast guards, navies, local authorities and regional maritime organizations. Yet vessels are advised to remain vigilant about security risks as a single attack could have devastating results. With the impact of geopolitical tensions, economic depressions and loss of habitation, pirates may be elicited to dangerous acts such as attacking merchant vessels.

I. Locations of piracy incidents

During 2022, 58 piracy and armed robbery incidents against ships were reported in South East Asia, the highest number compared to other regions in the world. 38 occurred in Singapore Straits, and others were in and around Indonesian, Malaysian and the Philippines waters.

Two incidents were reported in East Asia, both in the Vung Tau Anchorage, Vietnam.

Most incidents reported in the Indian sub-continent were at Chittagong anchorages, Bangladesh. Two robbery incidents were at the Mongla Outer Anchorage. Robbers have also boarded vessels at the Kandla Anchorage and the Haldia Port in India.

For the South and Central America waters, risks remain high in Callao, Peru. The Macapa Anchorage, Brazil came in the second place, with four incidents reported.

No reported incidents for Nigeria while incidents of robberies were mostly in Ghana and Angola.

No piracy attacks were reported for Somalia and the Gulf of Aden.

II. Types of piracy incidents

Unfortunately, among the 115 piracy attacks during 2022, only five were attempted incidents and perpetrators were successful in 95% of incidents.

In an incident off Bioko Island, Equatorial Guinea, around nine pirates boarded the boat underway and fired upon the crew, two were kidnapped.

There were two hijack incidents, one off Abidjan, Ivory Coast and one off Turtle Islands, Sierra Leone. The armed pirates boarded the ships underway, took the crew hostage and stole crew cash, personal effects and ship’s properties.

The high level of actual incidents is closely related to the ship’s speed and freeboard height, apart from impact of weather and sea conditions.

III. Types of vessels affected

Bulk carriers carrying solid and liquid cargoes are both primary targets of pirates. This is partly because of the large number of these two types of ships, and bulk carriers usually move slowly with a rather low freeboard, which makes it easier for pirates to approach and board through ladders. Container ships and tugs are also frequently under attack. However, some believe that any type of ships can be targeted by pirates since they can take cargoes and assets on any ships illegally or just kidnap crews for ransom.

IV. Status of vessels movement during incidents

Most incidents occurred on anchored or steaming vessels. This is because even if alarms are sounded in open waters or at anchorages, it takes time for coast guards and naval forces to react.

During 2022, 38 of the 47 incidents reported on vessels underway were in Singapore Straits. There has been a sudden rise in incidents since 2019 and still increasing. It appears one or more groups are targeting passing ships including tugs/barges to rob them, especially during the night.

Incidents reported on vessels anchored were mostly in Callao, Peru. 11 were in the Callao Anchorage and one in the APM Terminal, Callao.

There were also attacks on anchored vessels in South East Asia off Batangas Anchorage, Philippines, Sabah, Malaysia and Belawan, Balikpapan, Panjang, Mapur Island and Jakarta Anchorage, Indonesia. Ship’s properties were stolen in some of these incidents. Masters and SSO are advised to be vigilant in these areas.

Four incidents were reported at Chittagong anchorages and two at Mongla Outer Anchorage, Bangladesh. In one incident at Mongla, about 18 robbers armed with long knives boarded an anchored ship and took the ship’s stores and properties. A deck watchman was taken hostage for a ransom. The Kandla Anchorage and the Haldia Port, India also reported robbery against anchored ships.

Five incidents were reported at Takoradi Anchorage, Ghana.

V. Types of arms used

With the overall number of piracy and robbery incidents dropping, the number of incidents involving weapons is also falling.

From 2018 to 2021, incidents where guns were used accounted for 30% on average of all incidents. The number dropped to 14% in 2022 and guns were used in only 16 incidents. Yet it should be noted that the type of arms used were not stated in 57 incidents.

VI. Types of violence to crew

No casualties were reported during 2022 incidents. Kidnap/ransom incidents peaked in 2019 and 2020 with over 130 reports each year. Only two incidents involved kidnapping of crews in 2022, both were off Equatorial Guinea.

The fact that the risk to crew remains should not be overlooked, with 41 crew taken hostage during 2022.

VII. Advice to Members

Despite the downward trend, all vessels are advised and encouraged to adhere to the BMP 5 recommendations and maintain strict anti-piracy and robbery watches. Employing Privately Contracted Armed Security Personnel is also advisable, only if qualification and compliance to local regulations can be guaranteed. The IMB PRC also encourages all incidents to be reported in a timely manner.

For the complete ICC-IMB Report, please go to the ICC-IMB official website or contact Managers of the Association.