LP 25/2022 Global Piracy at Lowest Level in Recent Years Yet Risks Persist in These Two Areas

The IMB reported a total of 58 piracy and armed robbery incidents against commercial vessels globally for the first half of 2022, which are at their lowest level since 1994.

The ICC International Maritime Bureau (IMB) issued its Piracy and Armed Robbery Report for the first half of 2022 indicating a total of 58 incidents – 55 boarded, 2 attempted and 1 hijacked. 23 crews were taken hostage, 5 were threatened and none were kidnapped. The total number of incidents, at its lowest for the first half of any year since 1994, is down nearly 15% from the 68 reports in the first half of 2021. Incidents within the Gulf of Guinea waters fell to 12 this year, while the Singapore Straits and the Callao Anchorage of Peru continued to be hotspots for piracy with respectively 16 and 7 incidents reported for the first six months this year (27 incidents in the Singapore Straits according to ReCAAP). Members are advised to remain vigilant and take effective counter-piracy precautions while trading in these areas.

I. Gulf of Guinea

Thanks to the combined efforts of regional authorities, local navies and international warships, no incidents of crew kidnapping were reported in the waters of the Gulf of Guinea in the first half of 2022, and piracy incidents decreased from 23 in the first half of 2021 to 12 in the same period this year. Yet a product tanker was reported hijacked off the Ivory Coast on 24 January 2022 and all 17 crew members were taken hostage. On 3 April a Panamax bulk carrier was boarded 260 nautical miles off the coast of Ghana, and with the crew immediately taking refuge in the vessel’s citadel and timely escort of the Italian Navy the attack was ultimately aborted. Despite a decrease in reported incidents, the threat of piracy and crew abduction in the region persists. Ships transiting the Gulf of Guinea waters should follow recommendations and guidelines presented in the BMP WA and keep a vigilant lookout using all available means.

II. Gulf of Aden

Only two incidents have been reported in the waters of the Gulf of Aden since 2018 – one in 2018 and another in 2021. There were no recent piracy attacks but several suspicious reports. Although the opportunity for incidents has reduced, the threat of piracy still exists in the waters off the southern Red Sea and in the Gulf of Aden, which include the Yemeni and Somali coasts, and the Somali pirates continue to possess the capability and capacity to carry out incidents. All merchant ships are advised to adhere to the recommendations in the latest BMP while transiting in these waters. The continued downward trend in piracy has prompted leading shipping organizations to reduce the geographic boundaries of the “High Risk Area” (HRA) in the Indian Ocean, which has applied from 1 September 2021.

III. Singapore Straits

Piracy incidents in Singapore Straits (SS) have continued to rise since 2019, which some may argue is because of the financial difficulties at local communities and loss of livelihood due to the ongoing COVID-19. A total of 16 piracy incidents were reported in the SS in the first half of 2022, essentially the same as in 2021, representing 28% of all incidents reported globally. The perpetrators were successful in boarding the vessels in all 16 incidents reported. While considered low level opportunistic crimes, crews continue to be at risk with weapons reported in at least six incidents. Whereas the ReCAAP Half Yearly Report indicated a total of 27 piracy incidents against ships in SS during January-June 2022, with 19 incidents occurred in the eastbound lane of TSS, in particular off the Batam Island and the Bintan Island, and the other eight in the precautionary area and the westbound lane.

Analysis on the 149 incidents reported to ReCAAP during 2018-2022 shows that piracy incidents in SS have continued to increase since 2018. Targets of the local perpetrators have shifted from tugboats and towing barges to primarily larger vessels, bulk carriers in particular. In 2021, attacks on bulk carriers accounted for 63% of the total incidents reported that year. Approximately 75% of the incidents occurred in the eastbound shipping lane with a cluster of them off the Batam Island and the Bintan Island. Piracy incidents occurred mainly during night time, accounting for nearly 83% of all incidents. Ships transiting the Singapore Straits, especially in the eastbound lane, are advised to remain vigilant and take the following precautions.

• Keep abreast of the latest situation at recaap.org particularly the incident-prone areas in the SS;
• Implement preventive measures recommended in the Regional Guide 2 to Counter Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships in Asia;
• Sound alarm when suspicious boats are sighted loitering in the vicinity of the ship or suspicious individuals are sighted on board the ship, and report to VTS immediately;
• Ships are strongly encouraged to report maritime security incidents or anomalous behaviour to the IFC via email at information fusion center@defence.gov.sg in accordance with the Guidelines for Shipping Companies on Voluntary Community Reporting (VCR).

 IV. Callao Anchorage

Incidents have been increasing since 2018. Seven incidents were reported in the first half of 2022, all of which involved pirates boarding anchored ships, with four crew taken hostage. Pirates usually operate with ship cables, materials and crew belongings, taking advantage of the dark hours at anchor to board fully loaded and poorly guarded ships, while also boarding from the stern when the ship is slowing down or throwing up anchor operations. Most of the perpetrators are armed with guns or knives and there have been cases where crew members were reported to be injured. Therefore, Member ships calling at Callao port are advised not to take it lightly, and the Association’s local agent has issued a circular advising Members of the following precautions to be taken while at anchor in Callao.

• Maximise vigilance and increase watch keeping while at anchor (with special attention to the bow and stern decks) for early detection of any small vessels intending to approach.
• Adequate lighting should be arranged around decks and ships, and searchlights may be used to illuminate the sea from time to time in order to detect unknown small vessels in a timely manner.
• Although pirates do not normally come to blows head-on, there have been recent instances of pirates using guns and knives and the crew should be well protected and respond properly.
• Deck cables should be tied up or unused cables put in storage to avoid theft.
• All boarding devices such as pilot ladders and gangways should be stowed and not hung over the side of the ship.
• Maintain contact with the port and report to “Costera Callao” or “TRAMAR Callao” if you see any unidentified boat approaching or boarding the ship and ask to arrange a patrol boat.

For more information, please contact Managers of the Association.