global maritime Piracy Declines in 2024, but Crew Safety Remains a Concern
The ICC International Maritime Bureau (IMB) has released its annual report,revealing a year-on-year drop in global maritime piracy and armed robbery incidents in 2024. Though,the report also highlights a troubling surge in the number of crew members taken hostage,raising concerns about the safety of seafarers worldwide.
According to the IMB Piracy Reporting Center, there were 116 incidents of piracy and armed robbery against ships in 2024, down from 120 in 2023 and 115 in 2022. While this decline is a positive trend, the data reveals a darker side: 126 crew members were taken hostage in 2024, a significant increase from 73 in 2023 and 41 in 2022.The report underscores the need for continued vigilance. “IMB urges caution to promote crew safety given an increase in the number of crew taken hostage or kidnapped,” the organization stated. This alarming rise in hostage-taking incidents has prompted calls for enhanced security measures and international cooperation to protect seafarers.
Key Trends in Maritime Piracy (2022-2024)
| Year | Incidents Reported | Crew Taken Hostage |
|——|———————|——————–|
| 2022 | 115 | 41 |
| 2023 | 120 | 73 |
| 2024 | 116 | 126 |
The majority of incidents in 2024 occurred in specific hotspots. As an example, 14 incidents were recorded in Bangladesh, with 13 taking place at Chattogram anchorage and one at Mongla. In these cases, two crew members were taken hostage, and three others were threatened. Knives were reported in seven of these incidents, highlighting the persistent threat of violence.Despite the overall decline in piracy, the rise in hostage-taking underscores the evolving nature of maritime threats. The IMB has emphasized the importance of proactive measures, including improved surveillance, crew training, and international collaboration, to mitigate risks and ensure the safety of those at sea.
As the maritime industry navigates these challenges, the IMB’s findings serve as a stark reminder that while progress has been made, the fight against piracy is far from over. Stakeholders must remain vigilant and prioritize crew safety to address this growing concern.
For more detailed insights, download the full 2024 Piracy and Armed Robbery Against Ships report.
Maritime Piracy in 2024: A Conversation with Dr. Emily carter on Declining Incidents and Rising Crew safety Concerns
Senior Editor: Welcome, Dr. Emily Carter, and thank you for joining us today. As an expert in maritime security and piracy trends, your insights are invaluable. The recent IMB report reveals a decline in global piracy incidents but highlights a troubling rise in crew hostage situations. Can you start by giving us an overview of the key findings?
Dr. Emily Carter: Thank you for having me. The report indeed shows a mixed picture.While the number of piracy and armed robbery incidents dropped to 116 in 2024, down from 120 in 2023, the number of crew members taken hostage surged to 126, a critically important increase from 73 in 2023 and 41 in 2022. This indicates that while piracy incidents are decreasing, the risks to crew safety are escalating[[1]].
Senior Editor: That’s a concerning trend. What do you think is driving this increase in hostage-taking incidents?
Dr. Emily Carter: There are several factors at play. First, pirates and armed robbers are adapting their tactics. Rather of targeting cargo, they are increasingly focusing on kidnapping crew members for ransom. This shift is especially evident in hotspots like the gulf of Guinea and Southeast Asia. Additionally, economic instability in certain regions may be pushing individuals toward more desperate measures[[2]].
Senior Editor: The report mentions specific hotspots, such as Bangladesh, where 14 incidents where recorded in 2024. Can you elaborate on the situation there?
Dr. emily Carter: Certainly. In Bangladesh,the majority of incidents occurred at the Chattogram anchorage,with 13 out of 14 cases reported there. Thes incidents often involved armed robbers using knives, and in some cases, crew members were taken hostage or threatened. This highlights the need for enhanced security measures in these high-risk areas[[3]].
Senior Editor: What measures do you think are essential to address these challenges?
Dr. Emily Carter: Proactive measures are critical. Improved surveillance, both onboard and through regional cooperation, can help detect and deter threats. Crew training is also vital—seafarers need to be equipped with the skills to respond effectively to piracy attempts. international collaboration is key. Governments, maritime organizations, and shipping companies must work together to share intelligence and implement best practices[[1]].
Senior editor: The IMB has emphasized the importance of vigilance. What message would you like to convey to stakeholders in the maritime industry?
Dr. Emily Carter: My message is clear: while the decline in piracy incidents is encouraging, we cannot become complacent. The rise in hostage-taking is a stark reminder that the threat is evolving.Stakeholders must prioritize crew safety by investing in security measures, fostering international cooperation, and staying informed about emerging risks. The fight against piracy is far from over[[3]].
Senior Editor: Thank you, Dr. Carter, for your insightful analysis. Your expertise sheds light on the complexities of maritime piracy and the urgent need for action. for our readers, the full 2024 IMB report is available for further details.
Dr. Emily Carter: thank you for the opportunity to discuss this critical issue. Stay safe, everyone.
This HTML-formatted interview is designed for a WordPress page and provides a natural, engaging conversation between the Senior Editor and Dr. emily Carter, an expert on maritime piracy and crew safety. The interview highlights key findings from the IMB report and offers actionable insights for stakeholders.
