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Posted On: 1/17/2026, 5:07:08 PM
Last Update: 1/17/2026, 5:07:08 PM
Piracy and armed robbery incidents in the Straits of Malacca and Singapore (SOMS) increased significantly in 2025, marking the highest levels since 2007, as reported by the ReCAAP Information Sharing Centre (ISC).
In 2025, ReCAAP recorded 108 incidents in the SOMS, a 74% increase from 2024's 62 incidents, marking the highest number in 19 years.
Across Asia, 132 piracy and armed robbery incidents were reported in 2025, a 23% rise from 107 in 2024, with 127 being actual incidents and five attempts.
In 2025, despite an increase in the number of incidents, ReCAAP reported a decline in severity, with over half classified as low severity involving unarmed perpetrators and no injuries.
Notably, there were no incidents categorised at the highest severity level, in contrast to two cases in 2024.
Most incidents in the SOMS took place in the eastbound lane, predominantly involving bulk carriers (52%), followed by tankers (23%), tugboats towing barges (12%), container ships (10%), and general cargo vessels (3%).
Moreover, the incidents primarily involved opportunistic thefts occurring at night, typically between 8 pm and 6 am. In about half of the cases, no items were stolen despite boarding.
When thefts occurred, the most frequently stolen items included engine spares, ship stores, unsecured equipment, and personal belongings of crew members.
ReCAAP stated that the increase in maritime incidents does not indicate a heightened threat to trade in the SOMS, attributing it largely to minor theft rather than major attacks.
Besides, data shows that from January to June 2025, there were 80 reported sea robbery incidents, nearly four times the amount during the same period in 2024.
In the second half of 2025, incidents decreased significantly from August to December, attributed to arrests by Indonesian authorities, including the Riau Islands Regional Police.
ReCAAP highlighted the role of CCTV footage from ships in aiding law enforcement in suspect identification and arrests, demonstrating effective enforcement's impact.
In Asia, there were fewer reported incidents in ports and anchorages in Bangladesh, Indonesia, and the Philippines compared to 2024, though India experienced a slight increase.
The Sulu-Celebes Seas and Eastern Sabah waters have shown a continuing improvement in security, with no crew abduction incidents reported for the fifth consecutive year.
In January 2025, the Philippine Coast Guard lowered the crew abduction threat level from “Moderate Low” to “Low.”
The ISPS Code Course in London covers the fundamentals of maritime security, emphasising how to defend ships and port infrastructure against dangers like terrorism, piracy, and illegal entry. The ISPS requirements, security planning, roles and duties, and effective responses at various security levels are all explained.
ReCAAP's Efforts to Combat Piracy Since 2006
ReCAAP has assured that it will maintain its operations despite the United States' withdrawal from various international organisations, including itself.
Furthermore, the centre emphasised its continued commitment to fighting piracy as a regional cooperation platform since 2006, prior to the US joining in 2014.
Even though there was a record number of incidents in Singapore and the Straits of Malacca in 2025, ReCAAP stated that robust enforcement measures and regional collaboration prevented major threats and kept the vital maritime route mainly secure.
