The ICC International Maritime Bureau (IMB) has published its Annual Report for 2025, finding an increase in global maritime incidents and piracy and armed robbery in 2025, but classifying most cases as low-level.

Most reported incidents in 2025 were categorized as low level, violence against crew continues, with 46 crew members taken hostage in 2025 compared to 126 in 2024 and 73 in 2023. Twenty-five crew were reported kidnapped, compared to 12 in 2024 and 14 in 2023. A further 10 crew were threatened, four injured and three assaulted in 2025.

The reported use of guns continues to rise. In 2025, they were reported in 42 incidents compared to 26 in 2024. Knives were reported in 33 incidents in 2025, compared to 39 incidents in 2024.

ICC Secretary General, John W.H. Denton AO said

“The rise in reported maritime incidents highlights the importance of protecting seafarers and securing key shipping routes not only for crew safety, but for the stability of global supply chains and the economies that depend on them. Ensuring safe passage at sea requires sustained cooperation, with regional and international partners working together to safeguard maritime commerce”

Piracy off Somali coast contained by naval presence

Although only a small number of incidents were reported off the Somali coast in 2025, two incidents in November took place far from shore, showing that Somali pirate groups still have the ability to operate at range. In both cases, well-prepared crews, together with the swift response of naval forces, ensured the safety of the vessels and their crews.

The lack of a broader resurgence in Somali piracy continues to reflect the strong deterrent effect of sustained naval presence, supported by vessel hardening and the use of best management practices. IMB acknowledges active patrolling and robust responses to piracy by naval forces and encourages their continued presence in these waters.

The Gulf of Guinea also saw another year of restricted piracy activity, thanks to the efforts of the Gulf of Guinea authorities. Twenty-one incidents were reported in 2025, compared with 18 in 2024, and 22 in 2023.

Efforts to curb incidents require further coordination and strengthening to reduce violence against crew members said the report. In 2025, the region accounted for the kidnapping of 23 crew in four separate incidents, along with three hostages and one injured crew.

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