London, 9 July 2026 – Maritime piracy and armed robbery incidents fell to their lowest level since 1992 in the first half of 2026, according to the latest report from ICC’s International Maritime Bureau (IMB), released today. However, IMB warns there is no room for complacency, with crew safety still at risk and a slight resurgence of Somali piracy underscoring the need for continued vigilance.
Thirty-eight incidents of piracy and armed robbery against ships were recorded in the first half of 2026, a decrease from 90 incidents for the same period in 2025 and 60 in 2024.
From January to June, 27 vessels were boarded, five hijacked, three fired upon and three attempted attacks. Despite the lowest mid-year figures since 1992, danger to crew continues with 67 crew taken hostage, two threatened, and one injured.
The IMB reports that Somali pirates were responsible for 94% of all crew taken hostage, demonstrating their continued capability to board all types of vessels and the escalation of activities in the waters off Somalia.
IMB Director Michael Howlett said:
“The lowest mid-year level of reported piracy and armed robbery incidents since 1992 is encouraging and reflects the impact of sustained efforts by governments, law enforcement agencies and the maritime community. However, there is no room for complacency. Crew safety remains at risk, and the slight uptick of Somali piracy is a reminder that continued vigilance and regional cooperation remain essential to protect seafarers, global shipping and trade.”
Slight resurgence of Somali piracy
Despite a decline in global piracy incidents, Somali piracy remains a threat. Four vessels were hijacked in the region between April and May 2026, while additional attacks and approaches were reported in June.
While adherence to Best Management Practices (BMP) has helped prevent further boardings, IMB and ICC are urging international naval forces to maintain a strong and visible deterrent presence in the region to counter any potential escalation.
A welcome reduction in Gulf of Guinea and Singapore Straits
With only two reported incidents in the Gulf of Guinea during the first half of 2026, IMB commends the efforts of littoral states and regional partners to strengthen maritime security. While this progress is encouraging, IMB reiterates the need for continued patrols and regional cooperation to deter criminal activity and safeguard life at sea.
A decline in incidents was reported in the Singapore Straits from January to June with two vessels boarded in April and one each in May and June. Two crew were threatened in separate incidents, while a further two crew were taken hostage for the duration of an incident and one crew injured.
As one of the world’s busiest trade routes and a key artery connecting East and West, enhanced engagement and coordinated enforcement measures among littoral states remain essential to further reduce incidents and ensure the safety of seafarers and global commerce.
Sustained vigilance and timely reporting
Reported incidents at Manila Anchorage increased during the first half of 2026, with three vessels boarded by perpetrators armed with guns and knives while at anchor in June alone. The eight incidents reported during the period compare with no incidents during the same period in 2025. IMB urges vigilance among vessels operating in the area.
“We continue to urge masters and ship operators to report all incidents promptly. Timely reporting enables faster responses, helps prevent further incidents and improves the safety of crew and vessels operating nearby,” said Mr Howlett.
Request a copy of the January to June 2026 Maritime Piracy and Armed Robbery Against Ships report here.
About the IMB Piracy Reporting Centre
Since its founding in 1991, IMB’s Piracy Reporting Centre serves as a crucial, 24-hour point of contact to report crimes of piracy and lend support to ships under threat. Quick reactions and a focus on coordinating with response agencies, sending out warning broadcasts and email alerts to ships have all helped bolster security on the high seas. The data gathered by the Centre also provides key insights on the nature and state of modern piracy.
IMB encourages all shipmasters and owners to report all actual, attempted and suspected global piracy and armed robbery incidents to the Piracy Reporting Centre as a vital first step to ensuring adequate resources are allocated by authorities to tackle maritime piracy.
For more information, please contact:
Michael Howlett,
Director, ICC International Maritime Bureau
Tel: +44 207 423 6960,
Email: mhowlett@icc-ccs.org
About the International Chamber of Commerce
The International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) is the institutional representative of more than 45 million companies in over 170 countries. ICC’s core mission is to make business work for everyone, every day, everywhere. Through a unique mix of advocacy, solutions and standard setting, we promote international trade, responsible business conduct and a global approach to regulation, in addition to providing market-leading dispute resolution services. Our members include many of the world’s leading companies, SMEs, business associations and local chambers of commerce.
