Surge in piracy, armed robbery in the Straits of Malacca and Singapore seen in H1

80 incidents were reported from January to June, four times higher compared to same period last year.

There were 80 incidents of piracy and armed robbery reported in the Straits of Malacca and Singapore (SOMS) in the first half of 2025, up from 21 in the same period last year.

According to a report by anti-piracy and sea robbery group ReCAAP, of the 80 incidents, 77 occurred on the eastbound lane of the Singapore Strait, two incidents occurred in the precautionary area, and one incident took place in the westbound lane of the Singapore Strait.

According to the report, more than half (52%) of the incidents in SOMS occurred onboard bulk carriers while underway or sailing.

In half (50%) of the incidents, the perpetrators escaped empty-handed.

In 90% of the incidents, the crew of the ships were not injured.

Across all of Asia, a total of 95 incidents of piracy and armed robbery against ships were reported from January to June 2025. This represents an 83% increase compared to the 52 incidents reported in the same period last year.