The latest annual report on acts of maritime piracy carried out by the International Maritime Organization highlights how in 2025, 171 cases of piracy and robbery were recorded armed against ships, an increase of +17% compared to the 146 cases of the 2024 and 150 in 2023. Last year, the most affected area was was once again that of the Straits of Malacca and Singapore where 122 accidents occurred (+34%), equal to over 70% of the world total. In the region, about 89% of attacks are occurred against ships in navigation, signal - underlined the IMO - a growing operational capacity of criminal groups that act along one of the most trafficking of the planet. Furthermore, despite the number of seizures of crews has decreased slightly, in 2025 in the area the risks for seafarers remained high as they were 27 crew members kidnapped or taken hostage. Following the West African region with 21 accidents (+24%), the Indian Ocean with ten accidents (-47%) and the Sea region South Chinese with six (-40%).

The report points out that, while the overall increase in attacks, last year the total number of seafarers seized or taken hostage, on the other hand, decreased significantly: 69 people in 2025 compared to 132 in the previous year.