Renewed Piracy Activity in the Indian Ocean and Singapore Strait
Recent warnings have been issued for ships operating in the Indian Ocean and the Singapore Strait due to renewed piracy activity, despite a general decrease in maritime crime worldwide. Key maritime security organizations, EUNAVFOR and ReCAAP ISC, have warned of potential piracy originating from Somalia and an increase in incidents in the Singapore Strait.
Rising Threat in the Indian Ocean
The European Union Naval Force (EUNAVFOR), which monitors piracy in the Indian Ocean, has reported a resurgence of piracy from Somalia. On October 22, 13 armed pirates reportedly set out from Somalia in two separate groups, expanding their reach further out to sea than usual. This tactic shift could put a larger area at risk.
These new warnings follow incidents in the Red Sea last year, where pirates captured a bulk carrier and boarded several other vessels. Although the Indian Navy intervened to free the hostages, one crew was held until a ransom was paid. Some pirates are using fishing vessels as “motherships” to operate farther from shore, a tactic that allows them to target larger merchant ships. Experts believe the recent end of the monsoon season, with its calmer seas, may be a factor encouraging renewed piracy activity.
Surge in Incidents in the Singapore Strait
In Southeast Asia, the Regional Cooperation Agreement on Combating Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships in Asia (ReCAAP) has recorded an increase in piracy incidents in the Singapore Strait, with 39 incidents reported since January 2024. Most incidents involve sea robbery rather than hijacking, but some recent cases involved armed individuals, raising the risk to crews.
On October 18, three incidents occurred within two hours in the Singapore Strait’s Phillip Channel:
• Bulk carrier Nyon: Five intruders with knives were spotted in the engine room, but they escaped without stealing anything.
• Aspasia Luck: Ten armed individuals entered the engine room, stealing engine parts.
• Maran Spirit: A lone intruder was seen, but no losses were reported.
Most of these incidents are near Indonesia’s Phillip Channel. ReCAAP has advised ships to increase vigilance and urged local authorities to step up patrols.
New Challenges for Maritime Security
This renewed piracy activity in key maritime regions is a challenge for the global shipping industry. Although the International Maritime Bureau recently reported a global decline in maritime crime, incidents in the Indian Ocean and Singapore Strait highlight ongoing risks.
Shipping operators are advised to remain vigilant, with EUNAVFOR and ReCAAP recommending constant lookout and coordination with local authorities. With maritime traffic increasing after the monsoon season, heightened security measures are essential to protect vessels and crews in these vulnerable waters.
Should you require confidential, expert advice, our team are available at your disposal. Contact us at enquiries@priavosecurity.com.