IMO issues Reports on Acts of Piracy and Armed Robbery Against Ships

International Maritime Organization (IMO) has issued 2021 Annual Report of all incidents of piracy and armed robbery against ships reported to the Organization. The reports are accompanied by an analysis of the situation, an indication on whether the frequency of incidents is increasing or decreasing and advising on any new feature or pattern of significance.

Piracy and Armed Robbery Report

In total, 172 incidents of piracy and armed robbery against ships were reported to the Organization as having occurred or been attempted in 2021. In 2020, 229 incidents were reported, whereas the number was 193 incidents in 2019. This constitutes a decrease of about 25% at the global level compared to last year, and the lowest number of reported incidents at the global level since 1996.

The areas most affected by acts of piracy and armed robbery in 2021 were the Straits of Malacca and Singapore (69 incidents), West Africa (38 incidents) and South America (Pacific) (19 incidents), followed by, South China Sea (16 incidents), South America (Caribbean) (16 incidents) and Indian Ocean (5 incidents).

RELEVANT DOCUMENT (AVAILABLE ONLY TO SUBSCRIBERS):

MSC.4/Circ.266 REPORTS ON ACTS OF PIRACY AND ARMED ROBBERY AGAINST SHIPS