Global maritime piracy hits lowest level since 1992 in first half of 2026

The International Maritime Bureau (IMB) reports that global piracy and armed robbery incidents dropped to 38 in the first half of 2026, the lowest mid-year figure recorded in over three decades. While the overall decline is a positive sign for the shipping industry, the report highlights a concerning resurgence in Somali piracy, which accounted for the vast majority of crew hostages during this period. These findings underscore the ongoing need for a sustained naval presence and strict adherence to security protocols to protect seafarers and global trade routes.

According to the ICC’s International Maritime Bureau, the first half of 2026 saw 38 recorded incidents of piracy and armed robbery, a significant decrease from 90 incidents during the same period in 2025 and 60 in 2024. Of these 2026 incidents, 27 vessels were boarded, five were hijacked, three were fired upon, and three faced attempted attacks. Despite the record-low numbers, the human cost remains a critical concern for the maritime sector, with 67 crew members taken hostage, two threatened, and one injured during the six-month period.

Somali piracy has re-emerged as a primary threat, with the IMB attributing 94% of all crew hostage situations to Somali-based actors. Between April and May 2026, four vessels were hijacked in the region, with additional attacks and approaches reported throughout June. The IMB and ICC are urging international naval forces to maintain a visible deterrent and calling on ship operators to strictly follow Best Management Practices (BMP) to prevent boardings. This resurgence highlights the continued capability of Somali pirates to target various vessel types despite broader global improvements in maritime security.

Regional performance varied across major shipping hubs, with the Gulf of Guinea reporting only two incidents, a success attributed to the efforts of littoral states and regional partners. In contrast, the Singapore Straits saw a decline in total incidents but still recorded cases of crew being threatened or taken hostage. Meanwhile, Manila Anchorage experienced a sharp rise in criminal activity, with eight incidents reported in the first half of 2026—including three in June alone involving perpetrators armed with guns and knives—compared to zero incidents during the same timeframe in 2025.

IMB representative Mr. Howlett emphasized the importance of prompt reporting by masters and ship operators to ensure faster responses and improve overall safety for vessels in high-risk areas. While the general downward trend in piracy is encouraging for the shipping industry, the IMB warns against complacency, noting that the safety of seafarers remains at risk. The report concludes that sustained regional cooperation and coordinated enforcement measures are essential to securing key trade arteries and protecting global commerce from evolving criminal threats.