In the first nine months of 2026, the ICC International Maritime Bureau (IMB) reported 51 cases of piracy and armed robbery, a significant decrease from 116 cases during the same period last year, reaching the lowest level since 1992.
Piracy Incident Details
The IMB report indicates that during this period, 36 vessels were boarded, 8 vessels were hijacked, and 4 incidents of shooting at ships were recorded. Additionally, in 86% of the incidents, criminals successfully boarded the vessels, with most of these incidents occurring at night.
Violence against crew members remains a concern, with 105 crew members directly affected, compared to only 72 in the same period of 2025. Weapons were identified in 53% of the reported incidents in the first nine months of 2026.
Concerns Over Somali Piracy
Although the total number of piracy incidents has historically decreased, the IMB has recorded an increase in Somali pirate activity from January to September 2026. Somali pirates are responsible for 8 hijackings and 94% of all crew members kidnapped globally. Most hijacked vessels have been released with crew members reported safe.
However, regional authorities in Puntland reported in late September that five crew members were killed and five others injured before the release of a product tanker flagged under Palau named Honour 25, which was hijacked on April 21, 2026.
While these incidents demonstrate the ongoing capability of Somali pirates to target vessels in the region, their scale and scope are not comparable to the deep piracy operations during the 2008-2013 period.
Overall, this report underscores the importance of strictly adhering to Best Management Practices (BMP) recommendations to prevent hijacking and protect crew members. IMB officials emphasized the need for continuous monitoring to ensure the safety of sailors and vital trade routes.
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