Fewer Pirate Attacks in 2024, but Rising Number of Seafarer Hostage-Takings Cause Concern
Globally, there were slightly fewer pirate attacks in 2024 compared to the previous year. Notably, the Gulf of Guinea has seen a significant decline in the number of attacks since 2020. However, piracy remains a serious threat to seafarers, particularly with a sharp rise in the number of hostage-takings being a cause for concern.
The International Maritime Bureau (IMB) has just released a report showing that there were slightly fewer pirate attacks on shipping in 2024 than in previous years. In total, 116 incidents of pirates targeting ships were reported globally last year, which is four fewer than the year before.
“It is good news that the IMB can report a slight decrease in the number of pirate attacks. Hopefully, this trend will continue. Piracy poses not only a serious threat to the lives and health of seafarers but is also an attack on the critical supply chains that connect global trade,” said Nina Porst, Director of Climate, Environment, and Safety at Danish Shipping.
Previously, there has been particular focus on the threat from pirates in the Gulf of Guinea, where several countries – including Denmark, which deployed the frigate Esbern Snare to the region in 2021 – have sent warships to protect maritime traffic in the area from frequent pirate attacks. International efforts in the region, combined with improved regional cooperation, have proven effective, with the number of incidents falling from 81 in 2020 to 18 in 2024.
It is good news that the IMB can report a slight decrease in the number of pirate attacks. Hopefully, this trend will continue.
However, pirates continue to pose a threat to maritime shipping and the safety of seafarers in many parts of the world. It is especially concerning that 2024 saw a significant rise in the number of seafarers taken hostage. This occurred 126 times in 2024, compared to 73 and 41 in the two preceding years, respectively.
“Unfortunately, it seems that piracy is a phenomenon that never completely disappears and continues to emerge in different areas around the world. It is therefore crucial that shipping companies conduct the necessary safety and risk assessments and take appropriate precautions to reduce the risk of pirate attacks. Additionally, it is essential that the international community maintains focus on the problem and works closely together to combat piracy, as has been successfully done in the Gulf of Guinea,” said Nina Porst.