Piracy and armed robbery at sea continue to be a pressing concern in Asia, and 2025 is shaping up to be a particularly worrying year. ReCAAP reports 112 incidents already in 2025, surpassing the total of 107 incidents recorded in 2024.
The trend shows a clear uptick compared to recent years, with 2023 reporting 101 incidents, 2022 at 84, 2021 at 82, and 2020 at 97.
Nature of the Incidents
Most of the incidents in 2025 fall under Category 4 and Category 3. The Straits of Malacca remain the hotspot for these events, consistent with historical trends.
Rising Trend and Global Context
If this trend continues, 2025 could become one of the years with the highest number of piracy and armed robbery incidents in Asian waters in recent history. It is important to note that these numbers only include incidents that authorities report in Asia.
The total number of maritime attacks could be even higher when including regions like the Red Sea and other strategic shipping lanes.
Historical Perspective
Looking back, piracy in Asia has fluctuated over the years:
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2020–2024: 97–107 incidents annually
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2015: 203 incidents — the record year in recent decades
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Early 2000s: Over 250 incidents in 2000, showing that piracy has long been a regional challenge
The data indicates that while improvements in maritime security have reduced extreme peaks, the threat remains persistent and requires continuous monitoring and collaboration between port authorities, shipping companies, and regional security agencies.
Looking Ahead
Asia remains a focal point for maritime security concerns, and the rising number of piracy incidents in 2025 underlines the need for continued vigilance, crew training, and preventive measures.
While most incidents are low-risk in terms of crew safety, the sheer number and frequency highlight that piracy in Asian waters cannot be underestimated.
