The International Maritime Bureau (IMB) has reported a continued rise in global maritime piracy and armed robbery incidents in 2025, with 137 cases recorded worldwide, up from 116 in 2024. While the majority of incidents were classified as low level, violence against crews remains a serious concern, including kidnappings, hostages, threats and injuries. The use of firearms increased sharply, underscoring the persistent risks faced by seafarers even in opportunistic attacks. Regional trends show that sustained naval presence has helped contain piracy off the Somali coast, while coordinated enforcement efforts have limited activity in the Gulf of Guinea, though crew kidnappings still occurred. The Singapore Straits emerged as the global hotspot in 2025, accounting for more than half of all reported incidents, before improved law enforcement actions led to a decline later in the year. The IMB stressed that timely reporting and continued cooperation among navies, regional authorities and industry stakeholders are essential to protecting seafarers and safeguarding global supply chains.