Web Alert: IMB publishes annual report on piracy 2015 showing slight increase from 2014

The IMB has published its report on piracy and armed robbery for the 12-month period from 1 January 2015 to 31 December 2015.

According to the IMB’s annual report, the number of reported incidents increased slightly, with 245 incidents in 2014 and 246 in 2015.

In total during 2015, 203 ships were boarded, 15 hijacked and there were 27 attempted attacks. In relation to crew, one seafarer was killed, 14 were injured and 19 kidnapped. Kidnappings were restricted to events in Nigeria. It is understood that 271 hostages were held on their ships in 2015, a marked decrease from the 442 seafarers held hostage in 2014.

In the final quarter of 2015, the IMB reports a reduction in the number of incidents in South-East Asia and in particular references the continued cooperation between the IMB’s Piracy Reporting Centre and the Indonesian Marine Police as contributing to the decline in events.

The club previously reported on the reduction of the High Risk Area (here). While the annual report records that there were no Somalian-based incidents in 2015, the IMB warns ships transiting the Gulf of Aden and surrounding area to remain vigilant to the risk of piracy in the region.

The following five countries make up the majority of the 246 reported incidents for 2015:

The main ship-types affected are as follows:

The club continues to advise members to be cautious about reported low levels of piracy incidents, especially off Somalia. We consider that a risk still remains despite the reported lack of incidents in 2015.  

We strongly recommend that members comply with the latest version of Best Management Practices (version 4) and related guidance in all affected areas. For further information, please contact your usual contact at the club or the authors of this article.