Hydra with new heads
New piracy hot spots are forming, according to an IMB report.
Overall, piracy decreased significantly in 2021, the IMB has reported from London. In addition to the Gulf of Guinea, new regions are increasingly causing concern, however.
The gist of the message is true. According to the latest annual report on piracy, published by the International Maritime Bureau (IMB) in January, pirate attacks and armed robberies in 2021 fell to their lowest levels recorded since 1994. The IMB attributes this decline “to the measures taken by the authorities”, but calls for unwavering and long-term vigilance, which is warranted in view of the rise of fresh geographical hot spots where seafarers and cargo are increasingly at risk of coming under pirate attack.
From Africa via Asia to Latin America
According to the most recent data, a total of 132 incidents of piracy and armed robbery against merchant vessels were recorded across the globe in 2021. While the waters of the Gulf of Guinea remain the epicentre of piracy worldwide, the number of incidents in that region decreased from 81 in 2020 to 34 in 2021. The increasing presence of international warships, including from the Spanish and Danish navies, was seen to have an impact here.
In the busy Singapore Strait, a total of 35 incidents was recorded in 2021, which constitutes a doubling of piracy activity compared to 2020 and the highest number recorded since 1992. In the ports of Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Mexico and Haiti, a combined total of almost as many incidents (36) was recorded in 2021 – a figure that also represents a significant increase from the 30 incidents in the previous year.
Overall, 31 ships were illegally boarded in Latin American and Caribbean ports; most of these incidents occurred while the vessels were anchored. Two other ships were fired upon and three attempted attacks were unsuccessful. Incidents at Peru’s El Callao anchorage increased particularly noticeably, from eight in 2020 to no less than 18 in 2021.