The frequency of armed robbery against ships in Asian waters fell by nearly two-thirds in the first half of 2026, improving safety for crew and cargo on key trade routes including the Strait of Malacca and Singapore Strait, according to a new report from the ReCAAP Information Sharing Centre.
Incident Overview
The ReCAAP Half Year Report for January to June 2026 recorded only 35 incidents of armed robbery against ships, representing a 64% decrease compared to the 96 incidents reported during the same period in 2025, according to the report. This is also the lowest January–June incident count since the first half of 2019, when 28 incidents were reported. All 35 incidents were classified as armed robbery against ships occurring in internal waters, territorial seas, and archipelagic areas under coastal state jurisdiction. The majority of these crimes were opportunistic thefts committed by non-confrontational perpetrators who employed a “hit-and-run” approach. Of the total incidents, 21 took place while ships were underway, while 14 occurred while vessels were anchored.
Regional Variations
Several regions saw notable decreases in incident numbers, including Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, the South China Sea, Vietnam, and the Straits of Malacca and Singapore. However, Philippine ports and anchorages experienced a surge, with 10 incidents reported from January to June 2026 compared to zero during the same period last year, as per the report. In response, the Philippine Coast Guard arrested several perpetrators between January and April 2026.
| Region | H1 2025 Incidents | H1 2026 Incidents | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Asia | 96 | 35 | -64% |
| Strait of Malacca/Singapore | 80 | 21 | -74% |
| Philippine ports/anchorages | 0 | 10 | +10 incidents |
| Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, South China Sea, Vietnam | Data not specified | Decrease | — |
Strait of Malacca and Singapore Focus
Each year approximately 30% of Asia-bound container flows, energy shipments, and transshipment traffic, or 94,000 ships, passes through the Strait of Malacca, one of the world’s most important maritime chokepoints, according to the report. Malacca and Singapore remained a focal point, with 21 incidents reported, accounting for 60% of all incidents in Asia during the first half of 2026. Despite this concentration, the figure represents a substantial 74% decrease from the 80 incidents reported in the same period of 2025.
The incident profile reveals clear patterns: 20 incidents occurred in the eastbound lane of the Singapore Strait, with only one taking place in the precautionary area. Bulk carriers were the most frequently targeted vessel type, accounting for 62% of incidents, followed by barges towed by tugboats at 29% and tankers at 9%. In terms of timing, approximately three out of every four incidents occurred at night between 9 p.m. and 6 a.m. Perpetrators primarily focused on taking engine spares, which occurred in 33% of the incidents, or stealing scrap metal from barges, which occurred in 24% of the cases. Crucially, crew members remained uninjured in 85% of these incidents, though crew were threatened or injured in the remaining 10% of cases.
Industry and Law Enforcement Response
“The combination of effective preventive measures by the shipping industry and firm operational response by the law enforcement agencies of the littoral states,” said ReCAAP ISC Executive Director Vijay Chafekar, attributing the sharp decrease in incidents. He noted that the remaining petty theft cases are localized in the eastbound lane of the Phillip Channel in the Singapore Strait and can be contained through visible countermeasures onboard ships.
Implications for Shippers and Operators
For freight forwarders, logistics managers, and ocean carriers operating in Asia, the 64% drop in armed robbery incidents means reduced risk of cargo theft, crew injury, and vessel delays. The improved security environment can lower insurance premiums and operational costs on routes through the Strait of Malacca and other affected areas. However, the surge in Philippine ports demands heightened vigilance for vessels calling at those anchorages. The concentration of incidents at night on bulk carriers in the eastbound Singapore Strait suggests targeted countermeasures — such as enhanced watchkeeping, lighting, and security patrols — can further reduce risk. With crew safety remaining high (85% uninjured), the industry's preventive measures are proving effective, but the 10% of incidents where crew are threatened or injured underscore the need for continued investment in onboard security protocols.
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