Piracy is back: the citadel and the “tough” watch decide again

In the first half of 2025, the International Maritime Bureau (IMB) counted 90 attacks on vessels. That’s +50% year-on-year and the highest figure for this period since 2020. For shipping this means one thing: a return to basic maritime discipline, where early threat detection, physical hardening of the ship, and a well-rehearsed “citadel procedure” once again save lives.

Where it’s hottest

The absolute epicenter has been the Singapore Strait. From January–June, 95 incidents were recorded in Asia (+83% y/y), of which 80 — in the Malacca and Singapore Straits (21 last year). These are mostly quick night boardings for theft that can easily turn into violence if the crew delays raising the alarm or fails to control the perimeter. For owners and masters this means: transiting the SOMS is no longer “routine,” but a high-risk stretch that requires reinforced watchkeeping, visible lookouts, and clear communication with coastal services.

At the other pole — the Gulf of Guinea. Although the total number of events is lower here, the risk of kidnapping crew for ransom has not disappeared. In March 2025 pirates kidnapped 10 seafarers from the tanker BITU RIVER (March 17) and 7 crew from three Ghanaian fishing vessels (March 27). These episodes confirm that the region still carries the highest “stake” — human life — and that errors in the citadel/shelter or notification procedures are far too costly here.

Why discipline makes the difference

Pirate “raids” today are shorter, focused on rapid boarding and escape. Therefore, the first line of defense is eyes and time: a well-organized bridge watch, continuous visual lookout, use of searchlights, CCTV, and clear voice procedures. International industry guidance explicitly emphasizes that a “proper, visible lookout is the most effective protective measure,” and early detection allows defenses to be deployed and deters attackers’ intent.

Next — physical hardening. When criminals use hook ladders or grapnels with lines, they are stopped by simple but well-installed “engineering”: razor wire, overhanging obstacles, water curtains, foam monitors, and “sweeping” water cannons. OCIMF describes this as layered defense: first deny access to the deck, then delay penetration into accommodation, and only then ensure the crew’s safe shelter. A key detail: everything must be fitted before entering the high-risk area, not “once” fast boats are already approaching.

Finally — the citadel. It’s not a “panic room,” but a rehearsed procedure: a designated space with independent communications, stores, and redundancy of critical systems, which everyone reaches within minutes and from which controlled communication with authorities is maintained. Global guidance (BMP5 and updated industry/IMO guidelines) stresses that a citadel works only when entry/exit, access blocking, and headcount are practiced and synchronized with the notification plan (IMB PRC, regional centers in Asia or the GoG).

What this means for 2025/26 voyages

First, the routing “arithmetic” changes: SOMS transits no longer tolerate a “soft” night watch — masters and owners should plan denser watch schedules, reinforce lookout in chokepoints, and keep the perimeter “clean” of gangways/lines that could be used for boarding. This kind of “meticulous” discipline removes the lion’s share of risk amid widespread small-scale intrusions.

Second, communication = safety. In the Singapore Strait — follow ReCAAP and coastal-state directives and report suspicious approaches promptly; globally — stay current via the IMB PRC (online incident map and rapid-contact channels). This isn’t “bureaucracy,” but a way to increase your ship’s visibility to security forces and receive support when every minute counts.

Third, people come first. The Gulf of Guinea reminds us: even a “minor” incident can end in kidnapping and prolonged captivity. Companies should adjust plans — from training to insurance and crisis support — in line with current advice from maritime administrations. Official U.S. advisories (MARAD) explicitly record recent kidnappings in the GoG and update contact lists and actions for shipowners.

The bare conclusion is simple: piracy has returned to the headlines, but it must not return to your deck. Early detection, firm watchkeeping, a “hardened” perimeter, and citadel discipline are the same basics that worked ten years ago — and they work today, as the statistics climb again. (uracos.org)

Sources: IMB H1 2025; ReCAAP HY 2025; MARAD 2025-008; BMP5/IMO Guidance; OCIMF Guidelines to Harden Vessels.