Maritime Piracy Hits Lowest Level Since 1991

Global maritime piracy figures for the first quarter of 2026 have dropped to their lowest levels since 1991, according to data released by the International Maritime Bureau (IMB).

The decline marks a 35-year low for reported attacks against shipping vessels during the opening three months of the year. This downward trend is corroborated by reports from the International Maritime Organization (IMO), which recorded five piracy incidents during the month of February 2026.

Institutional Monitoring and Reporting

The figures are compiled by the IMB Piracy Reporting Centre, which operates a 24-hour monitoring facility in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The IMB is a specialized department of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) and functions as a division of ICC Commercial Crime Services.

To ensure standardized data collection, the IMB Piracy Reporting Centre adheres to the specific definition of piracy established by the IMO. The bureau’s crime-fighting operations are endorsed by the IMO, and the organization maintains observer status with Interpol alongside a memorandum of understanding with the World Customs Organization.

Beyond quarterly statistics, the IMB maintains a live piracy and armed robbery map to track specific incident types, including attempted attacks, boardings, hijackings, and the presence of suspicious vessels. This tracking is supplemented by the publication of weekly piracy reports intended to protect the crews of ocean-going vessels and combat commercial fraud.

The IMB Piracy Reporting Centre continues to monitor global waters through its 24-hour facility in Kuala Lumpur.