• Maritime security incidents increased by over 30 percent in 2025, highlighting a growing trend of illicit activities and boardings across several global regions.
• The Singapore Strait continues to be the most frequent site for vessel boardings, with a notable return of attacks on container ships after a ten-year hiatus.
• Conflict-related threats in the Black Sea and Red Sea have led to an increase in physical attacks on bulk carriers from drones, missiles, and other weapons.
• Limited naval resources and slow response times for deep offshore attacks necessitate the implementation of Best Management Practices and heightened crew awareness.

The 2025 Risk Intelligence report indicates a complex landscape for global maritime security, characterized by a 30 percent increase in security incidents compared to the previous year. While kidnappings of seafarers remain relatively rare when compared to the peak years of 2019 and 2020, three separate cases were recorded in 2025. This rise suggests that despite some positive developments in regional cooperation, the threat to merchant and fishing vessels remains a significant concern for the industry.

Security challenges are particularly concentrated in specific geographical regions. In the Gulf of Guinea, incidents range from low-level thefts to more serious kidnap-for-ransom attacks. The report notes that these activities are often linked to a broader lack of security at sea and limited resources for naval and law enforcement agencies. However, many of the perpetrators in this region tend to avoid physical confrontation if discovered, suggesting that simple deterrent measures can be effective. In Southeast Asia, the Singapore Strait remains a high-risk area, accounting for a large portion of vessel boardings. Notably, container ships were targeted in this area for the first time in a decade, and authorities have observed increasingly erratic behavior from perpetrators.

Conflict zones also present unique dangers. In the Black Sea, commercial vessels have faced increased risks due to the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia, with ships being targeted or suffering collateral damage while docked or underway. Similarly, the Red Sea has seen bulk carriers targeted by Houthi forces based on interpreted political alignments. These vessels are often vulnerable due to their slow speeds and the time required for cargo operations. While counter-mine measures have successfully reduced some risks, the persistent presence of drifting mines and the use of modern technology like UAVs and USVs continue to complicate the safety environment for seafarers worldwide.