In the first half of 2026, incidents of maritime piracy and armed robbery at sea dropped to their lowest recorded level since 1992, as reported by the International Maritime Bureau (IMB) of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC). This significant reduction indicates improved security measures and international cooperation in combating maritime crime.
Despite the overall positive trend, the IMB has issued a caution against overconfidence. The report highlights that the safety of seafarers continues to be at risk, and there has been a noticeable, albeit slight, increase in piracy activities originating from Somalia. This resurgence underscores the persistent threat in certain regions and the need for continued vigilance.
For freight forwarders and operations managers, this data suggests that while global maritime security has generally improved, specific trade lanes, particularly those transiting areas historically prone to piracy like the Gulf of Aden and off the coast of Somalia, still require careful risk assessment. Carriers may adjust war risk premiums or security protocols based on these regional fluctuations, potentially impacting routing decisions and operational costs for shipments. Forwarders should stay informed about specific threat advisories and ensure their clients' cargo is adequately insured against piracy risks, especially for voyages through identified high-risk areas.