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Armed Robberies Against Asian Shipping Plummet 64% in First Half of 2026

Maritime security across Asia improved significantly in the first half of 2026, with armed robbery incidents against vessels declining to their lowest level since 2019. The ReCAAP Information Sharing Centre reported 35 incidents of armed robbery against ships from January through June, representing a 64% decrease from 96 incidents during the same 2025 period. All robberies occurred in internal waters and territorial seas under coastal jurisdiction. Most attacks followed opportunistic patterns using hit-and-run tactics, with 21 incidents occurring underway and 14 at anchor. The Straits of Malacca and Singapore accounted for 21 incidents—60% of regional total—but still reflected a 74% drop from prior-year levels. Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, Vietnam, and the South China Sea all reported fewer incidents. Philippine ports bucked the trend, recording 10 incidents compared to zero previously, prompting Coast Guard arrests of perpetrators. Bulk carriers sustained the highest targeting rate at 62% of all incidents.