Acts of piracy on the world’s seas have surged this year, according to the International Maritime Bureau (IMB). It pointed to the waters between Singapore and Indonesia in particular.

Pirates have posed a growing problem for global shipping this year, with 45 cases of piracy and armed robbery against ships recorded in the first quarter, according to the London-based International Maritime Bureau (IMB).

The increase represents an almost 35% rise compared to the same period in 2024, the IMB said.

From January to March of last year, 33 incidents were reported, and 27 in the first quarter of 2023.