In the period between 1 January and 3 February 2025, the ReCAAP Information Sharing Centre (ISC) reported 11 incidents of sea robbery on vessels navigating the eastbound lane of the Singapore Strait’s Traffic Separation Scheme (TSS). Alarmingly, six of these incidents occurred in just the last week, from 26 January to 3 February. Robberies took place in close proximity to Pulau Cula and Helen Mar Reef, and the Phillips Channel, with the majority involving the theft of engine spares.

The robberies occurred during nighttime and early morning hours, with guns or knife-like weapons observed in many of the incidents. Fortunately, no crew members were reported injured.

Thomas Timlen, Analyst at Risk Intelligence’s Singapore office, noted that while the number of incidents fluctuates month-to-month, year-on-year trends indicate that such spikes are not unprecedented. Similar figures were recorded in July 2023 and November 2024, reinforcing the cyclical nature of maritime security incidents in the region. However, Timlen also pointed out that the average number of incidents in the Singapore Strait over both 2023 and 2024 was 5.5 per month, indicating relative consistency over time.

ReCAAP has called for heightened patrols and surveillance from coastal states, emphasizing the need for coordinated enforcement and improved information-sharing to deter criminal groups and bring perpetrators to justice. In response, vessels transiting the area are urged to maintain vigilance and exercise heightened security measures, especially during hours of darkness.

As the year progresses, it remains crucial for the shipping community to stay alert to these risks, while industry stakeholders continue to advocate for stronger security measures in one of the world’s busiest maritime chokepoints.