Piracy, robbery and hijacks a persistent problem

THE recent hijacking of the Singapore-registered tanker Joaquim and the theft of its fuel oil cargo worth nearly S$1 million is an unwelcome reminder that this region features prominently in global piracy and armed robbery statistics.

In its most recent quarterly report, the International Maritime Bureau (IMB) highlighted a "continuing trend" in South-east Asia - that of the hijacking of small coastal tankers, averaging one attack every two weeks. Five small tankers were hijacked in South-east Asian waters in the second quarter of 2015 alone, taking the total number of vessels hijacked globally in 2015 to 13 by the middle of the year.

Maritime security provider PVI said: "High demand for illicit oil, together with a well-established black market, will continue to drive maritime attacks in South-east Asia over the coming months, meaning small-tanker owners face operational, financial and security threats."