International Maritime Bureau (IMB)

International Maritime Bureau Latest News

Global Maritime piracy and armed robbery incidents have seen a noticeable increase in the first three months of 2025, according to the International Maritime Bureau (IMB).

About International Maritime Bureau

• The ICC International Maritime Bureau (IMB) is a non-profit-making organisation,established in 1981, to act as a focal point in the fight against all types of maritime fraud, malpractice, and piracy. 
• It is a specialised division of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC).
• It serves as a platform for cooperation and information sharing among various stakeholders, including governments, shipping companies, and law enforcement agencies. 
• By acting as a central hub for reporting and disseminating information on maritime crimes, the IMB helps in preventing and combating piracy, armed robbery, and other illicit activities that pose a threat to the safety of ships and crew members.
• The IMB Piracy Reporting Centre is located at Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
• The key services of the PRC are:
  • Issuing daily status reports on piracy and armed robbery to ships via broadcasts on the Inmarsat-C SafetyNET service. 
  • Reporting piracy and armed robbery at sea incidents to law enforcement and the International Maritime Organization (IMO).
  • Helping local law enforcement apprehend pirates and assist in bringing them to justice. 
  • Assisting shipowners whose vessels have been attacked or hijacked.
  • Assisting crew members whose vessels have been attacked. 
  • Providing updates on pirate activity via the Internet, twitter, and email alerts.
  • Publishing comprehensive quarterly and annual reports detailing piracy statistics. 
• The services of the PRC are provided free of charge to all ships irrespective of their ownership or flag. 
• The IMB also locates lost ships or ships seized by pirates, recovers stolen cargoes, and prepares customised reports on a chargeable basis. 
• The United Nations (UN) International Maritime Organization (IMO), in its resolution A 504 (XII) (9) adopted on 20 November 1981, has, among other things, urged all governments,interests, and organizations to exchange information and provide appropriate co-operation with the IMB. 
• The IMB also has an observer status with the International Criminal Police Organization (ICPO – INTERPOL). 
• Through its expertise and extensive network, the IMB offers mediation and arbitration services, helping parties involved in maritime disputes to reach amicable settlements and avoid costly legal proceedings.
• IMB actively engages in advocacy and awareness campaigns to promote best practices in maritime security and trade facilitation. 
• It collaborates withinternational organizations, such as the IMO, to develop guidelines and standards aimed at enhancing the security and efficiency of global shipping operations.

International Maritime Bureau FAQs

Q1. Where is the International Maritime Bureau?

Ans. IMB has its Head Office at Limassol, Cyprus.

Q2. What is the primary objective of the International Maritime Bureau (IMB)?

Ans. Act as a focal point to combat maritime fraud, malpractice, and piracy

Q3. IMB operates as a specialized division of which organization?

Ans. International Chamber of Commerce (ICC)

Source: MI