Strait of Malacca
Malaysia / Indonesia
94
Risk Score
~90 vessels/day
25% of global trade
Crude Oil, Palm Oil, Containers, LNG
Strategic Overview
The Strait of Malacca is the shortest sea route between the Indian and Pacific Oceans. It carries about one-quarter of all traded goods.
Threat Drivers
Recent Incidents (4)
19.06.2026: 0015 UTC: Posn: Manila Anchorage, Philippines. Bosun onboard an anchored container ship noticed four robbers armed with a knife at the forecastle deck and immediately raised the alarm resulting in the robbers escaping with stolen ship’s properties.
Taiwan Upgrades Maritime Patrol Capacity for Vulnerable South China Sea Outpost. Taiwan has upgraded its maritime patrol capacity around the Pratas Islands in the disputed South China Sea, including regularly sending larger ships there, the government said, responding to an increase in Chinese activities.
14.09.2026: 1932 UTC: Posn: 13:43.2N – 121:2.1E, Batangas Anchorage, Philippines. Duty crew on bord an anchored LNG Tanker observed footprints leading from the forward hawse pipe. Crew mustered and a search was carried out. It was discovered that ship’s property had been stolen. A subsequent review of the vessel’s CCTV footage confirmed that two robbers armed with knives had boarded the vessel. The incident was reported to Manila VTS and the Coast Guard.
07.09.2026: 1905 UTC: Posn: 05:58.6S – 106:55.0E, Jakarta Anchorage, Indonesia. Duty crew on board an anchored bulk carrier noticed a small wooden boat alongside the ship and four unauthorised persons on the AFT deck. Alarm raised resulting in the unauthorised persons escaping with stolen engine spares. The incident was reported to port control and the local agent.