10 January 2022

Between 2018 to 2021 to date, India recorded 30 incidents at its ports and anchorages with the highest number in 2020, most likely due to the delays at ports caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. Analyst Katie Zeng Xiaojun provides this analysis of the numbers, the key areas to watch, and a forecast for the coming months.

By Katie Zeng Xiaojun - north, south and central Asia analyst

Between 2018 to 2021 to date, India recorded 30 incidents at its ports and anchorages. The broad trends from 2018 to 2021 were generally consistent, with an average of seven incidents reported annually; the highest was reported in 2020 (10 incidents) and the lowest in 2021 (five incidents). The increase in 2020 is likely attributed to the delays at the ports due to the Covid-19 situation. More vessels stayed longer at anchorages and, thus, encouraged more theft opportunities.

Some 76 per cent of the incidents have taken place off Kandla, Kakinada and Alang. Three were armed robberies at sea, whereas the rest were thefts at anchorages and berths. Generally, most of the incidents were committed by a small group of perpetrators during dark hours on board bulk carriers and tankers. In all the successful theft cases, stores, paints and mooring ropes were stolen, and the crew was unharmed. The incidents also correlate with the monsoon season as there was only one incident reported in the monsoon months between June to August.

In the coming months, it is likely that vessels at anchor will be targeted for theft or armed robbery, with a higher threat at the locations mentioned above. Any removal of Covid-related restrictions in India that reduce anchorage congestion are also likely to contribute to the reduction of incidents. Over and above these developments, the Covid-19 pandemic has not led to any additional maritime security challenges in India.