Scroll to top
Request Consultation
Maritime Security: Shipping, Offshore Platforms, and Port Operations

Security Intelligence

Maritime Security: Shipping, Offshore Platforms, and Port Operations

A guide to maritime security covering merchant shipping, offshore oil and gas platforms, port security, and the specific threat of piracy.

Marcus Webb, Security Operations Adviser 12 February 2026 2 min read

Maritime security covers the protection of ships, cargo, crews, offshore facilities, and port operations against a range of threats from criminal piracy to state-sponsored attack. The sector operates under an international regulatory framework while facing diverse and evolving threats across global shipping lanes.

The Maritime Threat Environment

Piracy. Criminal piracy (vessel boarding, cargo theft, crew kidnap) remains active in specific regions. The Gulf of Guinea is currently the world’s highest-risk area, with sophisticated criminal networks targeting vessels up to 200 nautical miles offshore. Crews have been kidnapped and held for ransom.

State-sponsored attack. The Houthi campaign against commercial shipping in the Red Sea since late 2023 represents a qualitatively different threat from criminal piracy: state-backed actors using missiles and drones to attack vessels with geopolitical motivations. This has forced significant shipping route changes and affected global trade flows.

Cargo theft and fraud. Cargo crime in ports and during short-sea shipping is a high-volume, financially significant threat. Bill of lading fraud, fictitious shipments, and port-side theft create losses at every link in the supply chain.

Crew welfare and security. Crews aboard commercial vessels are the primary human security concern. Crew welfare standards, security training, and crisis protocols (including citadel procedures for worst-case scenarios) are fundamental security provisions.

ISPS Code Compliance

For commercial vessels and port facilities, ISPS compliance is a mandatory baseline. Compliance requires:

  • Ship Security Plans and Port Facility Security Plans
  • Designated Security Officers at vessel and facility level
  • Security equipment meeting Code standards
  • Regular drills and exercises
  • Declaration of Security (DoS) protocol with port facilities

Offshore Platform Security

Offshore oil and gas platforms have specific security requirements under the PFSO (Port Facility Security Officer) framework in the UK and comparable regimes elsewhere. Physical access control, personnel identity management, and emergency response capability are core requirements.

For maritime security services, contact us through our quote form.

For tailored support on the issues covered here, see our security drivers service and executive protection service.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

The International Ship and Port Facility Security Code (ISPS Code) is an international framework establishing minimum security standards for ships and ports. It requires ships above a certain size to have a Ship Security Plan, a designated Ship Security Officer, and security equipment meeting specified standards. Ports must have Port Facility Security Plans and Port Facility Security Officers. The Code was adopted by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) following the 9/11 attacks and came into force in 2004.

The legality of armed guards on merchant vessels (Privately Contracted Armed Security Personnel: PCASP) varies by flag state and coastal state law. Following the surge in Somali piracy, many flag states permitted PCASP with conditions. The IMO produced interim guidance (MSC.1/Circ.1405) for use of PCASP. Armed guards must meet specific standards, be licensed in the flag state, and comply with applicable laws in all waters transited. Verification of legal status in each relevant jurisdiction is essential before deploying armed guards.

The Gulf of Guinea (West Africa) has the world’s highest piracy risk, with crew kidnap for ransom as the primary threat. The Red Sea and Gulf of Aden have seen a different threat profile since 2023: Houthi-launched missiles and drone attacks on commercial shipping, which is state-sponsored threat rather than criminal piracy. The Strait of Malacca and Indonesian archipelago have lower-level petty crime incidents. These assessments are dynamic and require current intelligence.

Transits through areas such as the Gulf of Guinea or the Red Sea approaches follow recognised best-management practices: route planning, hardening, watch-keeping, and in some cases licensed armed teams embarked in line with flag and coastal-state rules. Current threat reporting drives the specific measures.

Ports operate under the ISPS Code with access control and facility security plans, while offshore platforms add controlled crew movement, vessel approach management, and emergency planning. The link between ship, port, and platform is where coordination matters most.
Get in Touch

Request a Consultation

Describe your security requirements below. All enquiries are confidential and handled by licensed consultants.

Confidential. Your details are never shared with third parties.