Shipping & armed protection companies: A new global concern

The continual attacks upon merchant shipping by pirates in the Gulf is now starting to have some alarming consequences. Over the last few months there have been a lot of reports about moves to have armed guards upon merchant shipping. These reports cover both initiatives within the shipping industry and by various government.

The following headlines are from Loyds list.

Monday 18 July 2011
‘UK shipping minister Mike Penning has confirmed that the government intends to introduce legislation to provide a legal framework to allow British ships to carry armed guards.’

Thursday 21 July 2011
'German owners step up pressure for armed piracy protection.'

Monday 25 July
‘ State Department insists on guards for US vessels.’

Meanwhile there are a lot of new small ‘security firms’ which are offering their services to the merchant shipping industry.

On Sunday July 17th 2011 the Sunday Times ran the following story:
‘ UK special forces jump ship to make anti-piracy fortune.’

For more information

The Security Association for the Maritime Industry (SAMI)
http://www.marsecreview.com/sami/

Maritime Security Review
http://www.marsecreview.com/

Martyn Lowe