Top 10 marine security companies

The high seas bristle with danger, and Mother Nature – with her extreme weather – forms only part of the risk landscape at sea. Container vessels, their cargo and their crews, also face considerable risk from bad actors, including pirates, terrorists, and cybercriminals. 

And it’s not just at sea that dangers lurk – it’s also ports and – for energy shipments – terminals.

Maritime security covers all aspects of risk assessment and prevention, including: 

Container security  The majority of sea freight is transported in containers and security measures prevent unauthorised access to cargo. 

Vessel security  This is a critical aspect of sea freight security, involving measures such as screening crew, installing security cameras, and conducting regular security drills.

Route planning  Planning the route taken by sea freight helps avoid high-risk areas and reduces the likelihood of security incidents. This might involve monitoring weather conditions, identifying piracy hotspots, and coordinating with security agencies in high-risk areas.

Security training  Providing security training to crew members and other staff involved in sea freight transport is essential. It can help them identify and respond to security threats, implement security protocols, and handle emergency situations.

Security technology  Various security technologies, such as tracking devices, electronic seals, and X-ray scanners, can be used to enhance the security of sea freight.

The following are 10 companies that offer such expertise to the maritime sector.

Sea freight security firms: Global Guardian

Global Guardian provides a range of security services for sea freight, including risk assessments, security planning, and vessel tracking.

Global Guardian is a security company that provides a range of services to clients around the world. Other services include intelligence solutions, medical support, travel risk management, and emergency response services. It also provides armed security personnel for ships and cargo, as well as training for ship crews to help them prepare for potential security incidents.

Sea freight security firms: Hudson Analytix

Offers a marine security program encompassing services to shipping companies, commercial vessels, ports and also onboard security services. Vessels that Hudson helps make secure include general cargo, RO-RO containers, bulk carriers, oil and chemical tankers, and offshore vessels. It also offers a cyber risk management solution. It protects around 1,800 vessels and 300 ports internationally.

Sea freight security firms: Seagull Maritime 

Provides a range of services to clients in the shipping, oil and gas, and offshore industries, including armed security personnel for ships and cargo, as well as security consulting and risk assessment services. SMS also provides security consulting services to help clients develop effective security plans and policies that meet industry standards and regulatory requirements, and security training for ship crews and other personnel to help them prepare for potential security incidents.

Sea freight security firms: Neptune P2P Group

Neptune P2P Group is a global risk management company that provides a range of security and intelligence services to clients in the maritime, energy, and infrastructure sectors. It offers security solutions in high-risk and complex environments, including those affected by piracy, terrorism, and civil unrest. Its maritime security services, include armed security teams, vessel tracking, and security training for ship crews. It also provides training and education programs on security, safety, and risk management to help clients prepare for potential security incidents.

Sea freight security firms: Protection Vessels International

PVI provides security services for ships and their crews, including armed security personnel, risk assessments, and emergency response planning. Its market is clients in the shipping, offshore, and energy industries. It provides armed security personnel for ships and offshore installations, as well as security consulting and risk assessment services. 

Sea freight security firms: MUSC

Maritime and Underwater Security Consultants (MUSC) is a security consulting company that provides a wide range of  maritime security services including risk assessments, to identify potential security threats and vulnerabilities, and develop effective security strategies to mitigate them. It also offers underwater security, including the use of advanced technologies for underwater surveillance and detection.

Sea freight security firms: Solace Global

Solace Global is a global risk management and security company that provides a wide range of services across many sectors and industries including the maritime sector. It provides comprehensive risk assessments and security services that include security consulting, security management, crisis management, and security training. It also provides medical services, including medical evacuation, remote medical support, and medical training.

Sea freight security firms: Hart International 

Hart is a security and risk management company that provides a range of services to clients in the maritime, energy, and infrastructure sectors. It has a team of experienced security professionals “who are well-equipped to provide effective security solutions to clients worldwide”, it says. Maritime security services include armed security teams, vessel tracking, and security training for ship crews.

Sea freight security firms: IMSA

International Maritime Security Associates (IMSA) is a maritime risk management, technology and software development company that provides clients with intelligence data and analysis; regulatory compliance and strategic security consulting and security plan development. Its ARMS (Automated Risk Management Solution) software platform is “founded on the principles of empowering people to improve results through the use of software and technology”, it says. 

Sea freight security firms: MAST Security

Based in the UK, MAST provides extensive maritime security services, including offering private-armed guards on merchant vessels. The company offers services in high-risk areas in the Red Sea, Indian Ocean, the Gulf of Guinea and the Sulu Sea. It has its offices in countries including South Africa, Malta, Djibouti and Oman.