What Is Maritime Security? Complete Guide

Nearly 90% of international trade occurs on ocean waters, transporting trillions of dollars of goods annually. Maritime security is essential to protecting these ships and cargo to prevent losses. Over the past 10 years, more than 720 ships have been lost, including 26 in 2023. Nearly 3,000 incidents were reported last year alone and 221 containers were lost at sea.

Definition of Maritime Security

Maritime security is the protection of oceans, seas, rivers, and coastal areas from threats. It includes a wide range of security procedures designed to keep vessels, ports, and the maritime environment safe from danger — along with the people who use our waterways.

Typically, maritime safety and security focuses on four key components:

1. National security
2. Human security
3. Marine environment
4. Economic environment

Port security services and onboard personnel play an important role in protecting maritime trade.

Importance of Maritime Security in Global Trade

When it comes to global trade, maritime security is essential to protect the global economy. The shipping industry powers the global economic engine. Each year, more than 250 million containers are transported, adding up to some 11 billion tons of goods. In fact, commercial shipping accounts for more than 5% of the world’s total GDP.

Disruptions to maritime traffic can be devastating and have significant consequences, including losses, delivery delays, and loss of human life.

Common Maritime Security Issues

Let’s take a look at some of the more common maritime security issues, starting with one of the oldest threats: piracy.

Piracy and Armed Robbery

While incidents have dropped consistently throughout the past decade, piracy and armed robbery still remain a concern. The ICC International Maritime Bureau registered 120 piracy incidents in 2023 and 60 in the first half of 2024. Last year, 105 vessels were boarded, four vessels were hijacked, and two others were fired upon. In some cases, crew members were assaulted and injured or taken hostage.

SE Asia, Africa, and South America typically see the most maritime incidents.

Forget the mental image of pirates at sea you may have. Today’s pirates are highly organized criminal enterprises that use advanced technology to attack and evade capture. Billions of dollars are lost each year.

Thievery

While piracy typically includes armed attacks, theft of cargo or equipment often occurs when ships are in port or anchored near shore. Criminals often target high-value goods and equipment, such as electronics, drugs, or luxury goods. Theft may also be a crime of opportunity resulting from lax security measures.

Trespassing

Trespassing is also a concern, especially when it comes to infrastructure that is important for national security. Trespassers pose a serious security threat, potentially damaging equipment or facilities. In severe cases, trespassers may stow away on ships, sabotage equipment, or smuggle contraband.

Terrorism and Maritime Infrastructure Attacks

The United Nations says terrorism continues to be a significant threat globally, especially in conflict zones.

Attacks against ships in the Red Sea in 2023 and 2024 dramatically reduced traffic through the Suez Canal, which is the shortest route between Asia and Europe. About 15% of the world’s trade volume passes through the Suez Canal. In many cases, this forced shipping companies to divert traffic around the Cape of Good Hope, causing inventory shortages and resulting in higher costs.

Attacks on infrastructure can be even more damaging, disrupting trade for extended periods. The 2023 Cyber Trends and Insights in the Marine Environment (CTIME) report by the US Coast Guard an uptick in nation-state actors targeting critical infrastructure, including cyber threats.

Illegal Maritime Trade

Illegal maritime trade includes the smuggling of drugs and the movement of weapons or other contraband, representing a major challenge to maritime security. Criminals often use the waterways to move illegal goods and bypass detection by law enforcement. Profits from illegal maritime trade have been linked to terrorist threats and organized crime.

Human Trafficking

The illegal trade of humans for forced labor, slavery, or sexual exploitation continues in modern days. Traffickers often rely on trade routes to transport victims, concealing them in shipping containers or inside vessels.

According to The American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA), human trafficking often goes unnoticed because of the transient nature of port environments and the sheer volume of people and cargo that pass through each day.

Environmental Damage

While there has been a concerted effort by the shipping industry to create more sustainable modes of shipping, accidents and dumping of hazardous waste remain a concern. Damage can disrupt ecosystems and destroy habitats and fish stock, or contaminate water sources.

Maritime security threats also come from environmental terrorists who cause harm for political or ideological reasons.

Who is Involved in Enforcing Maritime Security?

Because maritime protection and maritime defense span the globe, it is complex and requires cooperation among international agencies, governments, and private organizations. Each plays a crucial role in maritime security operations.

United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS)

The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) is a key international treaty that establishes the legal framework for maritime security. It establishes a framework and responsibilities for nations that use the world's oceans, including the need for collaboration to enforce maritime laws and resolve disputes.

UNCLOS provides the legal basis for enforcing laws regarding piracy and other maritime crimes, including threats to the environment.

International Maritime Organization (IMO) Regulations

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) is a part of the United Nations that regulates shipping, including the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code, which was developed after the attacks of 9/11 in response to threats against ships and port security.

Regional Security Initiatives and Agreements

Besides these global frameworks, regional maritime security agreements address challenges in specific areas. These typically include a cooperative effort among countries to address shared threats like piracy or smuggling.

One example is the Djibouti Code of Conduct (DCOC), created to stop piracy and armed robbery in the Western Indian Ocean and Gulf of Aden. More than 20 countries have signed on to these measures, including information sharing, cooperation, and regional training.

Role of Naval Forces and Coast Guards

Governmental forces play a key role. Naval forces and coast guards are often the first lines of defense in maritime security.

The Maritime Transportation Security Act (MTSA) empowers the U.S. Coast Guard to enforce maritime laws, governing vessels and ports where security may be a concern. The maritime security act includes provisions for Coast Guard maritime safety and security teams regarding:

• Conducting vulnerability testing of vessels and port facilities
• Establishing a consistent identification system for port workers
• Enhancing security measures for cargo containers
• Requiring communication between maritime companies and law enforcement

The MTSA aligns with the ISPS code.

Role of Private Security Companies in Port and Ship Security

Maritime safety and security often include private security companies. Private security firms may provide personnel, including a maritime security officer or maritime security guard. A maritime security company may also provide armed maritime security or act as a maritime security consultant to assess maritime security operations, including:

• Conducting vessel inspections to ensure proper security measures and monitoring are in place
• Developing security plans and security protocols
• Reporting problems and security gaps for remediation
• Implementing security training and safety drills for crew and staff
• Recording and reporting security incidents
• Rapid incident response
• Analyzing security incidents and providing recommendations for improvement
• Background screening and background checks
• Identity checks and access control to ports and vessels
• Monitoring port infrastructure and vessels for unauthorized or suspicious maritime activities
• Maintaining security equipment such as surveillance cameras, access control systems, and alarms to ensure they are operational.

Private maritime security firms may also provide installation and training for maritime surveillance equipment or other advanced detection systems. Another way that a private security firm might help with maritime security would be to monitor cargo operations and respond when necessary. This might include reviewing cargo documentation and conducting random checks on containers to prevent the smuggling of contraband.

While private firms must abide by international regulations, their specialized expertise and rapid response can help mitigate threats quickly. They employ highly-trained security personnel to ensure ships and ports remain protected. This is especially important in high-risk areas where the potential for security breaches is more common.

Interested in a career in maritime security and risk management? Learn more about maritime security career opportunities.

Challenges and Future of Maritime Security

Even as incidents on vessels and at ports are lower, there are still challenges for the future.

Geopolitical Tensions and Their Impact

Geopolitical tensions have impacted maritime security in several ways. State actors (and non-state actors) have disrupted sea traffic and made shippers wary. Recent activity by China near Taiwan, Russian and Ukrainian forces in the Black Sea, and Iran in the Strait of Hormuz are just a few recent incidents.

Escalating tensions often produce threats, risk of conflict, and increased military presence. This raises the threat level and can disrupt shipping routes and increase dangerous encounters.

Terrorist organizations are also targeting infrastructure and vessels to further their agenda.

Climate Change and Rising Sea Levels

Changing weather patterns are also a threat to maritime shipping. Recently, drought conditions reduced traffic in the Panama Canal by about a third in 2023 and it’s only now begun to return to normal levels.

Rising sea levels are another concern, affecting port operations in multiple areas. Coastal infrastructure is vulnerable to rising sea levels, including flooding or damage to ports and shipyards. While some ports — notably London, Amsterdam, or Rotterdam — have already fortified against flooding and storm surges, they may require further enhancements to guard against higher water levels. Others have yet to begin implementing safeguards.

Climate change is also beginning to impact shipping lanes. New Arctic shipping routes are opening up. While this can reduce voyage times and produce significant operational cost reductions, it also creates additional safety and security concerns — including disputes over sovereignty and environmental risks.

Balancing Security with Freedom of Navigation

Throughout all of this, there is a need to balance security with the principle of freedom of navigation. International law guarantees the right of ships to pass through territorial waters, international straights, and exclusive economic zones (EEs) without interference. This can create conflicts, especially when it comes to the security of coastal states.

Creating the right balance requires cooperation between nations that seek to protect their interests. This has become a point of contention in areas where freedom of navigation is most essential, such as the Strait of Hormuz, the Strait of Malacca, and the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait.

Emerging Threats and Innovations in Security Measures

As technology advances, new threats are emerging that require innovative security measures. Cyber security, in particular, has become a critical concern for the maritime industry. Ships and ports are increasingly reliant on digital systems for navigation, communication, and cargo management, making them vulnerable to cyberattacks. Hackers could potentially disable a ship’s navigation system, disrupt port operations, or steal sensitive data, leading to significant financial losses and safety and security risks.

To counter these threats, the maritime industry is investing in cybersecurity measures, including the development of robust protocols, regular vulnerability assessments, and the integration of advanced technologies like artificial intelligence and machine learning. The use of unmanned systems, such as drones and autonomous ships, is becoming more common in maritime security operations.

These technologies can enhance maritime surveillance, provide real-time data, and respond to threats more quickly and efficiently.

Conclusion

As you can see, maritime security is complex with a large number of stakeholders who must work together to protect global trade, national and international security, and human lives. As the world becomes increasingly interconnected and dependent on smooth sailing to drive the global economy, the risks of maritime security become even greater.

Emerging threats, continued geopolitical tension, and environmental threats continue to plague our waterways. Ensuring the safety and security will require continued innovation.