The officials made these remarks during a nine-day visit to Cyprus, where they examined how private maritime security firms operate on Cyprus-flagged vessels navigating high-risk sea routes
Terrorism and the growing use of advanced technologies, such as weaponised drones, have overtaken piracy as the primary threats to global maritime security, according to United Nations officials.
Speaking on Friday, Jovana Jezdimirovic Ranito and Michelle Small, members of the UN working group on the use of mercenaries, stressed that private maritime security companies play a crucial role in countering these evolving threats. They noted that while these companies are responsible for deciding on defensive strategies and equipment, their actions must align with international legal standards.
“Threats are not always consistent, so they peak, ebb and flow, but you also have the rise of new ones,” Small told The Associated Press. “Terrorism is more of a concern for the use of new technologies in the maritime context.”
The officials made these remarks during a nine-day visit to Cyprus, where they examined how private maritime security firms operate on Cyprus-flagged vessels navigating high-risk sea routes.
Cyprus: Key Player In Maritime Security
Cyprus holds a significant position in global shipping, ranking 11th worldwide and third in Europe in terms of fleet size. The country’s fleet consists of over 2,200 ocean-going vessels, with a combined tonnage of 21 million gross tons. Approximately 4 per cent of the world’s fleet is managed by Cyprus-based shipping companies.
The Cypriot government has authorised 12 private maritime security firms to deploy armed personnel aboard Cyprus-flagged ships operating in high-risk waters, such as the Red Sea, the West Indian Ocean, and the Gulf of Aden.
During their visit, the UN officials met with some of these companies and were impressed by the strict vetting and compliance procedures required for certification.
“And they go a bit beyond what is just minimum standard we would expect,” Ranito noted. “Really we can commend the efforts of the shipping deputy ministry on working on the extensive vetting process. … They really invest a lot of effort in it.”
While the exact number of security personnel employed by these firms remains unclear, they represent a range of nationalities. Notably, no Cypriot nationals are currently employed as security personnel.
Strong Compliance Standards But Room For Improvement
The UN team found no major incidents or violations involving private security personnel on Cyprus-flagged ships. They credited this to Cyprus’ robust regulatory framework, particularly its 2012 law on protecting Cyprus-flagged ships against piracy and other unlawful acts. This legislation has since become a model for other flag states.
However, the officials highlighted the need for stronger complaint and grievance mechanisms to enhance accountability within the maritime security sector. They suggested that such measures could provide better protection for sailors, private contractors, and other industry workers, helping to identify and prevent potential human rights abuses.
Their final report on the Cyprus visit is expected to be released later this year, offering further insights and recommendations on maritime security practices.