Stonewin’s Reliable Fuel Supply: 5 Ways To Enhance Ship Security

Pirates have existed in different guises since ancient times, from Cilician pirates seizing olive oil cargoes from Roman ships to corsairs seeking spoils along North Africa’s Barbary Coast and buccaneers attacking Spanish treasure ships. These days the Red Sea is the world’s hotspot for maritime attacks although container ships, fishing vessels and chemical tankers are potentially at risk in all corners of the world. Taking extra security precautions at this time of geopolitical uncertainty will be critical to continued supply of cargo to key markets in Europe and Asia. 

Renowned for our ability to conquer the most arduous logistical hurdles, Stonewin takes the security needs of our employees and partners very seriously. As the preferred fuel supplier for national governments, commercial clients and critical infrastructure sectors across five continents and almost 1000 locations globally, we work closely with our partners to understand global security risks and take the appropriate precautions. This includes understanding exactly what can be done to protect ships travelling through dangerous waters and, where possible, avoiding risky routes altogether. 

In the 1980s and 1990s, institutions such as the International Maritime Organization (IMO) started creating databases to track attacks on ships. Since then, the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code has provided a valuable, standardised framework through which ships and port facilities can work together to detect and deter acts which pose a threat to maritime security. At its core, the ISPS Code links the security of ships and port facilities to proper risk management. With this in mind, here are 5 crucial steps that should be taken to enhance the security of ships at ports and at sea: 

1. Reliable Co-ordination: It is imperative to have a reliable and cooperative structure between the ports (via a Port Facility Security Officer - PFSO) and the shipping companies (through a Ship Security and Company Security Officer). 
2. Identify Risks: Knowledge of current geopolitical hotspots and reasons for security threats is important, as is having clear visibility of the supply chain. 
3. Advanced Cybersecurity: The hacking of electronic systems that control vessels can result in severe and costly ramifications, which is why cybersecurity at sea needs to focus on valuable data such as cargo information and employee details. ‍
4. Spotting The Weakest Link: Every security system has its weakness and if not identified in early stages, can lead to dangerous situations. This is why regular audits are needed of security plans, crew performance and security staffing. In the 2010s, a large piracy wave in the Indian Ocean was eventually reversed due to the hiring of armed guards on merchant vessels, which made them largely impenetrable to lightly-armed pirate gangs and terrorists.
5. Security Updates from Industry Associations: Monitor security guidance updates from industry associations such as BIMCO, ICS, CLIA, IMCA, INTERCARGO, INTERTANKO and OCIMF. These associations often provide reliable and timely recommendations on routing considerations as well as vessel safety and security.