NICOSIA, Cyprus — Recent statements from United Nations officials indicate that terrorism and the emergence of advanced technologies, such as weaponized drones targeting commercial shipping, have taken precedence over traditional piracy as the main threat to maritime security. According to Jovana Jezdimirovic Ranito and Michelle Small, members of the U.N. working group focused on mercenaries, it falls to private maritime security firms to devise effective strategies and defenses to address these evolving challenges.
These security companies, tasked with safeguarding merchant vessels traversing perilous regions such as the Red Sea, the West Indian Ocean, and the Gulf of Aden, must ensure their countermeasures and equipment comply with international legal frameworks. Small emphasized that while threats can vary in intensity over time, the emergence of terrorism as a significant issue, particularly in light of new technologies used in maritime contexts, cannot be overlooked.
The U.N. representatives are currently in Cyprus for a nine-day assessment, specifically examining the role of private maritime security firms in protecting Cyprus-flagged vessels operating in high-risk maritime zones. With Cyprus boasting the largest fleet in Europe and the 11th largest globally, comprising over 2,200 ocean-going ships and nearly 21 million gross tons, it is noteworthy that around 4% of the world’s fleet is managed by companies registered in Cyprus.
To address maritime threats, Cyprus has permitted 12 private security firms to deploy armed personnel on their flagged vessels. The U.N. officials expressed admiration for the level of scrutiny and compliance exhibited by these companies during their meeting, noting that they exceeded the basic standards typically expected. Ranito commended the efforts of the shipping deputy ministry in enhancing the vetting process, acknowledging the significant resources devoted to ensuring thorough evaluations.
While the exact number of security staff employed by these 12 firms remains unspecified, they come from diverse national backgrounds, although no Cypriot citizens are part of the security teams. The officials found no significant incidents or breaches regarding private security operations on Cyprus-flagged ships, attributing this success to the government’s stringent regulatory measures and a 2012 law designed to shield these vessels from acts of piracy and other unlawful activities, which has served as a benchmark for other nations.
However, the experts expressed a desire for improved mechanisms for reporting complaints and grievances within the maritime sector. Establishing such systems for sailors, private contractors, and other maritime workers could enhance accountability and help identify any potential human rights violations. The final report detailing their findings from the Cyprus visit is expected to be published later this year.
