Commercial shipping is waking up to the growing threat that drones pose to the safety and security of vessels. Terrorist use of drones deploying explosives is already well documented and the potential for a drone to deliver an explosive charge through the deck of an oil/gas tanker or on a passenger ship with potentially catastrophic results is a stark reality. Vessels in port, at anchor or on coastal transits are potential ‘sitting ducks’ and currently powerless to know if and when they’re going to be attacked, let alone be in a position to defend against the threat.

The ISPS Code Part A para 1.3.3 mandates requirements, “preventing the introduction of unauthorized weapons, incendiary devices or explosive to ships” and Ship Security Plans need to address counter measures to protect from such threats. The problem is that, up until now, aerial threats from drones have just not been considered.

The ISPS Code requirements for Ship Security Assessments (SSA) as well as Ship Security Plans (SSP) are specific and comprehensive regarding identification and countermeasures for all risks EXCEPT aerial risks! A ‘straw poll’ of company security officers and ship security officers from within Martek’s existing client base was alarming – most were totally oblivious to the emerging threat of drones nor had they even contemplated this threat in their periodic reviews of the SSA/SSP.

Martek feel this is a topic which merits serious consideration are writing to all maritime non-government organizations, classification societies and flag administrations to raise the issue and get their individual responses on the matter. Martek want to support the industry to ensure the mandatory objectives of ISPS “to detect security threats and take preventive measures against security incidents affecting ships or port facilities used in international trade” are fulfilled in its implementation.

Martek CEO Paul Luen commented, “ISPS needs an urgent update to address the growing threat that drones pose to safety & security of commercial shipping. It’s critical that awareness is urgently raised, and procedures updated to counter the growing threat before it’s too late.”

To combat this emerging threat, Martek Marine has developed the M.A.D.S™ Maritime Drone Detection & Defeat System. M.A.D.S detects and identifies commercial drones within a 20+km range providing GPS positioning of both drone & pilot together with the drone’s speed & heading. Configurable and escalating stage alarms in real time allow the threat level to be assessed in good time. It has both fixed and portable D-Fence TM drone jammers.

Once a real drone threat has been established, the system enables a 500m+ electronic ‘exclusion zone’ to be created around the vessel. Should the drone approach this exclusion zone, its control/video signal will be interrupted, initiating its fail-safe mode forcing it to land or return to its operator.

Since the recent launch of the system, Martek has secured a strong order book and are expanding operations to meet growing worldwide demand. Martek is actively seeking new global partners and agents for M.A.D.S.

“Drone technology offers some amazing benefits to the maritime industry but as ever, ‘bad actors’ will seek to use the technology for nefarious purposes. The development of M.A.D.S is a major breakthrough to help mitigate such threats and protect global shipping,” CEO Paul Luen added. 