Newbuilds Demand Secure Starts

Newbuilds Demand Secure Starts

Introduction

Safe Bulkers' recent order for two kamsarmax newbuilds showcases the shipping industry's confidence and investment in the future. As global fleets grow, shipowners must proactively address the rising complexity of maritime threat environments from the earliest stages of vessel development.

Industry context

New vessels entering service face a multitude of risks—from piracy across the Gulf of Guinea, Red Sea, and Southeast Asia to evolving cyber threats targeting onboard systems and cargo networks. Compliance with ISPS and IMO guidelines is essential, but it's only the baseline; shipowners must anticipate routes through high-threat zones, enforce crew safety protocols, and design vessel protection in line with a ship's operating region and profile. A misstep in preparation can lead to serious operational, legal, or reputational damage.

Practical measures

• Engage maritime security advisors during the pre-construction phase to plan for vessel-specific threat profiles.
• Install and test cyber-resilient technologies for bridge, engine, and cargo management systems.
• Implement risk-based routing supported by current maritime intelligence and military advisories.
• Conduct frequent security drills and ISPS compliance audits with all crew members onboard.
• Deploy trained vessel protection officers or armed guards when transiting high-risk areas.

Further resources

To learn more about our service offerings, visit the MS Security Group services overview. Or, better understand our operational scope through our capabilities page.

Source

Original article: Safe Bulkers Returns to Yards with Kamsarmax Pair

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Prepared by MS Security Group — experts in vessel protection, anti-piracy, and counter-narcotics operations.