Maritime Security Alliance Boosts Capability of International Group to Protect Freight Interests

UK – WORLDWIDE – An international maritime consultancy says it has significantly bolstered its specialist services by joining forces with two security and risk management companies. The Maritime Group International (TMG) Limited has teamed up with State 21 Limited and Bowline Defence Limited, both based in the UK, as it says demand rises for global maritime security support. Despite the reduction in pirate activity in the Indian Ocean, attacks on freight vessels in other areas continue and many companies running cargoes of all types still look to employ security personnel to protect against a range of crimes.

TMG claims the new partnerships immensely boost the capabilities of its Maritime Risk Consulting Division. It marks further expansion for TMG, a global consortium of maritime service companies, marine consultancies and marine management businesses. Risk management and security services company Bowline Defence is based in London with operations worldwide whilst resilience management consultancy State 21 brings nearly 100 years of police experience on and off the water. Malcolm Parrott, TMG Managing Director, commented:

“As complementary companies, State 21 and TMG have the depth of skills, experience and expertise to ensure businesses in the maritime environment are fully prepared to face emergency situations and risks with the greatest confidence.”

TMG Partner and Director Les Chapman, a former nuclear submarine command qualified officer, has been appointed the new chairman of Bowline Defence. Bowline delivers specialist services across a number of sectors including shipping, oil and gas, with private clients and national governments. It operates worldwide through a network of operational hub and offices, co-ordinated through a command centre. Les Chapman said:

“This new partnership with a business of the stature of Bowline Defence has greatly bolstered our security services. We now have the capacity to deliver highly effective and specifically designed solutions to meet the complex security requirement of clients worldwide.”

State 21’s personnel include former UK senior police officers with extensive experience and excellent working relationships with key organisations, governmental and defence agencies and maritime and security organisations.Tony Birr, State 21 Business Director, observed:

“Resilience and continuity planning are critical for the success of any business. As complementary companies, State 21 and TMG have the depth of skills, experience and expertise to ensure businesses in the maritime environment are fully prepared to face emergency situations and risks with the greatest confidence.”

TMG’s headquarters are in Seattle with regional offices in London, Honolulu, Singapore and agencies in Canada, South Africa, Europe, India and Oman. The new partnerships include advice and training in all areas of maritime security, risk management. Services include emergency and contingency planning, business continuity, incident management, command and control responses, maritime guarding, risk assessments, security audits, risk mitigation solutions, intelligence services, journey management, strategic consulting, training, emergency planning, incident management, business continuity and project management.

Photo: Anti-piracy training by the Cameroonian fast intervention brigade during exercise Obangame Express.