Regulating vessel-based armouries as a means to increase maritime security in high risks areas.

Maritime piracy and armed robbery persist to raise concerns amongst the maritime security community as they pose a significant threat to maritime commerce, freedom of the seas and supply chains. Despite past piracy hotspots, such as the Horn of Africa, experiencing a decline of pirate activity, state fragility in Africa and Asia, the reduction or termination of international missions as well as the increase of transnational organised crime groups are likely to contribute to a deterioration of maritime security along important sea lines of communication and maritime chokepoints. In addition, the rise of political and radical groups in fragile states raises concern of maritime terrorism as a means to pursue political goals. In the following article, we analyse the impact of piracy on maritime security, discuss the contribution of the private sector in securing international trading routes and address the role of floating armouries (FAs) or vessel-based armouries (VBAs) as critical infrastructure. We also raise the issue of potential shortcomings in regulation of VBAs, the need for the European Union to implement supervision and audit mechanisms as well as the supportive role of private maritime security companies in contributing to maritime security.