Security at Sea

We in the UK are reliant on global trade for our prosperity. This means we have a vested interest in supporting international efforts to maintain good order at sea by delivering maritime security and preserving the free, safe and lawful use of the high seas.

KEY FACTS

• 80 per cent of International trade goes by sea, generating £230bn per year.

• 95 per cent of global trade passes through just nine vulnerable maritime chokepoints.

• There is international concern that the seas are being increasingly used for irregular activities undertaken by terrorists, pirates, criminals or insurgents. These include illicit trade, migration, trafficking (in people, drugs and contraband) and increasing levels of piracy.

• The Royal Navy helps maintain the integrity of the UK homeland and British Overseas Territories through military support to the government for counter terrorism, counter narcotics, fishery protection and the protection of offshore energy installations.

• In partnership with allies and coalition partners the Royal Navy maintains a presence in the Arabian Gulf to safeguard maritime trade.

• The Royal Navy works within NATO conducting Maritime Security patrols across the Mediterranean Sea (Op Active Endeavour).

• Operating with EU and NATO partners to defend shipping from piracy off the Horn of Africa (OP Atalanta (EU), OP Ocean Shield (NATO).