Jul22493 29. Blue Security is an emerging multidimensional approach to maritime security that is redefining how nations and the private sector approach ocean safety, security and sustainability. This strategy was born to address a wide range of challenges that include environmental threats, geopolitical tensions, blue crimes – such as piracy, smuggling, and illegal fishing – as well as public and good order on ships. Leading the charge in Blue Security is Téthys Naval, a maritime security consultancy emphasising legal integrity, strategic risk management, and human rights at sea. We caught up with Founder and Executive Director Philippe Hermes, for more. Founded in 2023, Téthys Naval is a Brussels-based maritime governance and security consultancy operating at the intersection of maritime law, security protocols, and protecting human rights at sea. The consultancy serves a discerning client base, comprising primarily of corporate entities operating within the maritime domain, including insurance companies, cruise operators, and private maritime security firms. In addition to this, it offers logistics and cargo companies the full range of external security consultancy and management services. Téthys Naval has developed a service portfolio structured around three core branches: Téthys Beacon, providing comprehensive destination security trend analysis so that clients can make informed decisions across maritime regions, risk environments and threats; Téthys Bootcamp, delivering specialised security governance training programmes to equip maritime professionals with the necessary knowledge and skills; and Téthys Naval, focusing on conceptual development services and innovative solutions for maritime security ventures, alongside providing external legal expertise for incidents of a criminal or offensive nature aboard cruise ships and merchant vessels. “Our core mission centres on enhancing and fostering respect for due process principles aboard seagoing vessels and implementing good governance at sea,” Philippe told us. “We achieve this vision through a combination of legal expertise and intelligent technologies, empowering stakeholders to govern maritime operations more effectively, equitably, and responsibly. Our approach reflects our commitment to upholding the UN Sustainable Development Goals through responsible maritime security, ethical governance, and the protection of human rights – values embedded in every operation, decision, and partnership we pursue.” This is further reflected in Téthys Naval’s substantial endeavours towards identifying and highlighting the critical regulatory gaps in judicial competencies aboard private vessels – particularly the lack of public mandate to execute police work at sea. This groundbreaking work was presented during the biennial conference of the International Law Association in Athens in 2024, where the company’s research and advocacy successfully brought this overlooked issue to the attention of legal experts and scholars. What makes this achievement particularly significant is Téthys Naval’s identification that the real challenge lies in addressing “common” acts of crime within the shipboard community, which fall under public order rather than anti-terrorism frameworks. This identification represents a fundamental shift in how maritime security and governance is approached. Téthys Naval recognised that this regulatory gap required bridging through a robust good governance approach, coupled with the willingness of shipping and cruise companies to invest meaningfully in capability building for their crews. To this end, the company emphasises enabling crew members to develop sound legal response and prevention capabilities for incidents at sea, conducting research and advocacy that directly addresses the critical need to mitigate liability for command personnel while protecting shipping and cruise companies from reputational damage. “As we say, we have sailed into uncharted waters and brought to light a more nuanced reality of due process at sea,” said Philippe. “Our work on flag state jurisdiction challenges in the cruise industry continues to shape the maritime legal landscape and influence industry best practices. Through our white papers and continued research, we remain committed to addressing affairs of significance in the maritime private security sector, ensuring that legal frameworks evolve to meet the complexities of modern maritime operations.” The remainder of 2025 promises to be particularly dynamic for Téthys Naval, as the company gears up for the market introduction of Téthys Beacon. Equally significant is its flagship initiative in collaboration with the VUB Brussels Diplomatic Academy, the Brussels Maritime Talks: Human Rights Perspectives at Sea. Looking to 2026 and beyond, Téthys Naval’s vision encompasses becoming the definitive technology partner for maritime security awareness and operations globally, whilst maintaining its leadership in promoting good governance and human rights within the sector. “These dual pillars position us uniquely in the marketplace,” Philippe concluded. “Our growing recognition for promoting ethical practices and good governance enhances our credibility and opens doors to partnerships with international organisations, academic institutions, and industry leaders who share our commitment to responsible maritime development. These ambitions reflect our commitment to not merely participating in the maritime industry’s digital transformation but leading it. We believe the convergence of artificial intelligence and maritime expertise presents unprecedented opportunities, and we are positioned to capitalise on this evolving landscape.” Contact: Philippe Hermes Company: Téthys Naval Web Address: www.tethysnaval.com Best Maritime Security Consultancy 2025 – Belgium
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTUyMDQwMA==