News – Six Maritime

THE NEW SURFACE THREAT: WHAT THE KAIROS AND VIRAT ATTACKS SIGNAL FOR THE FUTURE OF PORT SECURITY — AND WHO WILL LEAD IT

December 4, 2025

There are moments in maritime security when the world offers a rare glimpse of where the next decade is headed. The recent attacks on the MT Kairos and MT Virat in the Black Sea were exactly that. The videos that spread across OSINT feeds and defense channels weren’t remarkable because they were shocking, they were remarkable because they were predictable. Unmanned surface vehicles, once little more than remote-controlled novelties, have matured into stable, fast, low-profile attack platforms with enough precision to hit a vulnerable point on a tanker traveling at speed. What the world saw play out on those videos was not an anomaly. It was the future asserting itself.

Integrating Autonomy and Expertise: The Next Phase of Maritime Security

October 6, 2025

Naval innovation is accelerating at a pace not seen in decades. Between the Department of the Navy’s Science and Technology Board reshaping research investments and the Navy unveiling visions of modular, uncrewed surface attack craft, one thing is clear: the fleet of tomorrow will be vastly different from the fleet of today. Yet amid all the excitement around new hull forms, autonomy, and artificial intelligence, a critical truth risks being overlooked: hardware alone does not secure harbors, deter adversaries, or reassure allies. Success in this new era requires integration, the careful pairing of human expertise with autonomous platforms, operationally proven sensors, and rigorous compliance with maritime security standards. This is

Setting the Gold Standard for the Future of Maritime Security

September 25, 2025

The Waterfront Is Changing The American waterfront is never still. Shipyards hum with maintenance activity, ports move cargo around the clock, and security vessels patrol the channels to keep commerce and defense assets safe. But the threats facing our nation’s maritime industrial base are evolving faster than many realize. Small craft with malicious intent, unmanned vehicles probing defenses, and cyber-physical risks that once seemed far-off are now present concerns.Against this backdrop, one truth has become clear: yesterday’s security models are not enough for tomorrow’s challenges. The Human-AI Edge At Six Maritime, we believe the answer is not to replace human expertise with machines, but to pair seasoned professionals with the

Beyond the Hype: Real-World Testing and the Future of Maritime Autonomy

September 19, 2025

Six Maritime patrol craft securing a U.S. Navy vessel (left) contrasted with a futuristic unmanned surface vessel concept (right). The image reflects the balance between proven operational experience and the promise of emerging autonomy. The September 2025 Proceedings article, The Emperor’s New Vessels: A Call for Realism in Maritime Autonomy by Bo Jardine, strikes a chord with anyone who has spent time on the water. It is a warning that resonates across our industry: hype alone does not keep ships safe, nor does it defend coastlines or ensure readiness. The metaphor, as used by Jardine in his article, alludes to Andersen’s fable The Emperor’s New Clothes, a timeless caution against

Post-Strike Reality: Renewed Focus on Maritime and Critical Infrastructure Security

June 25, 2025

In the wake of the recent U.S. strike against Iran’s nuclear facilities, the conversation around national security can no longer remain theoretical. The geopolitical reverberations are already unfolding, and with them, the very real risk of retaliation. Now more than ever, we must take the defense of our critical infrastructure and national defense assets. Historically, the United States has enjoyed a certain insulation from conflict due to geography. With friendly neighbors to the north and south and vast oceans on either side, we’ve often viewed threats as distant concerns. This is not the case for much of the world. In Europe, the memory of the Iron Curtain and the ever-present

Rethinking Mahan in the Age of Autonomy: Sea Power, Trade, and the Future of American Maritime Strength

May 7, 2025

For decades, Alfred Thayer Mahan has been simplistically remembered as the prophet of battleship supremacy—an advocate of grand fleets and decisive naval engagements. But thanks to historian Nicholas A. Lambert’s The Neptune Factor, a more nuanced and deeply relevant interpretation is resurfacing. As America grapples with great power competition and the transformative impact of autonomous technologies, revisiting Mahan’s original ideas may offer both strategic clarity and inspiration for action. Beyond the Battle Line: What Mahan Really Meant In The Neptune Factor, Lambert dismantles the long-held myth that Mahan’s theory of sea power was obsessed with fleet-on-fleet combat. Instead, he paints a richer portrait of Mahan as both a serious naval

The Role of Private Security in Protecting U.S. Naval Vessels

April 5, 2025

How Private Security Teams Safeguard Naval Assets in Shipyards and at Sea Protecting U.S. naval vessels is a mission that extends beyond the Navy itself. While military personnel provide security for ships in active duty, private security teams play a critical role in protecting these high-value assets while in shipyards, during transit, and at key events. With increasing threats—ranging from espionage and sabotage to unauthorized access and terrorist activities—the Navy relies on specialized private security providers to reinforce its force protection strategy. These teams bring expertise, agility, and advanced technology to secure naval vessels at every stage of their lifecycle. Why Private Security is Essential for Naval Protection Naval vessels,

Returning from Ebb Tide: A New Era for U.S. Maritime Power — Six Maritime’s Role in the Revival

March 26, 2025

The history of the United States’ commercial maritime industry has always been intertwined with the nation’s global power and security. Yet, as the 21st century unfolded, the industry saw a steady decline, leaving a critical gap in the U.S. maritime enterprise — one that Returning from Ebb Tide: Renewing the United States Commercial Maritime Enterprise seeks to address. Edited by Dr. Steven Wills, the book brings to light the complexities of this decline and advocates for a renewal that is not just about economic recovery but also about enhancing national security, strengthening defense capabilities, and ultimately regaining a competitive edge on the world stage. For Six Maritime, a company rooted

Understanding NAVSEA 009-72: Waterborne Security Compliance Explained

March 8, 2025

Why NAVSEA 009-72 Compliance is Critical for Shipyard Security When it comes to naval shipyard security, adherence to NAVSEA 009-72 is non-negotiable. This U.S. Navy directive outlines the strict requirements for security operations in shipyards where naval vessels undergo maintenance, repair, or construction. For private shipyards, security providers, and contractors working with the Navy, understanding and implementing NAVSEA 009-72 is not just about compliance—it’s about safeguarding national defense assets. What is NAVSEA 009-72? NAVSEA 009-72, formally titled Physical Security at Private Shipyards for the Accomplishment of Work on Surface Ships and Submarines, is a critical U.S. Navy instruction that governs force protection measures for shipyard operations. It ensures that naval vessels

Excellence in Nearshore and Offshore Support Services

March 5, 2025

At Six Maritime, we pride ourselves on providing elite offshore support services tailored to the unique needs of the maritime and defense industries. From protecting high-value naval assets to supporting the testing of cutting-edge unmanned technologies, we deliver mission-critical security and operational capabilities. Proven Performance in Offshore Support Six Maritime has a distinguished track record of supporting naval operations, security missions, and research initiatives. Our team of highly skilled professionals operates across diverse maritime environments, ensuring the safety and security of critical assets. From the bustling shipyards of San Diego to the remote waters of the Pacific Northwest, we have safeguarded U.S. Navy vessels like the USS Cincinnati and USS

10 Essential First Aid Items for Mariners

March 1, 2025

When you’re out at sea, medical assistance is not just minutes away—it could take hours or even longer to reach professional care. That’s why a well-stocked maritime first aid kit is more than just a precaution; it’s a lifeline. While standard first aid kits address common injuries, certain specialized items are critical in managing serious medical emergencies that can occur in a maritime setting. Severe injuries can happen unexpectedly, whether from falls, heavy machinery accidents, or violent incidents. In such cases, tourniquets play a vital role in stopping life-threatening bleeding, buying precious time until professional medical help is available. Similarly, chest seals are essential for treating penetrating wounds that could

Unlocking Knowledge Anywhere: Six Maritime Launches Online Learning for Security and Maritime Professionals

February 26, 2025

The maritime and security industries demand constant vigilance, skill, and readiness. At Six Maritime, we’ve always prioritized top-tier training and development for our personnel and clients. Today, we’re excited to announce the launch of our new online learning platform, designed to bring high-quality training to individuals wherever they are. Why Online Learning Matters in Maritime Security The maritime domain never stands still, and neither should training. Our new online courses offer flexibility without compromising quality, ensuring that security professionals, maritime personnel, and industry stakeholders can access essential training anytime, anywhere. Whether you’re an individual seeking to enhance your skill set or an organization looking to train your team, Six Maritime’s online