Are Private Maritime Security Companies or Naval Assets the Preferred Means to Address Maritime Piracy?

The rapid rise of piracy in the first decade of the 21st century in certain areas of the world has led to the emergence of various private military stakeholders in the field of maritime security. Although Private Maritime Security companies’ services have been found effective at repulsing piratical attacks, their often dangerous performance has significantly increased the concern of States about the legitimacy and legal accountability of such maritime actors. The State’s Naval forces are considered safer and more legitimate means of controlling the endangered maritime areas, although the cost of their service and maintenance is another reason for the State’s concern. The States are yet to determine which party is responsible for carrying the burden of Naval forces’ services. This paper aims to determine the existing models of the contracted maritime security and discuss whether the State’s naval forces or private maritime security companies are the preferred means to address modern maritime piracy.