Merchant shipping companies are increasing their efforts to enhance drone defense capabilities amid a rise in attacks on commercial vessels in the Black Sea and the Gulf region. The escalation in drone-related threats has prompted shipowners, particularly those transporting oil and gas or operating near offshore energy infrastructure, to seek out specialized counter-drone technology.
Counter-drone firms such as Marss, Drone Defence, and D-Fend have reported a significant surge in inquiries from the maritime sector. These companies provide systems designed to detect, disrupt, and in some cases take control of hostile drones, helping to protect vessels against emerging asymmetric threats. Jeffrey Starr, chief marketing officer at D-Fend Solutions, noted that the demand reflects a growing recognition that drone threats extend beyond traditional war zones. “Shipowners, shippers and naval forces are facing an asymmetric threat that is causing a big inbound uptick in enquiries,” he said.
Richard Gill, chief executive of Drone Defence, highlighted that interest has been particularly strong among operators of oil tankers and liquefied natural gas carriers. He observed that enhancing drone defenses enables shipowners to navigate riskier routes that would otherwise be avoided. John Stawpert, marine director at the International Chamber of Shipping, confirmed the threat from both aerial and surface drones has increased in areas experiencing active conflicts such as the Gulf, Red Sea, and Black Sea.
The human toll of these threats has been notable, with the International Maritime Organization reporting that more than 20 seafarers have been killed by drone and missile strikes in the Gulf since the US-Israel conflict with Iran began in late February. Around 30 similar fatalities have occurred in the Black Sea this year. The risks have driven freight rates to unprecedented levels; for example, the cost to charter a supertanker passing through the Strait of Hormuz recently peaked at $1.2 million per day, compared to roughly $79,000 per day in September of the previous year.
Beyond shipping, offshore energy infrastructure such as pipelines, undersea cables, and wind farms have also been targeted by drones. European security officials have documented instances of drone surveillance and covert attacks, raising concerns among NATO countries about potential Russian interference in European waters.
Historically, demand for maritime anti-drone systems came primarily from superyacht owners seeking protection from intrusive drones. Rob Balloch, chief growth officer at Marss, explained that superyachts were among the early adopters of their Nidar system, which uses onboard radar and cameras to detect incoming threats. The company now observes a “step change up” in demand from offshore oil and gas vessels as technology costs fall and the economic justification for investment grows.
Modern counter-drone solutions include radar-based detection, video monitoring, and electronic countermeasures such as GPS jamming and control signal disruption. For large vessels like oil tankers, these integrated systems can cost approximately $500,000. Operators unable to afford such technology have implemented simpler measures, including nets, stun guns, and water tanks designed to entangle or detonate drones before they reach critical ship areas.
Developing effective counter-drone technology for the harsh maritime environment poses challenges. Systems must operate reliably amid rough seas and resist corrosion from salt water. Starr noted that D-Fend has created a ruggedized maritime version of its technology, which has helped drive growth. Nonetheless, Balloch cautioned that the threat landscape is constantly evolving, requiring continuous innovation: “Just when you think you’ve deployed the best thing you have ever deployed, it changes. Things are moving that fast.”