BMP for Maritime Security Updated for 2026

Members may wish to note the publication of the June 2026 edition of BMP Maritime Security (BMP-MS), the industry's consolidated global guidance on maritime security threat assessment, voyage planning, mitigation measures, incident response and post-incident recovery. BMP-MS is intended to support companies, Masters and crews in understanding and managing maritime security risks through a structured threat and risk management process.

The principal amendment in the 2026 edition is the addition of "Actions on Boarding by Activists" within Section 6 (Incident Response). The new guidance reflects recent experience of organised protest activity directed at ships and offshore installations and provides practical recommendations on preparation, communication, de-escalation, evidence preservation and the safe management of activist boarding incidents.

The update complements the wider BMP-MS guidance covering piracy, armed robbery, illegal boarding, state actor intervention, missiles, drones, sea mines and cyber-related threats.

Members are also reminded of the revised Maritime Industry Security Threat Overview (MISTO), issued in November 2025. MISTO provides an overview of current maritime security threats, threat actors and regional risk trends, helping operators develop the threat assessments that underpin the effective application of BMP-MS.

Used together, MISTO and BMP-MS provide a practical framework for understanding maritime security threats, assessing risk and implementing proportionate mitigations to enhance the safety and security of vessels, offshore assets and their personnel.