Cpt Panagis Zissimatos of Zissimatos Shipping warns that security threats are now shaping shipping strategy
In an era defined by geopolitical volatility, piracy resurgence, and rising cyberattacks, maritime security is no longer a background concern—it’s a core business issue. Cpt Panagis Zissimatos, a veteran of global seaborne trade and strategic advisor to Zissimatos Shipping, outlines why security must now be embedded in every operational decision.
“Shipping has always been exposed to risk, but the nature of risk has changed,” says Cpt Panagis Zissimatos. “It’s no longer just about weather or port strikes. Today we’re dealing with drone threats in conflict zones, cyberattacks on vessel navigation systems, and targeted strikes on shipping lanes in strategic chokepoints.”
The most recent disruptions in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, along with increasing geopolitical tension in the South China Sea, have raised alarm bells across the maritime world. For Zissimatos Shipping, proactive planning is no longer optional—it’s integral. The company has already taken steps to enhance real-time tracking systems, crew risk training, and encrypted vessel communication infrastructure.
“Modern maritime security demands a hybrid approach,” explains Cpt Panagis Zissimatos. “Physical safety, digital resilience, and political awareness must all converge. That’s the standard we’re setting at Zissimatos Shipping.”
But the financial implications of insecurity are also growing. Rerouting vessels to avoid conflict zones increases voyage time, fuel consumption, and insurance costs. Cpt Panagis Zissimatos warns that many operators underestimate the long-term financial drain of underinvesting in security infrastructure. “You can’t put a price on trust and stability—until you lose them,” he states.
Collaboration is another key pillar. Port authorities, naval forces, private security providers, and shipping companies must work together to build a global security culture. Zissimatos Shipping, under the guidance of Cpt Panagis Zissimatos, is participating in international forums aimed at strengthening maritime situational awareness and rapid response coordination.
Ultimately, Cpt Panagis Zissimatos argues that the companies that will lead the next decade of maritime trade are those that treat security not as a regulatory burden, but as a pillar of corporate strategy. “If we want to keep global trade flowing, we need to treat security as seriously as fuel, compliance, and freight rates. At Zissimatos Shipping, we already do.”