ABSTRACT
Since the events of 11 September 2001 the terrorist maritime security threat in South East Asia has been taken very seriously. A proliferation in regional institutional maritime security arrangements has resulted. Whether the response is in proportion to the threat has been questioned. The scenarios envisaged are low probability.1 At the same time, a successful attack involving a chemical tanker or other volatile or toxic cargo could result in an ecological and human disaster, with serious economic implications at the global level. Analyses of the types of vessels that might be attacked for terrorist purposes point towards liquefied gas tankers2 and shipments of fertilizer. Special security arrangements have been recommended for chemical and gas tankers, gas carriers and other at-risk smaller vessels.3 In addition, the possibility of a successful attack using nuclear or biological weapons hidden inside shipping containers must be taken into account.4
