ABSTRACT
This chapter examines the contemporary strategic energy security requirements, geopolitical variables and operational realities that give rise to maritime security risks, and influence the design and efficacy of maritime security processes. The nature and geospatial form of the conveyance of petroleum by sea is changing as a corollary of the changes in petroleum supply and demand. Consequently, the need to better understand the requirements of maritime security at strategic and operational levels is of particular relevance; for both contemporary implementation and future planning. Divided into five sections, the chapter: examines the macro-level interrelationship between petroleum resources, geopolitics and security risk; defines what constitutes the maritime petroleum sector; assesses the security requirements of sources of oil and gas; discusses the security realities of petroleum energy streams – from source to point of discharge; and, analyses the likely forms and requirements of future maritime petroleum sector security. It is intended the chapter will help improve understanding of contemporary energy security in the maritime domain, and inform the discourse with regards possible future threats to energy security in a maritime context.
