Specialist insurance provider CFC has launched a new marine kidnap and ransom solution aimed at offering greater protection for vessels and their crews facing renewed threats from maritime piracy.

CFC’s upgraded marine K&R now uses vessel smart tracking technology to detect the moment an insured vessel enters higher risk marine areas and immediately alert the client, enabling real time activation of necessary coverage and safeguarding against being uninsured in high-risk waters.

Alexander Beaton, team leader for kidnap, war and piracy at CFC, said: “Incidence of piracy at sea is becoming more widespread, with the International Maritime Bureau’s Piracy Reporting Centre recording a 20% increase in piracy events in 2025 compared to 2024. At the same time, the severity of piracy in key high-risk areas is not diminishing as maritime crime is no exception to the impact of global instability.

“Marine K&R insurance provides valuable cover that simply isn’t available under any other insurance policy, protecting not just the vessels but, equally importantly, the people on board. This new upgrade ensures continuous coverage for vessels operating near restricted areas, while enhancing flexibility and choice. Vessel owners need the comprehensive global protection that our new product provides and seafarers deserve it.”