Private ship protection companies (EPPN)

Private ship protection companies

Law no. 2014-742 of 1 July 2014 on private ship protection activities created the private ship protection activity. It amended the Domestic Security Code and the Transport Code. The activity may be carried out under the conditions, including authorisation, set out in articles L. 611-1 to L. 648-1 of the Domestic Security Code.

Approving an EPPN

Companies carrying out ship protection activities must hold a licence to operate issued by the National Council for Private Security Activities (CNAPS), as well as certification issued by a body accredited by COFRAC.

Individual operators, directors and managers of these companies must apply to the CNAPS for a licence to operate before starting any activity. This authorisation is separate for the main establishment and for each secondary establishment.

The activity of armed protection of ships is incompatible with any other activity, with the exception of advice and training in maritime safety. Furthermore, it cannot be carried out by a shipowner for himself. Private ship protection activities can only be carried out as part of a service provision.

To find out more about the approval procedure for an EPPN, visit the dedicated CNAPS page.

Approved EPPN

As of 29 January 2025, three companies are approved by the CNAPS to carry out private ship protection activity:

• INTERARMA LTD
• PORT 2 PORT LPC FRANCE
• PORT 2 PORT LPC LIMITED.