Maritime security company ESC Global Security (ESC) hopes to seize the market with its new high-level international recognition.
The largest Estonian security service exporter ESC has received the industry’s highest-level certification, ISO 28000 with ISO PAS 28007 accredited certification, granted by MSS Global.
MSS Global, the world’s leading company that issues accreditations and certifications to security companies, evaluated ESC’s safety management, system planning and management, and its armed and unarmed security solutions over a period of six months. As a result of the audit MSS Global acknowledged ESC activities to be in accordance with the ISO 28000 and ISO PAS 28007 standards.
MSS Global certification gives the company a very clear advantage, being amongst the top security service providers, having similar certification, according to ESC CEO Jaanus Rahumägi.
Mr Rahumägi said: "It gives ESC – a company from a small country that is unknown as a military force – an opportunity to break out from a constant need to assure its capabilities. ISO certification is a clear sign of quality to ship owners and gives ESC a capacity to operate on the same grounds with other leading maritime security companies in the world.
"The paper itself does not provide us warranty for the future, but the fact that an Estonian company has entered the global maritime security elite is something really special. It gives us an advantage in today’s market where many of our major competitors are experiencing difficulties or have gone to bankruptcy.
"ESC’s financial situation is very strong and this provides the opportunity for further growth. This year we hope to increase our sales about 20%. However, the maritime security market is very dependent on what’s happening in the world. So making very accurate predictions in this rapidly changing market is difficult."
Companies that have ISO PAS 28007 certification are acknowledged by all major transport companies, international organisations, and intelligence and law enforcement agencies such as the International Maritime Organisation (IMO), INTERPOL, the European Commission and the UN.
ESC, which is the largest maritime security service provider in eastern Europe and the Nordic countries, has a total of 160 permanent and contractual employees from 13 different countries. The company’s head office is located in Tallinn and operations take place all around the world. ESC clients include leading European ship and dredging companies.