Herbert-Burns is a leading international maritime security consultant with his own firm, Proteus Offshore & Marine Ltd; engaged in operations and security risk management projects for shipping, offshore oil and gas sector clients with operations in Africa, the Middle East, Asia, and Europe. He has conducted at-sea ship security surveys and risk assessments, oil and gas terminal surveys, land-based drilling project risk assessment, ISPS Code consultation, and the provision of armed at-sea vessel protection services. Herbert-Burns has also operated as an on-scene operations response consultant for the return of hijacked oil tankers in Somalia. From 2006 to 2007, he worked at sea as a security and safety advisor for VLCCs operating in the northern Persian Gulf during the war in Iraq.
In the context of maritime and offshore operations risk consultation, Rupert has concentrated his expertise in the petroleum shipping and offshore sectors; working for operators of VLCCs, LNG carriers, product tankers, seismic survey ships and their support vessels, sub-sea construction & pipe-laying vessels, diving support ships and offshore support vessels.
Previously, as a director at Lloyd’s Marine Intelligence Unit in Washington D.C. and London, Herbert-Burns was engaged in security-risk and shipping trade data analysis, port, and terminal security audits and threat assessment support roles.
Prior to his current professional activities, Herbert-Burns was commissioned as a warfare officer in the Royal Navy; serving worldwide in major surface warships, a conventional submarine, and support vessels. He also had subsequent service as an infantry platoon commander with the Brigade of Gurkhas. Following his re-commissioning in 2007, Herbert-Burns continues to serve as an officer in the Royal Naval Reserve. Herbert-Burns has master’s degree (MLitt) [International Security Studies] and a Ph.D [Petroleum Geopolitics] from the University of St. Andrews in Scotland.
