AN EAST Lancashire firm has been tasked with offering advice to safeguard the world’s most expensive sea craft.

Braniff Partnership is providing security services at the Monaco Yacht Show, which launched in Monte Carlo’s iconic Port Hercules marina on Wednesday.

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The firm, which is based at Ribble Court, on Shuttleworth Mead Business Park, Padiham, will feature alongside 500 of the world’s leading luxury yachting manufacturers and outfitters, including builders of such jaw-dropping vessels as Eclipse, the 180-metre vessel owned by Russian billionaire and Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich and known as the $1.5 billion yacht.

Braniff Partnership, which holds gold accredited status as security specialists, works with insurance companies and was invited to take part by European magazine The Islander.

Edward Cusack, founder and MD of Braniff Partnership, said: “We are now being asked by our private clients not only to look at their risk and security profiles for their property and assets in the UK, but also to look at their overseas property portfolios, which often now requires marine security.

“There are increased risks and vulnerabilities to owning and being onboard a luxury yacht but equally there are huge advancements in technology-led security solutions for the maritime market.

“A professionally executed risk assessment is a vital element of health and safety management on board a super yacht in order to determine the measures required to reduce the level of incidents and accidents.”

The eye-catching displays in the south of France include a Deepflight Dragon, a two-person submersible able to dive to depths of 120 metres, and the Iguana Yacht, which has hydraulic legs to travel on dry land to ‘park’ at waterside properties.

In addition, the ‘billionaire bling’ attracts criminals across the high seas.

Mr Cusack added: “Marine piracy is what usually grabs the headlines and it is an issue now being tackled with huge advancements in technology-led solutions, yet the luxury yacht owners and their crews are often at their most vulnerable when they are moored in a port or marina.”