MOSCOW, March 18 (Xinhua) -- Russia could request armed escorts for its merchant vessels through port authorities as security risks to maritime shipping continue to rise, local media reported on Wednesday.

Nikolai Patrushev, aide to the Russian president and chairman of the Maritime Board, said in a recent interview that Moscow is considering providing Russian-flagged ships with protection from mobile armed groups coordinated through port authorities.

"The possibility is being considered to request escort for vessels flying the Russian flag by mobile armed groups through port captains," Patrushev said, describing it as part of a broader set of measures aimed at strengthening maritime security.

He noted that the initiative came amid increasing threats to commercial shipping, including risks of terrorist attacks and sabotage against vessels linked to Russian ports.

According to Patrushev, Russia has already strengthened monitoring and control over maritime activity, including enhanced inspections of incoming vessels and real-time tracking of ships involved in economic operations, in a bid to prevent sudden attacks on ports and shipping routes.

In addition to armed escorts, authorities are also exploring the installation of special defensive equipment on ships and the possibility of convoying commercial fleets with naval vessels, he added. ■