The emergence of pirates on the high seas has everyone, from oil companies to the cruise industry, nervous. I say mount a few cannons on the bow and stern and blow away any skiff that approaches suspiciously, but that’s just me.

Hand-wringing ship owners have decided they need professional help. The result is a whole new potential business for the Moyock, N.C.-based Blackwater security firm, the company liberals love to hate:

Blackwater spokeswoman Anne Tyrrell said more than 70 companies, including shipping and insurance firms, have contacted the security specialists for information on the McArthur, although she did not elaborate. She said meetings are taking place this week in London to explain to those interested what the company can provide.