WORLD shipping should increase levels of security to counter the growing threat of terrorist attack, Malta-based Maritime Asset Security Training (MAST) has warned.

The ISO-rated company issued the warning after terrorists al-Qaeda said it could attack oil shipments in its first issue of "Resurgence", its new online publication.

"Whilst ISIS activity has been more recently featured in the western media, the resurgence of al-Qaeda and affiliate organisations is occurring," said the MAST press release.

"The largely unforeseen consequences of the Arab Spring and civil wars in Syria and Iraq have allowed terrorists to get on the front foot," said MAST chief operations officer Gerry Northwood, OBE.

"They have potential to do real harm to maritime activity in the Mediterranean, the Indian Ocean and particularly in the key strategic choke points, namely the Straits of Gibraltar, the Straits of Hormuz, the Suez Canal or the Bab El Mendeb Strait," he said.

Mr Northwood said that while al-Qaeda specifically threatened oil tankers, large cargo ships and cruise liners could also be at risk.

If the terrorists have the audacity to attack a warship - "in September al-Qaeda tried to hijack a Pakistan Navy frigate - then they will surely think little of attempting an attack on a cruise liner", he said.

"Crew training and awareness, citadel drills and understanding of how quickly events can unfold are essential. There is no replacement for a good lookout and knowledge of pattern of behaviour, especially when approaching choke points, harbours or any constrained area. These are the most vulnerable places where terrorists have a good chance of accurately targeting a vessel," he said.