Securing resilient maritime logistics: Seaport threat analysis

Abstract: Maritime logistics form the backbone of global trade by handling approximately 90% of worldwide commerce by volume. Since global supply chains grow more interconnected and demand for just-in-time delivery increases, the resilience and robustness of maritime logistic systems have become more critical than ever. Today digital systems manage every aspect of the logistic operations. Therefore, protecting maritime logistics from cyber threats is essential to guarantee flow of goods globally. From port infrastructure to shipping route stability, the ability to maintain efficient logistic operations in the face of digital systems disruptions is essential for economic stability and growth of many countries. Maritime sector evolves due to development of new digital technologies. This offers new attack opportunities for hackers that are too often protected by rogue nations. Therefore, robust maritime logistic system that integrates well with on road and railway transportation is no longer a luxury but a necessity. Building such systems requires investment, innovation, and international collaboration. The future of maritime logistics depends not only on how fast and far goods move, but how reliably and securely they do so under any condition. Therefore, it is important to fully understand what are potential threats for global maritime logistics. A robust maritime logistic digital system is one that can anticipate, absorb, adapt, and recover from disruptions, whether they are caused by natural disasters, cyberattacks, geopolitical tensions, pandemics, or economic shocks. Robustness is not about avoiding disruption entirely but about minimizing impact and ensuring rapid recovery. Key pillars of robustness include understanding real-time operational status, maintain adequate backup systems, plan and utilize available resources dynamically, conduct risk assessment and plan crisis response. Resilience is not solely a maritime issue. It depends heavily on how well sea transport integrates with land logistics such as rail and road transportation. Therefore, robust maritime systems require coordinated infrastructure development with land based logistic operators that utilize latest technologies such as automated driving and autonomous vehicle fleet management. No nation can ensure maritime resilience alone. Global supply chains demand cross-border cooperation and policy alignment. This paper analyses potential threats for maritime logistic systems in seaports that are critical focal points for goods enroute to final customers.

Keywords: Cyber and Cyber physical threats, Threat discovery, Maritime logistics, Seaport security

DOI: 10.54941/ahfe1007042

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