This paper provides a close investigation into the landscape of both cyber threats and actual incidents in the maritime sector, identifying the cyber trends and challenges as they relate to safe navigation and marine shipping. As an important subset of cyber threats that impact many maritime systems, the vulnerabilities of satellite navigation systems, in particular the Global Positioning System (GPS), receive special attention. For this article, a systematic literature review was conducted, complemented by the research and analysis of a specific spoofing event. Analyzing available resources, we might summarize that a shift in mind-set is essential to direct more attention and resources toward cybersecurity as well as the necessity for manufacturers to improve the cybersecurity of their products, as shipping systems currently remain vulnerable to cybercriminals. There is a need for multiple positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT) systems onboard maritime vessels to complement GPS-only navigation. The use of multiple satellite navigation constellations, public as well as private, in combination with the terrestrial components of an enhanced LOng-RAnge Navigation (eLoran) system and ports’ laser-based aid system for berthing and docking should provide the shipping industry with the direly needed increased protection from cyber-attackers for the foreseeable future.

This paper takes a close look at the landscape of the Automatic Identification System (AIS) as a major source of information for maritime situational awareness (MSA) and identifies its vulnerabilities and challenges for safe navigation and shipping. As an important subset of cyber threats affecting many maritime systems, the AIS is subject to problems of tampering and reliability; indeed, the messages received may be inadvertently false, jammed, or intentionally spoofed. A systematic literature review was conducted for this article, complemented by a case study of a specific spoofing event near Elba in December 2019, which confirmed that the typical maritime AIS could be easily spoofed and generate erroneous position information. This intentional spoofing has affected navigation in international waters and passage through territorial waters. The maritime industry is neither immune to cyberattacks nor fully prepared for the risks associated with the use of modern digital systems. Maintaining seaworthiness in the face of the impact of digital technologies requires a robust cybersecurity framework.

The maritime industry is undergoing a profound transformation with the integration of autonomous technologies, which brings new challenges and opportunities for the education and training of seafarers. This article aims to examine the evolving landscape of autonomous ships and its impact on maritime education, with a focus on the changing roles and responsibilities of seafarers. The levels of autonomy defined by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) provide a framework for understanding the evolution towards fully autonomous ships and highlight the changing roles and responsibilities of seafarers. Using a systematic review based on the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA), this study examines maritime education for maritime autonomous surface ships (MASS). Using Scopus, Web of Science (WoS) and Google Scholar, a comprehensive search was conducted to identify relevant studies focusing on seafarer training and the impact of automation in the maritime sector. The analysis included bibliometric assessments, historical reviews and a categorization of research topics. This systematic review contributes to a deeper understanding of the current state and trends in maritime education for autonomous shipping. The findings inform educators and industry stakeholders about the critical aspects of education and training needed to address the challenges and realize the potential benefits of autonomous technologies in the maritime sector. The inclusion of bibliometric analysis enriches the study by providing a comprehensive overview of the researchers.

This article takes a close look at the landscape of global navigation satellite system (GNSS) spoofing. It is well known that automated identification system (AIS) spoofing can be used for electronic warfare to conceal military activities in sensitive sea areas; however, recent events suggest that there is a similar interest of spoofing AIS signals for commercial purposes. The shipping industry is currently experiencing an unprecedented period of deceptive practices by tanker operators seeking to evade sanctions. Last year’s announcement of a price cap on Russian crude oil and a new ban on Western companies insuring Russian cargoes is setting the stage for an increase in illegal activity. Our research team identified and documented the AIS position falsification by tankers transporting Russian crude oil in closed ship-to-ship (STS) oil transfers. The identification of the falsified positions is based on the repeated instances of discrepancies between AIS location suggestions and satellite radar imagery indications. Using the data methods at our disposal, we reconstructed the true movements of certain tankers and encountered some surprising behavior. These false ship positions make it clear that we need effective tools and strategies to ensure the reliability and robustness of AISs.

The maneuverability of ships is influenced by several factors, including ship design, size, propulsion system, hull shape, and external conditions such as wind, waves, and currents. The size, shape, and arrangement of the hull, rudder, and propeller are decisive for maneuverability. Hydrodynamic forces such as bank effect and squat significantly impact the maneuverability of large ships in narrow channels. With the increasing trend of building ever-larger ships, the demand to evaluate the maneuvering performance of the ship at the design stage has become more critical than ever. Both experimental and computational methods are used to obtain accurate maneuvering characteristics of vessels. In this study, the methods for predicting ship maneuvering characteristics are analyzed using a systematic review based on the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA). This article contributes to a deeper understanding of the hydrodynamic capabilities of ships and identifies possible future challenges in the field of ship hydrodynamics. The findings inform educators and the shipping industry about the importance of predicting the maneuvering performance of ships, with an emphasis on the education and training of seafarers needed to make timely decisions in critical situations.

The maneuverability of ships is influenced by several factors, including ship design, size, propulsion system, hull shape, and external conditions such as wind, waves, and currents. The size, shape, and arrangement of the hull, rudder, and propeller are decisive for maneuverability. Hydrodynamic forces such as bank effect and squat significantly impact the maneuverability of large ships in narrow channels. With the increasing trend of building ever-larger ships, the demand to evaluate the maneuvering performance of the ship at the design stage has become more critical than ever. Both experimental and computational methods are used to obtain accurate maneuvering characteristics of vessels. In this study, the methods for predicting ship maneuvering characteristics are analyzed using a systematic review based on the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA). This article contributes to a deeper understanding of the hydrodynamic capabilities of ships and identifies possible future challenges in the field of ship hydrodynamics. The findings inform educators and the shipping industry about the importance of predicting the maneuvering performance of ships, with an emphasis on the education and training of seafarers needed to make timely decisions in critical situations.