WCEP - Safety and Security in Maritime and port operations

Maritime operations play a pivotal role in global trade but are sensitive to human error. This research aims to enhance navigation safety by developing a proactive navigation risk detection model that integrates electroencephalogram (EEG) data and vessel trajectory data. The experiment utilises a TRANSAS full mission navigation simulator, where ship captains operate in confined waters while their psychophysiological status and vessel movements are monitored. Collected EEG data reveals mental workload, while vessel trajectory data informs on navigation risks such as collisions. A deep learning algorithm fuses these datasets to predict navigation risks. Findings highlight the critical role of human factors in maritime operations and propose a systematic framework for assessing navigation risks. This research bridges gaps in existing risk detection methods by accounting for the complex interplay of human, machine, and environmental factors, offering valuable insights for advancing human-centred maritime autonomy.

As ammonia emerges as a viable alternative fuel for achieving net-zero emissions in maritime transport, its hazardous properties, including toxicity, flammability, and reactivity, pose significant safety and operational challenges. Ammonia bunkering at ports is a critical yet complex process vulnerable to diverse risks and perilous consequences, making comprehensive risk assessment essential for ensuring safe and efficient operations. This study employs a comprehensive risk assessment framework for ammonia bunkering operations at seaports, integrating Systems-Theoretic Process Analysis (STPA) with Bayesian Networks (BN). This study addresses the gap in ammonia bunkering-specific risk assessments, which have not been adequately explored in the existing literature. This integrated framework enables the identification of critical risk factors and risk control measures (RCMs), providing a detailed understanding of system vulnerabilities and potential hazards. Key findings highlight the dominant role of human factors and operational inefficiencies in contributing to the system hazard of ammonia leakage and spillage. Sensitivity analysis further underscores the importance of human-related controls, such as training, audits, and supervision, as well as environmental monitoring to manage system failures and mitigate consequence severity, along with equipment integrity measures. By integrating STPA and BN, this framework offers a granular analysis of risk propagation and control, providing actionable recommendations to enhance the safety and resilience of ammonia bunkering operations.

Blockchain technology has the potential to transform the maritime industry, particularly in enhancing the safe operation of Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS). This research aims to critically examine the integration of blockchain to improve cybersecurity, operational efficiency, and data integrity in MASS. Utilising a hybrid methodology combining SWOT and TOWS analyses, the research identifies the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats associated with blockchain adoption in this context. Key strengths include blockchain's ability to provide data integrity, transparency, and decentralisation, which can significantly enhance safety, security and operational efficiency. However, challenges such as scalability, energy consumption, and regulatory ambiguities hinder widespread adoption. The TOWS analysis proposes actionable strategies to leverage blockchain's strengths while mitigating weaknesses, including the use of energy-efficient consensus mechanisms and engaging with regulatory authorities to establish standardised protocols. The findings indicate that despite existing barriers, strategic implementation of blockchain can lead to improved cybersecurity measures, streamlined operations, and support for sustainability initiatives in the maritime sector. This research underscores the necessity for further investigation into blockchain applications in MASS, aiming to foster safer, more efficient, and sustainable maritime transportation systems.

Marine shipping has been the crucial transportation mode for most of the world's shipment. After the 9/11 terrorist attacks in the United States, the world began to think about how to ensure port security. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has also formulated regulations on the preservation of ships and port facilities (International Ship and Port Facility Security Code, ISPS Code) expected that through the formulation of regulations, members will have a benchmark for port security management. Although Taiwan is not a member state, it still needs to follow relevant regulations in order to be able to connect to the international trade market. Currently, the regulations made by IMO focus more on the safety of ships, and less on port facilities safety. This study identifies the important factors of port security through the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) by discussing the existing security strategies of ports and establishes a security inspection standard. According to the research results, it can be used as a reference for port administration and operators to implement port security strategies in the future, so as to enhance the competitiveness of Taiwan's international commercial ports in international marine transportation.