WBFP - Safety and Security in Maritime and port operations

This study employs the Bayesian Best-Worst Method to evaluate the effectiveness of cybersecurity risk mitigation strategies and measures for Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS). Drawing on survey data from maritime professionals working in the United Kingdom (UK) and other countries, this study identifies precautionary strategies as most effective in cybersecurity risk mitigation, followed by real-time recovery and aftermath strategies. Staff training and hiring skilled cybersecurity personnel are consistently ranked as the most effective measure by the UK and non-UK sample. The findings emphasize the importance of proactive measures to address cybersecurity risks in autonomous shipping. These results offer actionable insights for maritime stakeholders and policymakers to enhance maritime cybersecurity resilience.

Background: Ship recycling has gravitated over the years towards countries with low labour costs, poor occupational safety controls and minimal protection of the environment. The current practice where ship recycling happens in countries with relatively weak regulatory systems is of particular concern because ships contain many hazards that can have adverse effects on humans and the environment if not properly addressed.
Objective: The paper explores green ship recycling for the Port of East London by analysing the most environmentally sustainable way of disposing of old ships, reusing or recycling nearly every component of the hull and engine complex as scrap metal.
Methods: The study uses a qualitative, case study research approach to understanding the feasibility of establishing a Green Ship Recycling Facility in the Port of East London.
Results: Findings show that the Basel Convention Guidelines prefer quayside and dry-docking vessels for demolition, which is why the Port of East London is feasible for this study.
Conclusion: Ship recycling provides the most environmentally sustainable way of disposing of old ships, reusing or recycling nearly every component of the hull and engine complex as scrap metal.
Contribution: Recycling of vessels has been done in South African ports but on a very small scale. The study responds to calls for studies on a national and regional level by exploring effective solutions to the issue of ship recycling, which will minimize, the environmental, occupational health and risks related to ship recycling.

The evolving landscape of cybersecurity in the maritime industry poses significant challenges due to inadequate security controls for vulnerable onboard systems. Recognising these risks, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) has mandated that cyber risk management be integrated into safety management systems in alignment with the ISM Code. Effective cyber risk management requires a holistic approach, addressing diverse threats and their potential impact on both individual systems and overall ship safety and environmental protection. This paper examines the regulatory framework underpinning maritime cybersecurity and highlights its reliance on methodologies adapted from the Information Technology (IT) industry. This shift marks a departure from traditional safety and environmental risk management practices historically employed by the IMO. This paper explores a novel cyber risk management approach proposed by the International Association of Classification Societies (IACS), and a case study is presented to illustrate its applicability. This framework provides a comprehensive strategy that integrates IT and Operational Technology (OT) systems, addressing the complexities of interconnected onboard and external networks. By presenting this approach, the paper contributes to advancing cybersecurity in the maritime sector, offering a promising solution to current challenges and laying a foundation for future resilience in maritime operations.