Maritime Security Research Articles

Determining the location of the arsenal in an effort to increase the carrying capacity of marine forces in the critical area of the North Natuna sea

Strategic environmental dynamics in the North Natuna Sea area raises potential threat spots to the territory of the Republic of Indonesia where the Indonesian Navy needs to determine a maritime security strategy where one of the things that must be prepared is the distribution of logistics in the form of ammunition and weapons through development warehouse Arsenal. Through this research, an alternative strategic location was determined as an Arsenal warehouse as a storage place for ammunition supplies used to support the KRI carrying out operational tasks. Alternative construction locations for Arsenal are Lanal Bintan, Lanal Ranai, Lanal Bangka Belitung and Lantamal IV Pontianak. Based on Perkasal No. 17 of 2008 The criteria used and the absolute requirements for determining the location are security, transportation access and supporting facilities. Data collection for this research was carried out using the method of distributing questionnaires and conducting interviews expert. The Delphi method was used in this research to determine and agree on relevant and valid criteria and sub-criteria to be researched at the next stage. Next Method Analytic Network Process (ANP) is used to determine the best alternative with pdata processing process uses Software Super Decision. Then the structure of complex cause and effect relationships is visualized using a matrix and images using the method Decision Making Trial And Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL). The results of this research show that the priority of the alternative Arsenal warehouse location is Lanal Bintan with a weight value of 0.536308. Security criteria and sub-criteria for being safe from enemy attacks are the most dominant criteria in determining Arsenal warehouse location decisions.

NUMERICAL STUDY OF THE RESISTANCE REDUCTION IN HYBRID MINI-SUBMARINE

Hybrid mini-submarine is a single innovative ship combining the concepts of conventional fast ships, hydrofoils, and submarine with the specific mission of safeguarding national sovereignty. This study was conducted to analyze the reduction of resistance in this mini-submarine by examining the positioning and shape of NACA hydrofoils. The process involved adjusting the positions of NACA hydrofoils and incorporating different configurations. This was indicated by the inclusion of nine speed configuration in the hydrofoil mode, eight in the conventional mode, and five in the submarine mode. Moreover, Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulation was applied for analysis using the Ansys CFX software. The results showed that the positioning of the NACA hydrofoils at close proximity reduced the resistance. The selection of symmetrical and slender configuration was also observed to optimize the reduction of resistance. Moreover, the combination of position and NACA hydrofoil 0012 produced an average resistance reduction of up to 12.52%. The configured model successfully reduced the total ship resistance and also identified the optimal position and shape configuration for the NACA hydrofoils. These findings provided valuable insights into the components and characteristics of total ship resistance and served as a valuable reference for further research on the development of maritime security technology.

Crimes at sea: Exploring the nexus of maritime crimes across global EEZs

Maritime crime refers to conduct which is perpetrated wholly or partly at sea and is prohibited under applicable national and international law. It also represents an understudied sector of crime and security. Crimes including maritime piracy and armed robbery; illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing; terrorism; and illegal drug, arms, wildlife, and human trafficking occur across maritime zones and pose serious threats to international trade, national security, and maritime security. Notably, these crimes often do not occur in isolation. Previous research has documented the convergence of these crimes within the terrestrial space but is thus far lacking a similar analysis as it pertains to the maritime space, which accounts for one of the most commonly used trafficking modes. Therefore, using data from the Stable Seas database, we aim to understand how different types of maritime crimes geographically converge and what this intersection means for policy and practice. Specifically, data on maritime piracy and armed robbery; mixed migration; and maritime arms, cannabis, coca, opiate, synthetic drug, and wildlife trades are analyzed to (1) establish rankings of maritime crime importance; (2) develop typologies of maritime crime convergence; and (3) integrate predictor variables to understand why certain regions tend to experience more abundant crime than others. Given data availability and policy relevancy, analyses focused on coastal countries of Africa, Middle East, and the Indo-Pacific.

Distributional Soft Actor-Critic-Based Multi-AUV Cooperative Pursuit for Maritime Security Protection

Distributional Soft Actor-Critic-Based Multi-AUV Cooperative Pursuit for Maritime Security Protection

Formulation of Maritime Security’s Terminology Viewed from Side of People Participation

Formulation of Maritime Security’s Terminology Viewed from Side of People Participation

Role and integration of image processing systems for maritime target tracking

In recent years, maritime traffic has increased, especially in seaborne trade. To ensure safety, security, and environmental protection, various systems have been deployed, often combining data for improved effectiveness. One key application of this combined data is tracking targets at sea, where the Automatic Identification System (AIS) and X-band marine radar are crucial. Recently, there has been growing interest in using visual data from cameras to enhance tracking. This has led to the development of several tracking algorithms based on image processing. While much of the existing literature addresses data fusion, there hasn’t been much focus on why integrating image processing systems is important given the existence of the other systems. In our paper, we aim to analyze these surveillance systems and highlight the benefits of integrating image processing systems. Our main goal is to show how this integration can improve maritime security, offering practical insights into enhancing safety and protection at sea.

Indonesian Heroes and Villains: National Identity, Politics, Law, and Security

This thematic issue of <em>Politics and Governance</em> offers a collection of unique articles that debate Indonesian “heroes” and “villains,” providing an understanding of the country’s past and present. The importance of Indonesia in the world is ever-increasing geopolitically and economically, offering rich material for academic studies. It is one of the few Muslim-majority democracies, with a long and complex history of people and institutions that have shaped its national identity, politics, government, law, and security, which we examine under the central theme of agents of change and integration. The articles cover local histories prior to independence in 1945 to the present day, the legacy of President Abdurrahman Wahid (1999–2001), a biography of a prominent Muslim activist turned terrorist, women’s agency in terrorism, as well efforts to reform terrorists. Discussions on the problematic aspects of the Indonesian state ideology Pancasila and the downgrading of Indonesia’s Corruption Eradication Commission are also examined. Realpolitik is covered in the article concerning Indonesia’s maritime security and in the article discussing activists who died fighting for democratic freedoms, such as Indonesian poet-activist Wiji Thukul, who eventually saw the reform movement (reformasi) topple the Soeharto “New Order” regime (1966–1998), and usher in the democracy that Indonesia enjoys today.

Future Prospects and Scope of China Pakistan Economic Corridor in Modern Maritime Silk Road

The China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) stands as a master project within the broader framework of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), envisioning connectivity and economic cooperation across the Eurasian landmass. With a focus on the maritime dimension, this study explores the future prospects and scope of CPEC within the context of the Modern Maritime Silk Road (MSR). By examining key infrastructure projects, policy frameworks, and geopolitical dynamics, it assesses the potential impacts and opportunities arising from enhanced maritime connectivity between China and Pakistan. The analysis begins by demarcation the strategic importance of maritime routes in economic development and facilitating trade, mainly in the framework of global maritime trade patterns. Additionally, the study explores the consequences of CPEC for regional dynamics, mainly in the Indian Ocean region, where geopolitical competition and maritime security concerns intersect. It examines the potential for transshipment opportunities, economic integration and the growth of regional supply chains helped by CPEC-linked maritime infrastructure.

Maritime Security in a Technological Era: Addressing Challenges in Balancing Technology and Ethics

Maritime Security in a Technological Era: Addressing Challenges in Balancing Technology and Ethics

Enabling cyber resilient shipping through maritime security operation center adoption: A human factors perspective

The increased adoption of digital systems in the maritime domain has led to concerns about cyber resilience, especially in the wake of increasingly disruptive cyber-attacks. This has seen vessel operators increasingly adopt Maritime Security Operation Centers (M-SOCs), an action in line with one of the cyber resilience engineering techniques known as adaptive response, whose purpose is to optimize the ability to respond promptly to attacks. This research sought to investigate the domain-specific human factors that influence the adaptive response capabilities of M-SOC analysts to vessel cyber threats. Through collecting interview data and subsequent thematic analysis informed by grounded theory, cyber awareness of both crew onboard and vessel operators emerged as a pressing domain-specific challenge impacting M-SOC analysts' adaptive response. The key takeaway from this study is that vessel operators remain pivotal in supporting the M-SOC analysts’ adaptive response processes through resource allocation towards operational technology (OT) monitoring and cyber personnel staffing onboard the vessels.

Discrepancies in the newsworthiness of maritime security in Chinese and US media outlets: a corpus-based discursive news values analysis

This article analyzes and compares the news values constructed in the English news reporting from Chinese and US mainstream media around events concerning maritime security, revealing how the related events have been packaged and sold differently in the two societies, uncovering the discrepancies in Chinese and US social visions on maritime security, and exploring the social attitudes underpinning the constant conflicts between the two countries in the marine sphere. Adopting corpus linguistic methods and the discursive news values analysis (DNVA) framework, this study examines news values through keywords, naming strategies, and images contained in Chinese and US mainstream English news outlets. The results show that Chinese media established the news values of Positivity and Proximity prominently through both textual and visual reporting, by emphasizing common international interests, advocating diplomatic joint cooperation and demonstrating optimistic attitudes towards the future of marine environment. By contrast, US media keenly construed Negativity and Eliteness, by highlighting the exclusive national interests/security of the US, dwelling on threats from other countries and distinctly demonstrating worries, fears, anger and violence. The differences in newsworthiness reflect that maritime security has been constructed in discrepant ways in Chinese and US society: as international joint security with optimistic perspective in China, and as exclusive national security with pessimistic perspective in US. This study has improved and supplemented the results of the previous China-US marine policy studies by the findings of the social emotions/cognition towards maritime policy revealed through newsworthiness analysis.

The Kuwaiti blue economy and its potential obstacles

Kuwait's economy, predominantly driven by oil revenues, is at a transformative juncture with the exploration of the blue economy, which emphasizes marine and maritime resources. This study examines the viability of transitioning towards the blue economy, focusing on the government's commitment and the inherent challenges. Through a combination of literature review and expert interviews, the research unveils insights into the governmental strategies, the prevalence of corruption, inter-party conflicts, and maritime security concerns. While the blue economy emerges as a viable alternative, the study argues that its reliance alone may not sufficiently replace oil revenues. The findings advocate for a strategic integration of the blue economy, highlighting its potential to contribute to Kuwait's economic diversification and sustainability.

COOPERATION BETWEEN RUSSIA AND THE INDIAN OCEAN RIM ASSOCIATION

Purpose of the study: to identify the features of international cooperation between Russia and the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) in the field of maritime security. Methodology. The author, based on a wide range of the latest domestic and foreign sources, studies the political and legal foundations for Russia’s activities in the Indian Ocean region, and conducts a step-by-step analysis of the structure and priorities of the IORA activities. The main methodology of the study consists of systematic and comparative approaches, contributing to an objective and comprehensive analysis of international cooperation between the Russian Federation and IORA in the Indian Ocean region. Conclusions. It is shown that Russia, based on its accumulated experience with the multilateral regional systems, advocates the development of cooperation between the system of interstate interaction mechanisms formed in the Asia-Pacific region around ASEAN, and multilateral structures of the Indian Ocean zone. It has been revealed that Russia, like other IORA countries, sees the advantages of further developing maritime transport and navigation, coastal areas and tourism, sustainable fishing, the fight against marine pollution, and the joint study of ocean resources. Particular attention is paid to international cooperation projects in the field of the “blue economy”, which are carried out by the Department of Multilateral Economic Cooperation of the Ministry of Economic Development of Russia, the state corporation Rosatom and IORA. Russia’s international cooperation with IORA will help expand Russia’s strategic presence and influence in the Indian Ocean.

Менеджмент «удобного флага» при формировании флота РФ

The management of fleets, especially as part of the state-private interaction, is a complex endeavor influenced by economic, political, and strategic factors. This article delves into the concept of the “convenience flag” as a mechanism for optimizing fleet management, exploring its implications within the evolving landscape of mari-time industries. It analyzes optimization mechanisms for fleet management through the utilization of “conven-ience flags” and offshore zones. The current optimization mechanisms are scrutinized against the backdrop of modern transformations in strategic economic sectors, particularly shipbuilding and maritime transport fleet development. Approaches to financing and balancing state-private interests amid heightened international re-lations are examined in greater detail. Through identifying causal relationships between elements of optimiza-tion mechanisms, particularly in financial operations, asset transactions, and the increased risk of fleet vessel loss, the necessity of upholding state interests in these processes is substantiated. Principles of organizational measures to prevent vessel loss and, consequently, the entities operating under “convenience flags” and off-shore zone jurisdictions, are proposed. In conclusion, the management of fleets through “convenience flags” represents a complex interplay of economic, political, and regulatory considerations. While offering potential benefits in terms of cost efficiency and operational flexibility, it also poses inherent risks to state sovereignty and maritime security. Moving forward, a balanced approach that prioritizes transparency, accountability, and stakeholder engagement is essential to ensure the sustainable and responsible management of fleets in the Russian Federation and beyond.

The impact of Pakistan-Turkey maritime cooperation on regional peace

ABSTRACT The purpose of this study is not solely to shed light on the maritime cooperation between Pakistan and Turkey but also to analyse whether it has any impact on regional peace. Ergo, this research deals with a crucial question, what effect does Pakistan-Turkey maritime cooperation have on regional peace? In order to answer this question, this study uses the balance of power theory. Pakistan ought to balance its naval power with that of its rival India in order to accomplish peace and prosperity in the region. At present, the two countries are asymmetrical in terms of military power. Since 1947, they have fought four wars, which have seriously affected the peace of the entire region. To acquire regional peace and prosperity, Islamabad and Ankara have gone beyond religious, political, and cultural relations and turned to maritime cooperation. Turkey has become Pakistan's second-largest arms export partner, exporting modern submarines, frigates, destroyers, and other equipment over the past 20 years. Since 9/11, they have held numerous bilateral and multilateral naval exercises to deal with any form of maritime security threat.

МЕЖДУНАРОДНО-ПРАВОВОЕ РЕГУЛИРОВАНИЕ СПАСАТЕЛЬНОЙ ДЕЯТЕЛЬНОСТИ НА МОРЕ В СОВРЕМЕННЫЙ ПЕРИОД

This publication provides a detailed analysis of the international legal regulation of rescue activities at sea. International legal norms and agreements regulating the above activities have been researched. These norms and documents indicate the readiness of most states of the modern world, parties to relevant international treaties, to jointly confront emergency situations at sea, eliminate their consequences and jointly carry out rescue activities, regardless of geopolitical and other interests. 
 The legal relations that develop in the process of implementation and compliance with international legal norms and agreements in the framework of rescue activities, which is a dynamic and multifaceted area that requires constant adaptation and development in accordance with changing conditions and challenges, are considered. Given the global nature of maritime activities and the universality of maritime safety issues, it is necessary to continue research, improve regulations and strengthen international cooperation to ensure effective and timely maritime rescue. 
 The conclusion is formulated that the development of international maritime law and maritime security contributes to the establishment and improvement of international cooperation in the field of search and rescue, which is important for protecting the lives and health of people, prevention emergency situations, as well as maintaining and strengthening global maritime security.

Nurturing Hero or Villain: BAKAMLA as the Indonesian Coast Guard

<p>Maritime security governance is crucial for Indonesia, the world’s largest archipelago spread across a vast water area about the size of the United States. The existence of several law enforcement institutions to uphold Indonesian laws made governance and authority fractured and weak. Consequently, BAKAMLA was established to improve Indonesian maritime security governance by synergising and monitoring law enforcement at sea. Despite being supported politically by Indonesian President Joko Widodo, institutionally, BAKAMLA remains underperforming. This article discusses whether the existence of BAKAMLA fulfils Indonesia’s political and security needs to have an integrated coast guard institution. The article considers relevant literature and the research phase employed in-depth interviews with stakeholders of Indonesia’s law enforcement officers at sea. This article concludes that BAKAMLA is still relevant if significant adjustments are made to institutional empowerment by revising and harmonising relevant laws. Such revision reflects the aspirations of political support and will from the Indonesian government to BAKAMLA.</p>

Chinese Geoeconomics and Geostrategic Motives in a Changing International Order

This study examines the geoeconomic and geostrategic motives behind China's military base establishment in Djibouti. It examines the motives from a geo-economic perspective, considering the economic interests and opportunities afforded by a military presence in the Horn of Africa. It then discusses the geostrategic motives, looking at the implications for global power dynamics, the militarization of China-Africa development partnerships, the securing of China's oil resources, the facilitation of Chinese peacekeeping forces, the confrontation of terrorist groups, the combating of piracy, and the inauguration of a Maritime Silk Road. Finally, it looks at the implications of China's Maritime Security Strategy as part of its Belt and Road Initiative. This includes the protection of the marine environment, cooperative development goals, maritime security alliances, promotion of knowledge and innovation in the fields of marine science research, and maritime governance.
 The methodology adopted for this paper is qualitative. This involves the analysis of primary and secondary sources to understand the motives behind China's move to establish a military base in Djibouti. Primary sources include official Chinese documents and statements from Chinese officials. Secondary sources include news reports, scholarly articles, and think tank reports. This analysis was conducted through a literature review of these sources. The literature was then analyzed to conclude China's motives for establishing a military base in Djibouti.

Charting waters: the private sector’s evolving governance role in Southeast Asian maritime security

ABSTRACT Southeast Asian states are frequently viewed as jealously guarding their sovereignty and unwilling to delegate authority to multilateral organisations or private actors. In the contemporary response to regional piracy and armed robbery at sea (PAR), however, insurers and shippers have come to occupy a central governance role while the fortunes of private security actors (PSAs) have declined. Why? This paper conducts a qualitative case study analysis examining the evolving role of shipping and insurance companies and PSAs in the development and implementation of anti-PAR policies in Southeast Asia today. It argues that while the role of PSAs has diminished due to growing regional governance capacities, regional countries and multilateral regulatory frameworks have enlisted insurers and shippers as governance stakeholders, elevating them from beneficiaries of good order at sea to active shapers of this maritime order. The diverging experiences of PSAs and insurers/shippers demonstrate that the regulatory power relationship between states and private actors is not necessarily zero-sum as the role of insurers and shippers has grown even as state capacities have expanded. Ultimately, the paper illustrates the need to go beyond state- and PSA-centric analyses of maritime governance mechanisms in contemporary Southeast Asia.

Tackling Maritime Security in the Gulf of Guinea: Interactions Between Global Shipping and Ghanaian State Agents

ABSTRACT Maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea is a challenge that straddles multiple players and sectors, and crimes like piracy cause disruptions to international trade and shipping. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the global shipping industry tried to keep maritime security on the agenda, while advocating for global security assemblages, specifically, transnational policing initiatives as part of the maritime security governance. Using the notion of narratives and assemblage thinking, it is argued that although global shipping and Ghanaian state agents agree on the problem, they differ on which maritime security governance infrastructure to deploy, resulting in tensions between the two parties.