Geopolitical Cyber Security Strategy for Shipowners: New Research

https://www.globaltrademag.com/geopolitical-cyber-security-strategy-for-shipowners-new-research/

Publish Date: 2026-06-25 19:56:00

A new research paper examines how shipowners can develop a geopolitical strategy for maritime cyber security, warning that national cyber security policies may themselves pose business risks during periods of geopolitical instability. The study, authored by Aude Chocard during her internship with BIMCO’s Regulatory Department and supervised by BIMCO’s Chief Safety & Security Officer Jakob Larsen, was released by the shipping organization.

Read also: Geopolitical Tensions Remain Shipping Industry’s Biggest Threat, New Survey Finds

Key Findings on Digital Vulnerabilities

The paper notes that digitalisation is reshaping the global shipping industry. Modern vessels are increasingly interconnected, and maritime stakeholders rely on complex technologies involving numerous third-party vendors worldwide. As a result, external suppliers now control IT systems both onboard and ashore, creating dependencies that shipping companies cannot easily avoid.

These dependencies introduce geopolitical cyber vulnerabilities. Existing weaknesses in systems that are not sufficiently secure become more likely to be exploited in tense geopolitical environments. Cyber threats emerge when hackers possess both the capability and the intent to deliberately harm a company’s operations, either by targeting the firm directly or by affecting it indirectly through its suppliers.

Geopolitical Risk Assessment Framework

The study proposes a framework to assess the status of international relations in the maritime sector and evaluate cyber geopolitical risks. Given the technological competition between China and the United States, the paper stresses the importance of considering national strategies, resources, and alliances. Companies from different countries that collaborate may face rivalries and conflicting requirements at a higher level. Governments and proxy groups could exploit commercial relationships for their own interests, leveraging data from critical…

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