FSM Maritime Atlas v40.28

A new milestone in the operational simulation and dynamic analysis of the Strategic Maritime Ecosystem

Maritime Security Forum | Update – 10 November 2026

The access link has not changed

Contents
1. Dynamic integration of the Strategic Maritime Ecosystem concepts.. 1
2. Introduction of a temporal perspective on the evolution of the maritime situation. 2
3. Refinement of the decision-making process and the operator’s dashboard. 2
4. Refinement of the 12 operational scenarios. 2
The main improvements aim to: 3
5. Improvement of the management of forces and response assets. 3
6. Strengthening search and rescue (SAR) operations 3
7. Analysing consequences and evaluating the quality of decisions 4
8. Developing integrated analysis using the ESM, MSCF and IMSA tools. 4
9. Improving reports and the traceability of exercises 4
10. Bilingual interface and improvements to functional stability. 4
11. What exactly is changing for the user?. 5
12. Areas of application. 5
13. Significance of the update 5
From maritime incident simulation to strategic ecosystem analysis
The Maritime Security Forum announces the update of the FSM Maritime Atlas platform to version v40.28, which introduces a series of conceptual, analytical and operational developments designed to strengthen the simulator’s ability to reproduce complex maritime situations and to assess the consequences of decisions taken during exercises.
The new version represents a significant milestone in the platform’s evolution, through the deeper integration of the concepts of the Strategic Maritime Ecosystem (SME) and the refinement of mechanisms that enable the tracking of changes in the operational environment over time.
Compared with version v40.24, this update is not limited to expanding or correcting existing functionalities. It strengthens the very logic of the simulation by establishing a correlation between available information, situation assessment, anticipation of developments, operator decisions, the execution of actions and the resulting effects on the maritime ecosystem.
Thus, the user no longer focuses exclusively on how to resolve an incident, but can analyse how and why the strategic and operational situation changes as a result of the decisions taken, including under conditions of uncertainty, incomplete information and unforeseen developments.
This approach helps transform the FSM Maritime Atlas into an integrated tool for simulation, training, forward analysis and the evaluation of decision-making processes in the field of maritime security.

1. Dynamic integration of the Strategic Maritime Ecosystem concepts

One of the most significant developments in version v40.28 concerns the further refinement of the operational application of the Strategic Maritime Ecosystem concepts.
Within the platform, the maritime ecosystem is analysed as a set of interdependent components, in which the evolution of a threat, a change in the availability of a capability, the intervention of a force or the disruption of a maritime activity can have an impact on the entire situation.
The SME analytical tools are used to interpret these interdependencies, moving beyond a static approach to indicators and enabling the successive assessment of the ecosystem’s states.
The main improvements include:

Tracking changes in the ecosystem at different points during the exercise.
Correlating strategic indicators with operational events and actions.
Identifying the direct and indirect effects of interventions.
Analysing the interdependencies between threats, vulnerabilities, capabilities and resilience.
Comparing the initial situation with the states resulting from the operator’s decisions.
Highlighting transformations that may influence the stability and functioning of the maritime system.

This development enables the user to observe that the tactical resolution of a threat does not automatically lead to the restoration of strategic balance. An incident may be neutralised, but its consequences for commercial traffic, infrastructure, force availability or risk perception may continue to influence the ecosystem.
Consequently, the assessment of results is not limited to determining the success or failure of an intervention, but also examines its systemic consequences.

2. Introducing a temporal perspective on the evolution of the maritime situation

Version v40.28 strengthens the mechanisms through which the maritime situation can be analysed as an evolving process.
During an exercise, information, threats and options for intervention may change successively. Decisions taken at a given moment influence the conditions under which subsequent decisions will be made.
The platform tracks this sequence through a temporal logic that distinguishes between the initial situation, new information, the measures taken and the resulting effects.
For example, the identification of a suspicious object near a commercial shipping lane may lead to the imposition of navigation restrictions, the mobilisation of inspection resources and the re-routing of civilian vessels.
If the verification confirms the existence of a threat, the operational situation progresses to an intervention phase. If the information remains uncertain, the operator must decide whether to maintain the restrictions, request additional resources or adjust priorities.
Each of these options has different consequences.
The innovation lies in the ability to analyse the relationship between the temporal evolution of events and changes in the state of the marine ecosystem.
This functionality is relevant for training under conditions of uncertainty and for developing strategic foresight capabilities.

3. Refinement of the decision-making process and the operator’s dashboard

Another important aspect of the update concerns the mechanism for presenting, adopting and evaluating decisions.
The decision-making dashboard has been refined to support a more coherent relationship between the operational situation, available information, the operator’s options and their consequences.
The decision-making process is structured around a fundamental sequence:
Information → Assessment → Anticipation → Decision → Action → Effect → Re-assessment.
This sequence allows for a distinction to be made between the operator’s intention and the actual outcome of the intervention.
A well-founded decision may produce a limited result due to operational constraints, whilst an apparently successful intervention may generate undesirable side effects.
Consequently, assessment must not be limited to selecting a pre-determined option, but must examine the decision’s suitability in light of the available information, the appropriateness of the intervention and its consequences.
For the user, this development means a simulation experience that more closely mirrors the complexity of real command and control processes.

4. Refinement of the 12 operational scenarios

The 12 scenarios in the FSM Maritime Atlas have been revised to increase the realism of the simulated situations and the diversity of possible outcomes.
The update aims to move away from a rigid sequence of operations, in which the user carries out predetermined steps, in favour of exercises in which decisions and events progressively alter the operational conditions.
The scenarios include situations such as maritime security incidents, threats to commercial vessels, the presence of unmanned vessels, suspicious objects, risks to navigation, verification and neutralisation operations, and search and rescue operations.

The main improvements aim to:

Diversify operational branches.
The introduction of uncertain or partial outcomes.
The need for further verification of information.
Adapting decisions to changes in the situation.
Aligning interventions with the availability and characteristics of resources.
Managing secondary effects on traffic and navigational safety.
Continuing the exercise until operational conditions are restored.

Scenarios thus become tools for exploring multiple possible outcomes of the same situation, rather than merely for executing a single intervention pathway.
This approach allows for the comparison of decision-making solutions and the examination of trade-offs between the speed of response, personnel safety, the protection of civilian traffic and the mitigation of systemic consequences.

5. Improving the management of response forces and resources

The updated version strengthens the link between operational requirements and the resources available for response.
The platform includes naval and air capabilities, specialist teams, search and rescue assets, and reserve resources.
During exercises, the user must take into account the nature of the threat, the location of the assets, the time required for the response, the suitability of the capabilities, and any potential effects on other missions.
This approach allows for the analysis of a key issue in maritime incident management: the choice of the appropriate asset does not depend solely on its technical capability, but also on the appropriateness of its use within the context of the entire operational ecosystem.
Mobilising a resource for an operation may reduce its availability for other incidents. Imposing navigation restrictions may increase safety in one area, but may cause disruption in other sectors.
By correlating these elements, the simulator provides better conditions for assessing priorities and the consequences of resource deployment.

6. Strengthening search and rescue (SAR) operations

Search and rescue operations are an important component of the update.
Mechanisms for linking operations to the vessels being assisted, tracking the stages of the operation and distinguishing between outcomes have been refined.
The simulation allows for the examination of situations where a security threat also gives rise to a humanitarian emergency or a need for evacuation.
Thus, incident management does not necessarily end once the threat has been neutralised. Additional interventions may be required to rescue people, assist the affected vessel, recover assets and restore navigation.
The new version aims to provide a more coherent representation of these stages, including in situations where the outcome of an intervention is uncertain.
This development highlights the multidimensional nature of maritime security, in which the protection of human life must be integrated into operational and strategic assessments.

7. Analysis of consequences and evaluation of decision quality

An important contribution of version v40.28 is the enhancement of the capability for retrospective evaluation of exercises.
By recording the sequence of events, decisions and outcomes, the user can examine not only what happened, but also the relationship between the information available at the time of the decision and the consequences of the intervention.
This perspective allows for the identification of aspects relevant to training and research:

Whether the operator correctly anticipated the evolution of the threat.
Whether they chose the appropriate moment to intervene.
Whether they made appropriate use of the available resources.
Whether they managed uncertainty appropriately.
Whether the measures taken produced side effects.
Whether the final outcome represents a genuine improvement in security conditions.

Through this approach, the analysis of results becomes a tool for learning and refining the decision-making process.
An exercise can be repeated to examine alternative options and compare their consequences.

8. Developing integrated analysis through the ESM, MSCF and IMSA tools

This update strengthens the link between operational simulation and the strategic analysis tools developed within the Maritime Security Forum research programme.
These tools enable the interpretation of incidents beyond the tactical level, by referring to the structure of the ecosystem, the relationships between its components and the transformations generated by events.
Their integration pursues three complementary objectives.
The first is understanding the situation, by identifying the relevant components and the relationships between them.
The second is anticipating developments, by examining the possible consequences of threats and decisions.
The third is to evaluate the changes by comparing the initial situation with successive states and with the final outcome of the exercise.
This integration provides the platform with a distinct analytical dimension, which complements the cartographic representation and the execution of operations.

9. Improving reports and the traceability of exercises

The functions for documenting exercises and preserving information entered by the operator have been enhanced.
The update includes improvements to the recording of observations, the reflection of incident statuses, the completion of operations and the export of results.
Particular attention has been paid to ensuring consistency between the actual conduct of the exercise and the information presented in the final report.
This functionality is relevant for the use of the platform in training activities, professional assessment, applied research and post-exercise analysis.
The reports enable the reconstruction of the intervention’s logic and the identification of the stages at which information, decisions or operational conditions influenced the outcome.

10. Bilingual interface and improvements to functional stability

Version v40.28 includes further optimisations to the interface in Romanian and English.
Operational messages, incident labels, the presentation of results and the mechanisms for saving operator observations have been revised.
Checks have also been carried out on decision flows, SAR operations, incident closure and reporting functions.
These changes aim to increase the consistency and reliability of the platform’s use in complex exercises.

11. What exactly changes for the user?

From a practical usage perspective, the new version offers a more complex simulation experience that more closely mirrors operational reality.
Users can analyse the progression of a situation, not just the final outcome. The changes brought about by events and decisions can be tracked sequentially, enabling an understanding of the process through which the maritime ecosystem evolves.
Decisions take on a clearer strategic significance. An intervention is not assessed solely on the basis of its immediate success, but also in terms of its effects on navigational safety, resource availability and system stability.
The scenarios offer more opportunities for exploration. Uncertain situations, operational ramifications and successive consequences allow for the examination of alternatives and the development of the ability to anticipate.
Post-exercise analysis becomes more relevant. The sequence of events and decisions can be examined to identify critical points, effective solutions and opportunities for improvement.
The integration between simulation and ESM analysis is strengthened. The user can correlate tactical actions with operational and strategic transformations of the ecosystem.

12. Areas of application

Through the developments introduced, FSM Maritime Atlas v40.28 enhances its utility across several areas.
Training and professional development. The platform can support exercises relating to incident management, coordination of responses, risk assessment and decision-making under conditions of uncertainty.
Applied research. The simulator provides an environment for examining the relationships between threats, capabilities, decisions and their consequences for the maritime ecosystem.
Strategic and forward-looking analysis. ESM tools enable the exploration of alternative scenarios and the identification of factors that may influence the stability, vulnerability and resilience of maritime systems.
Interdisciplinary exercises. The platform can be used to analyse the interactions between the military, civilian, economic, technological and institutional components of maritime security.
Evaluation of decision-making processes. Recording and comparing results facilitates the analysis of decision quality and the identification of more effective intervention options.

13. Significance of the update

The evolution of the FSM Maritime Atlas from v40.24 to v40.28 reflects a development direction that goes beyond the mere representation of maritime incidents.
The platform aims to integrate operational simulation into a systemic analysis framework, in which maritime security is understood as the result of interactions between multiple components and processes.
Within this framework, anticipation, decision-making, action and the assessment of consequences become elements of the same process.
This approach is particularly relevant for maritime areas characterised by complex interdependencies, hybrid threats, critical infrastructure, heavy commercial traffic and the need to coordinate different capabilities.
FSM Maritime Atlas v40.28 thus consolidates the transition from simulating an intervention to the dynamic analysis of a strategic maritime ecosystem, in which every decision can alter not only the course of the incident but also the general security conditions.
Access to the platform
FSM Maritime Atlas – version v40.28
https://www.forumulsecuritatiimaritime.ro/pages/fsm-maritime-atlas-v40-28
Maritime Security Forum – Conceptual development, operational simulation and strategic maritime analysis.