Maritime Critical Infrastructure: Importance, Vulnerabilities and International Regulations-Author Am. (rtr) PhD. Aurel POPA
1. Introduction
Maritime Critical Infrastructure (MCI) is the totality of facilities, systems and equipment essential for maritime transportation, economic and geopolitical security, and the global flow of information. Its importance derives from its fundamental role for international trade, energy security and strategic communications.
2. Critical maritime infrastructure components
2.1. Ports and maritime terminals
Ports are essential nodes for the global economy, facilitating the transportation of goods, supplies and shipping logistics. Specialized terminals (e.g. containers, oil, liquefied natural gas) are infrastructures vulnerable to physical and cyber attacks.
2.2. Strategic channels and straits
Critical maritime passages such as the Suez Canal, the Strait of Malacca and the Bosphorus are essential for global trade flow, but susceptible to blockages caused by geopolitical conflicts or accidental incidents[1].
2.3. Submarine telecommunication cables
Submarine cable networks carry over 95% of global data traffic[2]. They are highly vulnerable to sabotage and cyber attacks.
2.3.1. Current threats to submarine cables
- Cyber attacks and hacking – State and non-state actors attempt to compromise data transmission systems by intercepting or disrupting critical communications.
- Physical sabotage – There are reports of geopolitical actors targeting the intentional cutting of submarine cables to disrupt information flows and the global economy.
- Maritime accidents – Commercial vessels and fishing gear can damage submarine cables unintentionally, causing major communications disruptions.
- Underwater drone attacks – Emerging technologies allow discreet attacks on submarine cables, making detection and prevention more difficult.
- Recent incidents in the Baltic Sea – Several submarine cables in the Baltic Sea have been damaged, raising suspicions of sabotage. Following these events, NATO and littoral states have stepped up naval patrols and have implemented monitoring measures using drones and underwater sensors to prevent future attacks.
2.3.2. Protection and response measures
- Underwater sensor monitoring – Deployment of advanced sensor networks to detect anomalies and possible threats to submarine cables.
- International cooperation – Partnerships between states and telecommunications companies to protect critical infrastructure through naval patrols and cyber security measures.
- Better regulation – Strengthen international legislation to protect submarine cables, including maritime security treaties and agreements.
- Naval patrolling and use of drones in the Baltic Sea – In response to recent incidents, NATO and the European Union have launched initiatives to monitor and protect critical maritime infrastructure, including the deployment of specialized teams to investigate submarine sabotage.
2.4. Offshore platforms
The oil and gas platforms in the North Sea, the Gulf of Mexico or the South China Sea and recently in the Black Sea are strategic infrastructures, exposed to operational risks, terrorist attacks and environmental disasters[3].
2.4.1. Methods to protect offshore platforms
- Advanced surveillance systems – The use of underwater sensors, maritime drones and radars to detect suspicious activities in the vicinity of platforms.
- Naval patrol and private security – Deployment of constant patrols by naval forces and private security teams to prevent attacks and unauthorized infiltration.
- Cybersecurity – Protection of the platforms’ digital systems against cyber-attacks through advanced encryption, firewalls and continuous network monitoring.
- Physical Fortification – Improving the physical resilience of platforms against attacks by implementing protective barriers and secure compartmentalization.
- Rapid response plans – Develop contingency protocols and work with maritime authorities for rapid response to attacks or security incidents.
- International coordination – Create alliances between states to protect offshore platforms, including through information sharing and joint security exercises.
2.5. Merchant fleets and transport vessels
Merchant fleets ensure the continuity of global supply chains, but are exposed to piracy, cyber-attacks and geopolitical interference.
2.5. Role of the Romanian Naval Forces in the protection of critical maritime infrastructure
The Romanian Naval Forces play an essential role in the protection of critical infrastructure in the Black Sea, with several key responsibilities:
- Patrol and Surveillance – Monitoring strategic maritime areas and critical infrastructure through patrol vessels, maritime drones and aerial surveillance.
- Protection of offshore platforms – Conduct military exercises to defend natural resource extraction platforms and other critical maritime installations.
- Counter asymmetric threats – Detect and prevent hybrid attacks, such as cyber attacks on maritime systems or sabotage of critical infrastructure.
- Rapid response – Deploy specialized rapid response units in case of maritime incidents or attacks on strategic infrastructure.
- International Collaboration – Participation in NATO and EU exercises for the protection of maritime security, including in the framework of operations coordinated by the North Atlantic Alliance.
2.6. Romania’s strategy in the context of the Black Sea conflict
In the current tense geopolitical geopolitical context in the Black Sea, Romania must adopt proactive measures for the protection of critical maritime infrastructure, including:
- Strengthening military presence – Increase the number of military patrols and vessels in the Black Sea to protect maritime infrastructure and offshore platforms.
- Expanded cooperation with NATO and the EU – Active participation in the maritime security initiatives of the North Atlantic Alliance and the European Union, as well as intensified information exchange with strategic partners.
- Enhance cyber security – Develop advanced solutions to protect maritime infrastructure against cyber-attacks, through collaboration with international cyber security agencies.
- Modernization of naval forces – Investments in modernization of equipment and technologies used by the Romanian Naval Forces, including the acquisition of ships and drones for Black Sea surveillance.
- Strategic partnerships with the private sector – Working with critical infrastructure operators, shipping companies and the energy sector to develop crisis protection and response measures.
- Joint crisis response exercises – Organize regular military and security exercises with NATO allies to improve rapid response capability to maritime threats.
3. Threats and vulnerabilities
3.1. Maritime cyber security
Cyber-attacks on navigation systems, port logistics and transportation operations are increasingly common. A notable example is the attack on Maersk in 2017, which resulted in losses of over $300 million[4].
3.2. Piracy and terrorist attacks
Areas such as the Gulf of Aden and the Strait of Malacca have been affected by attacks on merchant vessels, disrupting shipping and generating additional security costs.
3.3. Climate change
Sea level rise and extreme weather events affect port infrastructure and shipping routes, requiring significant investment in adaptation[5].
4. International regulations and protective solutions
4.1. International Maritime Organization (IMO)
The IMO regulates maritime security through the SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea) Convention and the ISPS (International Ship and Port Facility Security) Code, aimed at reducing risks to maritime critical infrastructure[6].
4.2. NATO and EU initiatives
The North Atlantic Alliance and the European Union are developing maritime infrastructure protection strategies. In addition to Operation ATALANTA to combat piracy in the Indian Ocean[7], NATO and the EU are also developing other relevant initiatives in the Mediterranean Sea.
- Operation SEA GUARDIAN – NATO patrols the Mediterranean Sea to detect and deter illegal activities, including maritime terrorism, human trafficking and arms smuggling[8].
- Operation IRINI – Initiated by the European Union under the Common Security and Defense Policy (CSDP), this mission aims to enforce the UN arms embargo on Libya and monitor illegal oil trafficking[9].
- Operation SOPHIA – This was an EU initiative to combat migrant smuggling in the central Mediterranean, with a secondary role in enforcing the arms embargo.
These missions reflect international efforts to secure strategic maritime regions and prevent emerging threats.
4.3. Public-private partnership
States, shipping companies and port authorities work together to secure critical infrastructure, implementing advanced surveillance technologies and rapid response protocols.
5. Conclusions
Maritime critical infrastructure is vital to the global economy and international security. Emerging threats require an integrated approach, combining international regulations, advanced technologies and global cooperation to protect it. For Romania it is imperative to improve resilience in defending critical maritime infrastructure.
How the internet travels across oceans
MARITIME SECURITY FORUM
[1]International Maritime Organization (IMO), “Straits Used for International Navigation,” www.imo.org.
[2] Submarine Cable Map, “Global Cable Infrastructure,” www.submarinecablemap.com
[3] International Energy Agency (IEA), “Offshore Oil and Gas Infrastructure Report,” 2023.
[4] World Economic Forum, “The Cost of Cyber Attacks in Maritime Logistics,” 2018
[5] IPCC Report, “Climate Change Impacts on Coastal Infrastructure,” 2021.
[6] IMO, “International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code,” 2004.
[7] European Union Naval Force (EUNAVFOR), “Operation ATALANTA Report,” 2022
[8] NATO, “Operation Sea Guardian Overview,” 2023.
[9] European Council, “Operation IRINI: Mandate and Activities,” 2023.