Geopolitical Considerations of China’s Maritime Silk Road Initiative and Port Developments Introduction The Maritime Silk Road Initiative (MSRI), a cornerstone of China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) launched in 2013, is a comprehensive strategy aimed at revitalizing ancient maritime trade routes and forging stronger economic and political connections across Asia, Europe, and Africa (Wang, 2020). […]

The role of international maritime law in addressing transboundary marine pollution. The literature surrounding the role of international maritime law in addressing transboundary marine pollution reveals a complex interplay of legal frameworks and principles aimed at mitigating environmental degradation caused by maritime activities. (Blom, 2013) provides a foundational analysis of international law applicable to oil […]

The Challenges of Implementing Autonomous Navigation Systems on Commercial Vessels Autonomous navigation systems represent a paradigm shift in maritime operations, promising enhanced efficiency, safety, and environmental benefits. However, the practical implementation of these systems on commercial vessels is fraught with challenges that require careful consideration. Various technical, regulatory, and ethical obstacles must be addressed to […]

The Use of Drones for Maritime Surveillance and Inspection in West Africa: Enhancing Monitoring Capabilities and Enforcing Regulations Maritime surveillance and inspection are critical components of maintaining security and regulatory compliance in West African waters. The region faces numerous challenges, including illegal fishing, piracy, and environmental degradation. Traditional methods of monitoring these vast maritime areas […]

The Human Element: A Critical Vulnerability in Cyber Maritime Security Cybersecurity within the maritime industry is a growing concern, with increasing reliance on interconnected systems for navigation, communication, and cargo management. While technological advancements offer numerous benefits, they also introduce vulnerabilities, particularly those stemming from human error. A comprehensive approach to cyber maritime security must […]

Combating Piracy in the Gulf of Guinea: Assessing the Effectiveness of Regional Cooperation and Legal Frameworks Maritime piracy in the Gulf of Guinea has emerged as a significant threat to international shipping and regional security. The persistent nature of this problem has necessitated collaborative efforts among coastal states and international partners to address the complex […]

The Legal Framework for Preventing and Responding to Acts of Terrorism at Sea Maritime terrorism poses a significant threat to global security and commerce. The international community has developed a complex legal framework to address this challenge, encompassing various treaties, conventions, and national laws. This paper examines the key components of this framework, analyzing its […]

Legal Frameworks for Decarbonizing the Shipping Industry. The global shipping industry faces an unprecedented challenge in its efforts to decarbonize operations and meet ambitious climate targets set by the International Maritime Organization (IMO). This paper examines the effectiveness of current international regulations and emerging market-based measures in achieving the IMO’s 2050 decarbonization goals. The analysis […]

The Effectiveness of IMO 2023 Regulations on Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has long been at the forefront of addressing environmental challenges in the shipping industry. In 2023, the IMO introduced a revised strategy aimed at significantly reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from international shipping. This strategy builds on previous efforts, […]