Maritime Security and Risk Assessments—Volume II

Dear Colleagues,

Maritime transport is relatively safe and clean, but intensive and costly efforts are required to maintain this status. Because of continuing technological advances, the operation of systems aboard commercial vessels is becoming more specialized and complex. The development of automated systems to monitor, analyze, and regulate the various operations or services on board relies on the use of computer applications to centralize and optimize decision making. Such systems are highly vulnerable to cyberattacks. In addition, crew downsizing and the general trend of reducing the number of people on ships are being implemented on a large scale. In some ports, pilotage services are already being performed remotely. Recently, the first LNG ship sailed autonomously across the ocean, and various maritime universities are already preparing for the new era of seafarers who will remotely monitor and control the navigation and propulsion elements of ships. There are many technical and regulatory challenges, such as the robustness and resilience of autonomous navigation technology, onboard systems, communications, shore traffic management, piracy, and cybersecurity. Additionally, ports are a key element in the maritime transport chain that are also vulnerable to cyberattacks. In addition, larger ships and higher traffic volumes at ports can lead to higher risks at the shipping level. A particularly topical issue recently has been the navigation of ships through hazardous areas where AIS systems and navigation radars are switched off for safety reasons and where electromagnetic radiation may be visible to missiles and drones.

With this Special Issue, we are seeking contributions that address theoretical and technical challenges (as well as best practices) that promote potential solutions for maritime risk mitigation. Beyond the scientific interest of various studies and the technical task of proposing new measures to improve maritime safety in the face of challenges uninvited by ports, we would like this Special Issue to relate to current issues in general, such as the role of seafarers in autonomous shipping and related training issues.

We are seeking the submission of high-quality papers presenting new research and case studies in the field of maritime safety, security, and risk in general.

Dr. Marko Perkovič
Prof. Dr. Ivica Pavić
Dr. Andrej Androjna
Prof. Dr. Maciej Gucma
Dr. Sebastian Feuerstack
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Journal of Marine Science and Engineering is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

• maritime cyber risk and security
• safety of navigation
• threat modeling
• maritime risk management
• VTS systems
• e-navigation
• pilotage
• remote pilotage
• large ship berthing operations
• navigation in narrow and restricted areas
• port risk assessment
• autonomous vessels
• education and training

• Maritime Security and Risk Assessments in Journal of Marine Science and Engineering (16 articles)