Steaming towards cyber-resilient navigation: A review of industry readiness and the evolving regulatory landscape

Abstract

As the maritime industry becomes increasingly digitised, shipboard navigation systems, including the Automatic Identification System (AIS), Global Positioning System (GPS), Radio Detection and Ranging (RADAR), and Electronic Chart Display and Information System (ECDIS), have emerged as critical vulnerabilities within the global supply chain. This paper evaluates the cybersecurity readiness of the maritime sector, highlighting the implications for African ocean governance and the regional blue economy. Adopting a qualitative doctrinal and comparative research methodology, the study analyses existing international legal instruments and South African domestic frameworks, such as the Cybercrimes Act 19 of 2020, to benchmark maritime standards against the robust regulatory regimes of the banking sector. The findings reveal significant gaps in maritime preparedness, characterised by a lack of harmonised standards and insufficient data-sharing protocols. The research argues that for African maritime nations to safeguard their waters and trade interests, a proactive regulatory shift is required, one that aligns with the 2050 Africa’s Integrated Maritime Strategy (2050 AIMS). By adapting the successes of the financial sector’s security frameworks, the maritime industry can strengthen its legal and technical resilience against evolving cyber threats.