MARE-502 Assessment 1 – Critical Analysis Paper: Cybersecurity in Maritime Logistics

School of Maritime and Mechanical Engineering

Module Code: MARE-502
Module Title: Contemporary Issues in Maritime Security and Logistics
Assessment Title: Assessment 1 – Critical Analysis Paper
Assessment Weighting: 50%
Submission Date: Week 9, Friday by 23:59 via Turnitin

1.0 Assignment Rationale

The contemporary maritime domain is a complex and dynamic environment where security threats and logistical operations are intrinsically linked. Incidents in one area, such as a cyber-attack on a port, can cause catastrophic disruption to global supply chains. This assignment is designed to develop your critical understanding of these interconnections and to assess your ability to analyse a current, high-impact issue, evaluating its implications for both security and logistics within the maritime sector.

2.0 Task Description

You are required to research and write a 2,500-word critical analysis paper that addresses the following task:

“Critically analyse the impact of a single, specific, non-traditional maritime security threat on the resilience and efficiency of global maritime logistics.”

Your paper must:

• Identify and define a specific non-traditional security threat (e.g., maritime cyber security, climate change and extreme weather, hybrid warfare tactics, supply chain corruption, or autonomous vessel vulnerabilities).

• Analyse the mechanisms through which this threat directly impacts maritime logistics operations, considering port operations, shipping lines, and hinterland connections.

• Evaluate the current mitigation strategies and their effectiveness, referencing existing frameworks, regulations, and industry practices.

• Propose evidence-based recommendations for enhancing the resilience of maritime logistics against your chosen threat.

3.0 Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this assessment, you will be able to:

1. Critically evaluate complex and emerging security threats in the maritime domain.

2. Synthesise concepts from security and logistics to analyse multi-faceted operational challenges.

3. Formulate robust, evidence-based arguments and recommendations for industry and policy stakeholders.

4.0 Assessment Criteria

Your work will be assessed based on your ability to:

• Knowledge and Understanding (25%): Demonstrate a deep and critical understanding of the chosen security threat and its logistical implications.

• Analysis and Criticality (35%): Critically analyse the interrelationships between the threat and logistics, moving beyond description to evaluation. Use of data, case studies, or specific incidents to support arguments is encouraged.

• Use of Evidence and Research (25%): Effectively integrate a range of credible, academic, and industry sources to support your analysis. References must be cited in the Harvard style.

• Structure and Academic Communication (15%): Present a logically structured, coherent, and professionally written paper that adheres to academic conventions.

5.0 Submission Guidelines

• The paper must be submitted as a single Microsoft Word document or PDF.

• Use Arial 11pt or Times New Roman 12pt font, double-spacing, and standard margins.

• Include page numbers.

• The word count of 2,500 words has a +/- 10% tolerance. The reference list and any appendices are not included in the word count.

• Ensure all sources are cited using the LJMU Harvard Referencing Style.

Academic References 

Bennett, A. and Grech, M. (2023) ‘The ripple effect: A systemic review of cyber-physical attacks on port infrastructure and their global supply chain impacts’. Maritime Policy & Management, 50(4), pp. 451-468.

Chua, C.T., Gekara, V. and Park, S. (2022) ‘Vulnerability by design: The systemic risks of automation and digitalisation in global port security and logistics’. Transportation Research Part A: Policy and Practice, 156, pp. 123-139.

Ghosh, S. (2021) Maritime Security and Supply Chains: A Nexus of Risks. Abingdon: Routledge.

Owen, M. and Liss, C. (2020) ‘Hybrid threats in the maritime domain: A case study of the Strait of Hormuz’. Journal of Strategic Studies, 43(3), pp. 382-408.

Truver, S.C. (2019) ‘The “blue game”: Geopolitical competition and the security of undersea data cables’. Naval War College Review, 72(2), pp. 11-36.