Maritime Security

With the Maritime Security research group (MarSec), AMA is growing into a leading Centre of Excellence for maritime security. MarSec helps the maritime sector better protect itself against both digital and physical threats. In doing so, the team contributes to building a safe and resilient maritime transport system for the future.

What makes AMA distinctive is its broad perspective on maritime security. Safety at sea today goes far beyond ships alone. That is why AMA combines knowledge from various disciplines, such as cybersecurity, engineering, maritime law, logistics and human factors. This multidisciplinary approach makes AMA an important partner within the fields of defence, critical infrastructure and societal security.

In this context, AMA’s expertise rests on four pillars. First and foremost, there is strong academic education, in which students develop the knowledge and skills needed in a rapidly changing sector. In addition, AMA organizes specialised training programs for professionals who wish to deepen their knowledge of maritime security. Applied research also plays an important role: researchers work together with companies and governments to find solutions for current security challenges. Finally, AMA develops concrete safety and security protocols that can be applied directly in practice.

A fine example of this is our MISSIMLab. This high-tech simulation centre is equipped with state-of-the-art bridge and engine-room simulators in which realistic situations are recreated. Students and professionals can practise dealing with cyber incidents on board a ship in a safe environment. They learn to recognise digital attacks, detect malware, analyse threats and make the right decisions quickly. In this way, the MISSIM Lab provides a unique learning environment where theory and practice come together seamlessly, preparing participants for the challenges of tomorrow’s maritime world.