Cyber-worthiness in Shipping: Law, Regulation and Practice

Authors:

Furkan Dogan

• ISBN: 9781041133417
• Published: February 2026
• Format: Hardback
• Language: English
• Publisher: Informa Law from Routledge

Description:

As the maritime industry undergoes a technological transformation, traditional legal doctrines must evolve to address new challenges. This book explores the legal and operational implications of Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS) and the increasing reliance on digital systems in modern shipping. While automation and digitalisation enhance efficiency and safety, they also introduce unprecedented cyber risks that threaten global supply chains, financial stability and regulatory compliance.

Redefining the concept of seaworthiness by incorporating cyber-worthiness and data communication-worthiness, this book ensures that vessels are not only physically fit for sea travel but also resilient against cyber threats and equipped with secure communication systems. By analysing international regulations such as UNCLOS, SOLAS, STCW, and marine insurance frameworks, the book identifies critical legal gaps and proposes necessary updates to align with the digital age.

Through a legal and interdisciplinary approach, the book offers practical recommendations for policymakers, insurers and maritime operators. It outlines robust cybersecurity measures, updates to insurance policies and regulatory frameworks, and solutions to issues such as remote operation, cyber liability, contractual risk allocation and autonomous vessel compliance.

Key Features:

Examines the concept of cyber-worthiness in shipping law and maritime regulation.

Explores the legal implications of Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS).

Analyses cyber risks affecting modern vessels, digital infrastructure and global supply chains.

Discusses the interaction between traditional seaworthiness and emerging technological requirements.

Reviews international legal frameworks including UNCLOS, SOLAS, STCW and the ISM Code.

Provides practical recommendations for insurers, maritime operators, policymakers and legal practitioners.

Addresses insurance, liability, contractual allocation of risk and regulatory compliance in the digital era.

Coverage:

This book covers the legal perspective of seaworthiness, maritime autonomous ships, cyber risks in shipping, the relationship between traditional maritime perils and modern cyber threats, the emerging concept of cyber-worthiness, and the need to rethink seaworthiness in the digital age. It also examines operational, insurance and compliance challenges arising from increased digitalisation in the maritime sector.

About the Authors:

Furkan Dogan is the author of this specialised work on shipping law, cyber risks, seaworthiness and maritime regulation, focusing on how legal frameworks must evolve to address autonomous vessels, digital operations and cybersecurity challenges in modern shipping.

Table of Contents:

1. Introduction

2. Seaworthiness: A Legal Perspective

3. Maritime Autonomous Ships – Motivations and Expectations

4. Implications of Maritime Cyber Risks

5. Maritime Cyber Risks: A Modern Extension of Traditional Perils or a New Threat?

6. Cyber-Worthiness: The Intersection of Current Framework and Emerging Technologies

7. Rethinking Seaworthiness in the Digital Age

Why buy this book?

This book is highly relevant for professionals working at the intersection of shipping, maritime law and digital risk. It provides a timely and practical analysis of how cyber threats, autonomous shipping and digital infrastructure are reshaping legal obligations in the maritime sector. It is an excellent resource for law firms, insurers, maritime operators, regulators, academics and institutional libraries seeking an up-to-date and forward-looking reference on cyber-worthiness in shipping.

Keywords:

cyber-worthiness, shipping law, maritime law, maritime cybersecurity, autonomous ships, MASS, seaworthiness, cyber risks, digital shipping, marine insurance, maritime regulation, UNCLOS, SOLAS, STCW, ISM Code, transport law

Target Audience:

maritime lawyers, shipping professionals, marine insurers, law firms, regulators, policymakers, academics, university libraries, maritime law researchers, transport law specialists, compliance professionals, shipping companies

Genre:

shipping law, maritime law, transport law, cybersecurity law, commercial law, legal practice, academic law

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