Managing the ever-changing nature and cross-disciplinary challenges of the maritime sector demands a complete understanding of the special characteristics of the maritime space. The complexity of the operations of ships, ports, shipping companies, and naval and coast guard maritime security operations—as well as the economic significance and the inherent security vulnerabilities of global maritime trade—requires a thorough, holistic and adaptable understanding of commercial, law enforcement and naval maritime security phenomena.

Written by a team of expert contributors, this book identifies and assesses the issues inherent in developing and implementing maritime security measures. It examines the new maritime security environment, including the different but complementary interests of the shipping industry and national regulatory agencies. The coverage includes analyses of the different threats to maritime security and how they are perceived by different actors in the maritime domain. The editors evaluate the international and national legal frameworks developed for specific sectors and the responses that different nations have given to these initiatives. Comprehensive in scope, the volume addresses security concerns that pertain to a wide spectrum of commercial shipping and maritime security situations, regulatory frameworks, sector-specific vulnerabilities, regional nuances, and port facilities.