The UK’s security and prosperity strongly depend on the stability of the global maritime order. 95% of our import/export in volume is by sea; almost all our digital communication transits via undersea cables; our service economy relies on access to components such as semi-conductors shipped to the UK and on the free flow of digital communication. Yet, the maritime domain is increasingly under pressure and a dangerous place to operate, from state actors and their proxies who disrupt freedom of navigation, to the increase in maritime crime (such as illegal fishing) to the effects of climate change on the ocean.
Our aim is to raise awareness of the crucial importance of the sea for security and to offer solutions to address current challenges facing the global maritime order. We specifically work on the following areas:
- The concept and practice of seapower
- Maritime crime
- Maritime geopolitics
- The effects of climate change on maritime security
- Freedom of navigation
- Security of the global maritime supply chains and CN
- Cyber maritime security
- Autonomous/uncrewed fleet
Recent Publications and activities
- Basil Germond (2024), “The strategic threat and operational context for UK Defence 2024-2050”.
Basil Germond, Joe Burton, Daniel Prince and Simona Soare (2024), “Cyber maritime: A priority for Britain”.
Lancaster University Satellite Event of the First Sea Lord 'Sea Power' Annual Conference 2024.
Basil Germond (2024), Giving oral evidence to the Joint Select Committee on the National Security Strategy.
James Brennan and Basil Germond (2024), “A Methodology for analysing the impacts of climate change on maritime security”.
Basil Germond and Jan Bebbington (2023), “Ports as sites for security and defense”.
