Understanding the new risks in the digital transition of maritime port’s energy infrastructures: a scoping review

The increasing digitalisation of maritime port energy infrastructure has transformed global trade and supply chains, enhancing operations and energy management. However, this transition also introduces significant risks, particularly in the realms of cybersecurity, infrastructure resilience, and regulatory inconsistencies. Maritime ports play a critical role in energy distribution, supporting the global economy by transporting fossil fuels, liquefied natural gas (LNG), and renewable energy sources. The digital transformation of these infrastructures is essential for optimising operations and reducing environmental impact, yet it also exposes ports to new vulnerabilities. Given the strategic importance of ports in global trade and energy logistics, their increasing dependence on digital technologies, such as the Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI), and automation, has heightened concerns regarding cyber threats and infrastructure security. Recent cyber incidents, including attacks on critical energy assets and maritime infrastructure, underscore the need to address these risks with urgency. The rapid expansion of digitalisation in ports highlights the need for a comprehensive understanding of emerging vulnerabilities, particularly in underwater and seabed energy infrastructure. This scoping review was commissioned by the Lloyds Register Foundation to the University of Wolverhampton, UK, Moi University, Kenya, and THOST Project Management Netherlands to examine the digital transition of critical energy infrastructure in maritime ports, with a focus on the Port of Southampton in the United Kingdom and the Port of Mombasa in Kenya. The primary objective of the scoping review is to establish the current state of digitalisation in critical energy infrastructure in maritime ports. The findings from this review contribute to a broader understanding of the challenges and opportunities associated with the digital transition in Maritime ports.

Citation

Daniel, E.I., Makokha, A., Ren, X., Olatunji, E. and Konara, A. (2025) Understanding the new risks in the digital transition of maritime port’s energy infrastructures: a scoping review. University of Wolverhampton.

Type

Research report

Language

en

Description

A scoping review produced by the University of Wolverhampton, UK in collaboration with Moi University, Kenya, and THOST Project Management Netherlands. This report was commissioned by the Lloyds Register Foundation.

Collections

Faculty of Science and Engineering