Two weeks ago, undersea cables in the Baltic Sea were damaged when the Chinese ship Yi Peng Three dragged its anchor along the ocean floor for more than 100 miles. The incident affected two cables: one linking Lithuania and Sweden, and another connecting Finland and Germany. While the matter remains under investigation, suspicions are mounting regarding possible involvement by China and Russia. German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius remarked, “No one believes that the cables were accidentally damaged,” adding, “We have to assume that the damage is caused by sabotage.”
Nearly 99% of the world’s data communication occurs via undersea cables, according to Lee Sung-won of the Sejong Institute. This infrastructure underpins the global exchange of critical information, including military, diplomatic, and financial data. Lee cautioned that damage to these cables could disrupt international networks, lead to widespread economic losses, and, amid intensifying geopolitical competition, potentially be used as leverage to escalate crises.
The Readable has been closely monitoring this issue. In this feature, I have compiled some of our recent coverage on undersea cables and maritime security. Additionally, notable announcements from Business Wire are included.
1. How do subsea cables get cut?
PORTSMOUTH, United Kingdom–(BUSINESS WIRE)–The International Cable Protection Committee (ICPC), notes with concern the recent reports of faults on two submarine cables in the Baltic Sea and speculation about the cause. The BCS East-West cable experienced a fault on Sunday, 17th November, and the C-Lion cable reported a fault on Monday, 18th November 2024.
These incidents have sparked significant speculation in news and social media, in many cases with conclusory statements about deliberate damage. At this stage in the investigations, however, no conclusive evidence has been disclosed to support such claims. The ICPC emphasizes that it is vital for the repair to proceed in a timely fashion and for investigations regarding the cause of damage be completed in a timely and objective manner so that governments and industry might learn from the incident and enhance cable protection going forward. Cable operators and governments should continue to work together to investigate the cause. READ MORE
2. Western powers face greater challenges than expected in protecting undersea cables from espionage, analysts warn
Last month, the nations that comprise the prominent Five Eyes intelligence alliance, along with several of the group’s allies, announced that the extensive network of underwater cables that permit global data transmission requires updated security standards.
The vast amount of data constantly transferred via these cables—notably among allied Western powers that find themselves pitted against an array of cyber adversaries out of Asia and the Middle East—makes them prime targets for espionage and sabotage. Global reliance on underwater cables “presents major risks related to critical public interests and has national and economic security implications,” stated a coalition comprised of 15 nations and the European Union in a statement released in late September.
The statement outlined high-level principles aimed at strengthening cable protections against both accidental damage and covert hacking. However, cybersecurity experts who have advised allied nations and standards bodies warn that principles alone may not be enough—particularly as prominent cyber adversaries like Russia and China have neither endorsed nor committed to respecting these standards.
“These [cables] are actually harder to defend than computer networks,” said James Lewis, a former United Nations information security advisor who helped craft the Wassenaar Arrangement that oversees some 42 nations’ exports of technology and security tools. READ MORE
3. Maritime cyber threats: drug trafficking and supply chain security
On April 5, South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol inaugurated a new automated terminal at Busan New Port, signaling a significant leap forward in the modernization of port infrastructure. However, this promising advancement is shadowed by the growing concern of evolving cyber threats targeting maritime gateways. This situation underscores the critical need for global initiatives to bolster cybersecurity in maritime ports.
This growing concern was highlighted in late February when U.S. President Joe Biden signed an Executive Order to strengthen the cybersecurity of maritime ports. The order underscores the vital role of these gateways in maintaining global trade and economic stability, acknowledging the complex threats posed by maritime hackers and other malicious entities. Although the Executive Order does not specifically mention drug trafficking, it acknowledges the broad spectrum of threats in the maritime domain. READ MORE
4. South Korean Navy poised to expand its role in response to emerging threats
Incheon, South Korea ― On Thursday, the South Korean navy conducted a public discussion as part of its efforts to gather expertise in maritime security. Nearly a thousand participants gathered on the navy’s symbolic ship, the Dokdo-ham, an amphibious landing vessel named after a South Korean island. The conference took place at the Incheon International Cruise Terminal while the ship was anchored.
“As the Korean Peninsula is enveloped by the ocean, bordered on three sides by different seas, maritime power stands as a cornerstone of our nation’s future,” remarked Yang Yong-mo, Chief of Naval Operations for the Republic of Korea Navy, during his opening speech at the 21st Shipboard Symposium. “Furthermore, strengthening maritime power is not merely an option but a mission, particularly in light of the ongoing hegemonic competition between the United States and China across the Indian Ocean and the Pacific,” emphasized the Chief before the assembled audience.
In December 2022, the South Korean government introduced its Indo-Pacific Strategy, with the goal of elevating the nation to a “Global Pivotal State.” The strategy notably underscores the significance of maritime security in achieving its vision of freedom, peace, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region, and emphasizes the need for comprehensive security cooperation. A year later, in December 2023, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs unveiled 52 action plans as part of the strategy, designating 2024 as the transformative period for implementation. READ MORE
5. South Korean Navy discusses maritime security amidst new emerging threats
The South Korean Navy convened its annual forum on Wednesday, bringing together top experts in maritime security from across the nation. Highlighting the concept of asymmetric power, which encompasses capabilities in both aircraft and cyberspace, specialists in the field recommended the implementation of naval missile defense systems to counter the threats posed by North Korean submarines.
In his welcoming address at the Navy Hotel in Seoul on April 3, Yang Yong-mo, Chief of Naval Operations for the Republic of Korea Navy, emphasized the forum’s critical objective. “Today, we gather to address the most pressing questions in national security,” he stated. “This forum is our effort to pinpoint the most significant challenges we face, especially as threats from North Korea and neighboring countries escalate into tangible risks.” READ MORE
6. Marine Port Security Global Strategic Business Report 2024-2030
DUBLIN–(BUSINESS WIRE)–The “Marine Port Security – Global Strategic Business Report” has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com’s offering.
The global market for Marine Port Security was estimated at US$23.0 Billion in 2023 and is projected to reach US$30.0 Billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 3.8% from 2023 to 2030. This comprehensive report provides an in-depth analysis of market trends, drivers, and forecasts, helping you make informed business decisions. READ MORE
