Waterways are a vital transportation mode for any economic sector or even an entire nation’s economy. A country with well-built ports can easily keep up with international trade through imports and exports. Representation Image Only Italy, home to world-class automobile manufacturers such as Ferrari and Lamborghini, generates approximately $30 billion in revenue annually from the export of automobiles and their components, accounting for a sizable portion of its GDP. Japan, Germany, the United Arab Emirates, the Netherlands, China, and Singapore rely heavily on the maritime sector. International trade experts have estimated that the Ocean economy has a $2.5 trillion export potential, which might help countries recover from the pandemic-driven crisis. However, the safety of ships has always been a matter of concern. In port, a vessel is just as vulnerable as it is at sea. Existing Safety and Security Measures The following measures lead to enhanced ship security- All the crew members must be alert at all times. An observant member can detect and solve a problem before it causes distress to the ship. The ship personnel should lock all the gates, and visitors should be allowed to enter only after proper checking. Each crew member must fulfil their duty to uphold the security level. The crew should monitor restricted areas of the ship at regular intervals. Monitoring the smooth functioning of the equipment is crucial. Communication equipment should be sufficient and adequately working during the voyage, even during the loading and unloading, for tracking cargo movement. All the trained crew members should be able to analyse the problem and act readily in an emergency. Problems Faced by the Marine Industry There are both natural and artificial influences that affect the maritime industry. As ships sail across the oceans, the crew’s lives are jeopardised by harsh climatic conditions. Hence, keeping a check on meteorological conditions such as sea state, wind direction, and tidal level is essential. Oil spills and ship accidents are other concerns that might endanger ship security. Oil spills jeopardise the lives of marine animals and plants, threatening the aquatic ecosystem. Representation Image Only There has been an upsurge in marine hijacking and piracy in recent years. Illicit trading, unlicensed fishing, human trafficking, and drug smuggling are standard along the global supply chain. Every day, we hear reports of large-scale drug seizures involving cocaine, heroin, LSD, and other hard drugs. Combatting Problems Using Technology Battling these concerns requires the implementation of cutting-edge technology. These problems should be tackled as they threaten security and cause economic loss. Cargo ships are, without a question, the most sought-after targets for pirates. The shipping sector needs to emphasise cybersecurity as hackers increasingly attempt to access the whole cargo aboard ships. Modern innovations like blockchain and the Internet of Things (IoT) can benefit. Automated technologies in ships are similar to self-driving vehicles like Tesla. A self-driving car has built-in software capable of controlling and managing the vehicle to make critical decisions. For example, suppose the Tesla Autopilot mode is activated. In that case, the vehicle will use artificial intelligence, machine learning, and computer vision to ensure safety and avoid accidents. The advanced technology in the e-vehicle can also identify whether or not the veh