Examines growing cybersecurity challenges in the maritime sector, covering threats to shipboard systems, port infrastructure, and supply chain networks. The discussion focuses on risk management, emerging cyber threats, the adversarial use of AI, regulatory compliance (e.g., IMO 2021), and best practices for securing OT and IT systems. It also addresses U.S. Coast Guard regulations, specifically the new Cybersecurity Final Rule (effective July 2025) and cyber protections for ports and vessels.

Examines the increasing vulnerabilities and operational challenges posed by disruptions in the littoral maritime environment—coastal waters, ports, and near-shore zones—and how these disturbances ripple across private sector industries reliant on maritime trade and infrastructure. The discussion explores the complex interdependencies between military, Coast Guard, and commercial actors in managing threats such as physical attacks, cyber intrusions, environmental hazards, and geopolitical tensions that compromise port operations, supply chains, and maritime logistics. The discussion emphasizes risk assessment, resilience strategies, and the development of coordinated response frameworks to mitigate cascading economic and security impacts on American companies critical to national and global maritime commerce.

Examines protection, monitoring, and collaboration strategies with the private sector, and advanced technologies to secure ports, coastal infrastructure, maritime boundaries, and territorial waters. Focus areas include threat detection, domain awareness, port protection, and the integration of naval, coast guard, homeland security, and law enforcement operations to safeguard national interests in territorial waters and critical maritime infrastructure. The discussion involves preventing and responding to threats; illegal trafficking (drugs, weapons, people); unauthorized fishing and resource exploitation; smuggling and piracy; terrorist activity; adverse environmental activity; and unauthorized entry of vessels or individuals. The goal is to ensure sovereignty, economic security, and safe navigation.

Unmanned aerial systems are redefining situational awareness across land and sea. This session brings together experts in radar, AI analytics, and drone integration to explore how advanced sensor fusion—combining radar, electro-optical, and communications data—enhances decision-making in complex operational environments. Panelists will discuss how these integrated systems are being applied to critical missions, including maritime border security, coastal surveillance, and maritime cybersecurity operations. The conversation will examine how real-time data sharing and intelligent visual analytics improve threat detection, anomaly identification, and response coordination in littoral/blue-water maritime ecosystems. Weather permitting, the sponsors will conclude with a live demonstration of an integrated drone platform in operation, highlighting radar-visual fusion and AI-driven decision support for enhanced situational awareness across maritime and border environments.

This session examines how new maritime markets—drawing on U.S. industry strengths—can enhance commercial shipbuilding capacity, strengthen a fragile supplier base, and reverse the decline of the skilled workforce. Drawing lessons from research reports and industry analysis, the discussion highlights how a national-scale effort to catalyze these markets can mitigate risk and rebuild American shipbuilding strength across defense and commercial fleets. Panelists will outline the technology, finance, and policy requirements necessary to develop these new markets.

Examines maritime and port partnerships, and how they play a critical role in strengthening safety, security, mobility, and environmental protection of a port or waterway. By fostering collaboration among port authorities, industry stakeholders, and government agencies, partnerships serve as a platform for information sharing, coordinated planning, and cultivating rapid responses to threats. The discussion highlights research and best-in-class practices for integrating security into organizations and charters, improving situational awareness, and leveraging local knowledge to support national maritime security objectives.