Logistics and the port industry in the geopolitical crossfire

Logistics and the port industry

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Summary

• The international security landscape has fundamentally changed. Geopolitical risks are no longer merely an external disruptive factor for companies in the maritime trade, logistics, and port sectors, but rather a defining element of their operational environment. The study translates security and geopolitical developments into a concrete threat assessment for ports and maritime supply chains and, drawing from this analysis, makes practical recommendations for action.
  

• Physical attacks on ports and ships, the blockade of strategic sea lanes, and the targeted exploitation of economic dependencies have become significantly more relevant. Technological developments in drones and cruise missiles have significantly increased the range, precision, and availability of these threats. Seaports simultaneously function as critical infrastructure for trade, energy, and military logistics and are thus increasingly becoming the focus of physical, hybrid, and digital attacks.
  

• At the same time, the maritime space has become a central arena for geopolitical influence. The Houthi attacks in the Red Sea, the ongoing piracy off the coast of Somalia, and the debate over transit fees in the Strait of Hormuz demonstrate that both state and non-state actors can severely disrupt global trade with relatively limited resources. Added to this is the exploitation of economic dependencies – particularly within the context of the US-China rivalry. Companies should therefore specifically assess investments, partnership models, and dependencies on partners, routes, and markets from a geopolitical perspective as well.
  

• Digital vulnerabilities are further shifting the threat landscape. The close integration of IT and operational technology makes ports vulnerable to cyberattacks, sabotage, and espionage. Of particular relevance is the reliance on service providers, whose breakdown can have cascading consequences. Rapid advances in AI technologies also make it easier for attackers to develop highly deceptive phishing campaigns and automated attacks, pushing traditional security concepts to their limits.
  

• Personnel issues are gaining in strategic importance. Skills shortages and outsourcing can lead to the hiring of staff who have not undergone adequate security vetting and who are more susceptible to recruitment attempts by foreign intelligence agencies or organized crime. Personnel must therefore be considered a key resilience resource and a security-relevant risk factor when it comes to business continuity planning.
  

• Overall, resilience in the maritime industry today requires an integrated assessment of physical, geopolitical, digital, and personnel risks. Companies must therefore systematically analyze dependencies, diversify routes, regularly run through crisis scenarios, and closely monitor leading indicators in order to sustainably ensure economic viability and competitiveness in an increasingly volatile geopolitical environment.

  
  

Action recommendations for companies can be found in the report (see above for download)