EU-Thailand-Japan regional seminar explores how to strengthen cyber resilience of maritime supply chains

During a two-day seminar, experts discussed how to improve cyber security of the maritime ecosystem such as harbours, ships, ports and navigation systems — all essential components of supply chains and sea lanes of communication which are the arteries of the global economy. 

 

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Gathering about 140 participants, the activity featured speakers from Asian and European ministries, agencies and academic institutions. In addition to Thailand, South-East Asian participants came from Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore and Vietnam.

The seminar was co-organised by the European Union, the Office of the National Security Council of Thailand, and Japan, with support from the Port Authority of Thailand, EU project ESIWA+ (Enhancing Security Cooperation In and With Asia & the Indo-Pacific), and from the Maritime Cybersecurity Centre of Excellence (MARCYSCOE) from Constanţa, Romania.

Through a series of presentations and case studies, participants at the event discussed the growing impact of cyber threats on maritime infrastructure and commercial vessels. They reviewed individual and collective responses to cyber incidents, and advocated for greater collaboration among likeminded stakeholders to mitigate risks more effectively. 

 

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“Maritime cyber security has gained strategic importance for both the EU and its partners in the region” said Ms Paola Pampaloni, Deputy Managing Director for Asia and the Pacific, European External Action Service. 

“A free, open and rules-based Indo-Pacific remains a prerequisite for global prosperity and stability. The EU will continue to promote and protect these principles, as well as exchanges of experience and best practices with countries such as Japan and Thailand. Through such regional engagements, we will continue to prove that the EU is a reliable security partner” Ms. Pampaloni added.

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Mr. Ruchakorn Napapornpipat, Deputy Secretary-General of the National Security Council of Thailand, said: “This seminar reflects the strong and flourishing partnership between Thailand, the EU, and Japan. Following the success of our first joint seminar on the "Law of the Sea" in March 2025, today’s meeting focuses on maritime cybersecurity — a dimension that is growing in significance alongside rapid technological advancement.”

“By addressing these dynamics, this workshop aims to strengthen the capacity of Indo-Pacific nations to protect critical maritime infrastructure from cyber threats. Such efforts are essential not only for regional economic stability but also for deepening the partnership between Thailand and the European Union within the Indo-Pacific region,” he added.

H.E. Otaka Masato, Ambassador of Japan to the Kingdom of Thailand, said: “Japan and the EU are strategic partners who uphold a free and open international order based on the rule of law. Together, we address various challenges faced by the international community. The Japan-EU Security and Defence Partnership aims to further develop and strengthen cooperation and dialogue between Japan and the EU in broader areas of security and defence. In light of the current challenging security environment, Japan is determined to enhance concrete cooperation in maritime security, space, cyber security, hybrid threats including foreign information manipulation and interference.”

 

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EU action in maritime security in the Indo-Pacific:

The EU currently conducts two naval operations (Atalanta, Aspides) which contribute to the security of the sea lanes of communication between Europe and Asia, in the North-West Indian Ocean and the Red Sea.

EU projects to foster collaboration in maritime security and maritime safety include CRIMARIO II, ESIWA+ and Global Port Safety. 

EU action in cyber security in the Indo-Pacific:

The EU supports cybersecurity cooperation with partners across the Indo-Pacific through a range of initiatives aimed at strengthening resilience, protecting critical infrastructure, enhancing cyber crisis management capabilities and combating cybercrime.

EU projects to foster collaboration in cybersecurity and the fight against cyber-enabled crime include ESIWA+, EU CyberNet, and EU Cyber Direct, which facilitate exchanges of expertise, capacity-building activities and regional cooperation between governments, industry and academia.

About the EU ESIWA+ project: 

ESIWA+ contributes to the EU’s security and defence cooperation with the Indo-Pacific by organising peer-to-peer activities in four thematic areas: counterterrorism and preventing violent extremism, crisis management/addressing hybrid threats, cyber security, and maritime security. The project is co-funded by the European Commission’s Service for Foreign Policy Instruments (FPI), the German Federal Foreign Office, and the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs. ESIWA+ is co-implemented by the German Corporation for International Cooperation (GIZ) and Expertise France.

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