At MARITIME INNOVATORS, we recognize that maritime security is not only a regulatory requirement but a critical enabler of safe, efficient, and sustainable seafaring operations. With piracy, armed robbery, cyber threats, and geopolitical tensions continuing to pose serious risks to the maritime domain, our work seeks to address both current and emerging threats through applied research, collaboration, and innovation.

Our founder, Ugurcan Acar, conducted a focused dissertation on maritime piracy and security during his studies at Plymouth University. This research laid the foundation for our organization’s enduring interest in this vital field. From analyzing patterns of piracy off the Horn of Africa to studying international counter-piracy regulations, the academic grounding informs our future roadmap.

Our Approach

  • Research & Risk Assessment: We explore geopolitical risk zones, analyze seafarer reports, and develop tools to assess threats at sea.
  • Digital Tools: As part of our digital learning and safety frameworks, we envision platforms that simulate piracy responses and raise situational awareness among maritime professionals.
  • Training & Preparedness: We aim to develop training modules addressing best practices in security protocols, ISPS compliance, and post-incident debriefing for seafarers and shipping companies.
  • Cybersecurity Integration: With maritime operations increasingly digitized, we incorporate cybersecurity awareness into broader maritime safety practices.
  • Future Projects: We are currently seeking partners to co-develop innovative EU-funded projects that integrate AI-based alert systems, regional case studies, and real-time risk maps for high-threat zones.

Vision for Collaboration

We believe that solutions to maritime piracy and broader security challenges lie in collaborative, transdisciplinary initiatives. MARITIME INNOVATORS aims to be a hub for research institutions, shipping companies, training providers, and policymakers to collectively design resilient and intelligent responses.

If you are a maritime stakeholder interested in contributing to or initiating work in maritime security and piracy prevention, let’s connect and navigate this critical frontier together.