Cloud services and maritime cybersecurity in the Baltic Sea region

The maritime sector in the Baltic Sea region is undergoing rapid digital transformation, with growing adoption of cloud-based technologies in fleet management, logistics, and port operations. While these innovations offer improved efficiency and coordination, they also expose critical systems to evolving cybersecurity risks. This paper explores the intersection of maritime digitalization and cybersecurity in the Baltic context, with a particular focus on the adoption of cloud services. Drawing on a qualitative, interpretative approach (referencing legal frameworks, illustrative case studies, stakeholder concerns, and regional policy documents), the study identifies key vulnerabilities, including reliance on third-party cloud providers, fragmented regulatory implementation, and gaps in cross-border coordination. Given the Baltic Sea’s strategic significance in European and global trade, the analysis highlights the need for harmonized cybersecurity frameworks, structured threat intelligence sharing, and investment in maritime-specific training and secure digital infrastructure. By framing current challenges in light of legal, operational, and geopolitical dynamics, the paper contributes to a broader understanding of how regional cooperation can enhance maritime cybersecurity resilience in an increasingly contested digital environment.