Europe is economically and socially highly dependent on the sea. In the SMM Industry Talk, Dr. Moritz Brake explains why maritime security therefore extends far beyond protecting individual sea lanes — and why resilient supply chains, logistics, energy supply and critical infrastructure have to be considered together.

Maritime dependence is a strategic reality

Open trade routes, reliable energy flows and protected maritime infrastructure are prerequisites for Europe’s economic and governmental ability to act. If these systems are disrupted over an extended period, a maritime disruption can quickly become a broader economic and security challenge.

Resilient supply chains are part of security

Maritime resilience therefore means more than preventing disruption wherever possible. Supply chains and logistics must also remain functional under sustained crisis pressure. This directly links economic preparedness with security policy and strategic freedom of action.

Technology expands the room for action

New technologies can help make maritime dependencies more visible, improve situational awareness and widen the range of possible responses. What matters is not technology alone, but how it is integrated into robust structures, processes and cooperation.

Seapower is more than military strength

A contemporary understanding of seapower therefore encompasses more than military capabilities. Europe’s ability to act at sea also depends on resilient supply chains, functioning logistics, technological competence and protected critical infrastructure.

For NEXMARIS, this connection is central: maritime security, economic resilience and strategic sovereignty have to be understood as one interconnected system.