Introduction

The ocean has historically served as a domain rich in both opportunities and risks. It facilitates international trade, connects continents and provides essential resources. However, it also raises intricate legal, political and security concerns that transcend national boundaries. Maritime Security, traditionally centred on naval defence, has broadened in recent decades to encompass threats such as piracy, terrorism, illicit trafficking, environmental violations and breaches of International Humanitarian Law. Concurrently, the legal framework governing maritime activities, primarily based on the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), has become increasingly complex. This evolution establishes a structured yet contested arena for competing national interests, evolving enforcement strategies and emergent regulatory systems.