Towards a Holistic Data-Driven Framework for Multi-Domain Threat Assessment and Situational Awareness in Maritime Critical Infrastructure

Maritime critical infrastructures (MCI) such as ports, bridges or liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminals are key nodes in global supply chains and energy provision. They are increasingly exposed to complex, interdependent threats from the domains water, air and cyber, including cyberattacks, global navigation satellite system (GNSS) interference, spoofed communication protocols, uncooperative drones and small vessels. Existing multi-sensor systems typically provide object detection but offer only limited assessment of the actual threat potential and lack structured interfaces to public authorities. This paper presents the conceptual framework for the DIEB project (Data-Driven Identification and Evaluation of Threats on Maritime Infrastructure), which aims to close this capability gap for MCI operators by developing a data-driven security situation picture and an explainable, AI-supported threat analysis. Core components of the proposed system are (i) a real-time decision support and alerting system, (ii) automated threat assessment based on Big Data analytics and artificial intelligence, and (iii) a data-sovereign system architecture integrating stationary and mobile sensor platforms. Using a data platform that fuses AIS, ADS-L, radar, visual, thermal and IT-security data, the DIEB concept shall enable operators to proactively identify relevant threats in each domain (water, air, cyber), evaluate their criticality, and trigger targeted, authority-driven response chains. The concept is designed to be modular and scalable to other MCI such as offshore wind farms, underwater cables and pipelines.