Sustainable Maritime Governance of Digital Technologies for Marine Economic Development and for Managing Challenges in Shipping Risk: Legal Policy and Marine Environmental Management

Abstract

This article addresses the pressing need for knowledge on how digital technologies, artificial intelligence, and blockchain can revolutionize opportunities in the marine economy and sustainably support business while balancing environmental protection and economic growth, and legal instruments and policy innovations for marine environmental protection. However, implementation, legal, and governance concerns still exist. This study discusses the development and challenges of these technologies according to their environmental, economic, business, and regulatory dimensions, following a literature review of more than 100 peer-reviewed articles, books, and a synthesis of global shipping policies, risk, policymakers, industry experts, and environmental scientists. The findings highlight the need for aligned international regulations to strike a balance between innovation and environmental goals, risks, and technology. This study introduces an innovative governance assessment framework, bridging the gap between technology scalability and equitable policy responses, as well as the environmental impact and ecosystem balance. We conclude with actionable recommendations for policymakers and companies to harness digital innovations while strategizing for long-term sustainability in the maritime sector and aligning UN Sustainable Development Goals with the principles of maritime law, the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, and the United Nations Environment Programme Regional Seas Programme, offering ways to mitigate governance fragmentation. This study informs interdisciplinary discussion by bridging technical feasibility and legal feasibility, providing actionable suggestions to policymakers to reconcile digital innovation with the sustainability of the marine ecosystem.

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