From March 25 to 28, 2025, around 50 participants from EU Member States, EU institutions, bodies, and agencies involved in technical cybersecurity came together in Constanta, Romania for the ESDC’s fully residential cyber course, “Advanced Cyber Range Training for Maritime Cyber Resilience” hosted by the Constanța Maritime University (CMU) in Romania, through its Maritime Cybersecurity Centre of Excellence (MARCYSCOE) under the auspices of the European Security and Defence College (ESDC).

This is the first time we have offered a training program specifically tailored to cyber range and maritime cybersecurity. The intensive four-day course provided participants with the essential expertise needed to address the evolving challenges in maritime cybersecurity. By blending theoretical knowledge with practical, hands-on exercises, the programme effectively tackled the unique cybersecurity demands of maritime operations.

The course was opened by Prof. Gabriel Raicu, course director and Rector of Constanta Maritime University, followed by welcoming remarks from Mr Giuseppe Zuffanti, coordinator for cyber issues and for the ESDC cyber ETEE platform and training manager at the European Security and Defence College (ESDC), and Dr Nicu Iancu, Vice-President, Maritime Cybersecurity Centre of Excellence. The speakers provided an overview of the Maritime University, ESDC, MARCYSCOE, the EU Cyber Ecosystem, the maritime cybersecurity overview and initiated a fruitful discussion.

The curriculum covered vital topics, including the maritime threat landscape, defensive and offensive strategies, and principles of cyber resilience. Participants engaged in interactive workshops using advanced cyber range platforms to gain practical experience in threat modelling, incident response, and red teaming. Key focus areas included mitigating vulnerabilities in Information Technology (IT) and Operational Technology (OT) systems, protecting autonomous maritime systems, and countering Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs). Emerging technologies, such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), and quantum-safe cryptography, were explored to enhance maritime cybersecurity capabilities.

Strategically, this ESDC pilot course highlighted the critical importance of collaboration, featuring cross-sector cyber crisis management simulations and discussions on strengthening public-private partnerships and regional resilience networks. By combining technical training with strategic insights, participants were equipped to develop comprehensive cyber resilience frameworks for the maritime domain.

The high level of interest from EU Member States was evident, with 50 participants – mid-level to senior officials from both civilian and military backgrounds – joining the course. These officials, representing EU Member States and EU Institutions, Bodies, and Agencies, were able to gain valuable expertise in addressing the cybersecurity challenges within the maritime sector.

We extend our sincere thanks to Prof. Gabriel Raicu, course director and Rector of Constanta Maritime University, Dr Nicu Iancu Vice-President, Maritime Cybersecurity Centre of Excellence, the speakers, and the participants for their dedication, participation, and valuable contributions to making this course a success.