Autonomous ships present a novel target for piracy due to the possibility of both remote and physical takeover. While traditional piracy has typically involved armed boarding and demands for ransom, future threats may evolve into more sophisticated, non-physical forms. For instance, instead of seizing a vessel by force, cyber-pirates could gain control of its navigational systems and send ransom demands directly to the remote control centre, insisting on payment, potentially in cryptocurrency, to restore operational control. During such an attack, hackers might also coerce shore-based operators into altering the vessel’s route, redirecting it into congested waterways and deliberately risking a collision. This type of digital assault is no less frightening than conventional piracy, and its potential consequences could be even more severe.

Although existing research has examined several aspects of maritime autonomy, the vulnerability of autonomous vessels to such cyber-piracy remains a pressing concern. It is therefore imperative to investigate how traditional piracy may be reconsidered in the digital era and to assess whether current marine insurance frameworks provide adequate protection. Key research questions guiding this study are:

(i) To what extent does current marine insurance law define and respond to cyber-piracy threats against autonomous ships?

(ii) What specific technological and operational vulnerabilities make autonomous vessels particularly susceptible to cyber-piracy compared to traditional ships?

(iii) What legal and regulatory reforms are required to ensure that marine insurance policies effectively address the risks associated with cyber-piracy?