The Maritime Risk Podcast

Episode 39 - Seeing the Threat: How CYFAX+ Is Powering Maritime Cyber Risk Intelligence

In this episode of the ShorelineHudson Maritime Risk Podcast, we explore how the maritime sector is confronting the growing challenge of cyber risk with data-driven clarity. Our guests include Rob Vasquez, CEO of Beacon Technologies, Rick Siebenaler, CEO of the Maritime Cybersecurity Institute and academic sponsor of this fully funded research initiative, and Sean Jensen, ShorelineHudson’s cyber expert and program facilitator. Together, they discuss the Maritime Cybersecurity Institute’s vessel cyber risk analysis program powered by CYFAX+ and how it is transforming the way shipowners, operators, and regulators visualize, assess, and act on vessel-level cyber threat intelligence. If you're ready to understand what it truly means to "see the threat," this is a conversation you won't want to miss.

Speakers:

Rob Vazquez – Beacon Technologies
Rob Vazquez is the CEO of Beacon Technology Group and a pioneer in cybersecurity innovation with over 30 years of experience across global IT and data protection. He has led enterprise-scale deployments for multinational firms and is the inventor behind a patent-pending AI-based threat processing system. Rob’s work at Beacon focuses on developing accessible cybersecurity solutions, including the CYFAX+ platform, which supports advanced threat visibility and regulatory compliance.

 

Rick Siebenaler - Maritime Cybersecurity Institute
Rick Siebenaler is the CEO of the Maritime Cybersecurity Institute, a nonprofit dedicated to advancing cyber resilience in the commercial maritime sector. With a distinguished background at the NSA, CyberGuard, EY, and Deloitte—holding titles such as Chief Scientist and Global CISO, Rick brings strategic depth to maritime cybersecurity. His leadership is driving the sector toward a more mature, integrated approach to cyber risk management.

 

Sean Jensen - ShorelineHudson
Sean Jensen is a cyber threat specialist at ShorelineHudson with a master’s in Homeland Security and expertise in maritime risk assessment. He leads the development and deployment of the AVRA platform, delivering intelligence-driven cyber and physical vulnerability assessments for global port and vessel operations. Certified as a Facility Security Officer and Business Continuity Professional, Sean supports compliance and resilience strategies across the maritime domain.

 

 

Episode 38 - Cyber Mandate Incoming – Are U.S. Ports Ready for the 2025 Coast Guard Rule?

The countdown is on - in this critical episode, your host, Captain Thomas Brown sits down with ShorelineHudson’s cybersecurity lead Mike Malito to unpack the U.S. Coast Guard’s new Final Rule on Cybersecurity, a sweeping update to the Maritime Transportation Security Act (MTSA) that mandates a national baseline for cyber readiness across all regulated U.S. ports and terminals. With the July 2025 deadline fast approaching, this episode delivers a clear, actionable roadmap for compliant facilities. From identifying a cyber officer to rolling out mandatory staff training, conducting risk assessments, and drafting a compliant cyber plan, Mike breaks down exactly what’s required, and how ShorelineHudson’s PortLogix™ and Acrisure’s Cybersecurity Blanket can help facilities of all sizes comply without breaking the bank. Don’t miss this deep dive into one of the most significant regulatory shifts in U.S. port security.

Episode 37 - Port Fees, Trade Wars & the Future of Global Shipping: What U.S. Tariffs on Chinese Ships Really Mean

In this follow-up to episode 36 of the ShorelineHudson Maritime Risk Podcast, Captain Thomas Brown is joined again by U.S. trade policy expert Andrew Baskin to unpack the now-finalized U.S. port fee regime targeting Chinese-linked vessels.

With tariffs topping $1 million per voyage in some cases, strategic exemptions, and geopolitical backlash brewing in Beijing, we explore how this policy is already reshaping vessel operations, trade alliances, asset values — and possibly the future of American shipbuilding.

From rerouted cargo to retaliatory threats, this episode dives deep into the policy’s impact and the unintended consequences for shippers, carriers, and global trade at large.

Episode 36 - Chinese-Built Ships and U.S. Port Fees: Reversal, Risk or Rebalancing?

As U.S. policymakers reconsider controversial port fees targeting Chinese-built ships, uncertainty still looms for shipowners, charterers, and global supply chains. In this episode, Captain Thomas Brown speaks with Washington-based policy advisor Andrew Baskin to unpack the latest developments, explore the commercial risks for Far East owners, and explain how time-chartered vessels could be affected.

🎧 Essential listening for anyone trading to U.S. ports with Chinese-built tonnage.

Episode 35 - What the USCG’s Updated Environmental Guidelines Mean for You

In this episode of the ShorelineHudson Maritime Risk Podcast, Captain Thomas Brown sits down with Tim Gerland, Senior Vice President ShorelineHudson and leading expert on U.S. environmental compliance, to unpack the U.S. Coast Guard’s sweeping update to its Marine Environmental Response Guidelines.

 

🔍 What’s changed?
💡 Why does it matter for vessel and facility operators?
🚨 How will it affect compliance, preparedness, and response expectations?

 

Whether you manage a fleet, oversee regulatory compliance, or simply want to stay ahead of industry changes, this is a must-listen conversation packed with actionable insights.

 

🎧 Tune in and get informed on how to navigate the new U.S. environmental regulatory landscape.

Episode 34 - Navigating the Rising Threat: The Increase Threat to Merchant Shipping calling Russian Oil Hubs

Welcome to the Shoreline Maritime Risk Podcast. I'm your host, Captain Thomas Brown, CEO of Shoreline Ltd. Today, I’m joined by Joshua Hutchinson, Managing Director of Intelligence and Risk at Ambrey, the UK’s leading maritime security firm.

Ambrey specializes in intelligence-led risk management for shipping, oil and gas, and offshore industries, providing security escorts, armed protection, and operational risk solutions. Joshua brings extensive expertise in maritime security, having led major evacuation and emergency response operations.

In this episode, we’ll discuss the rising security threats to merchant shipping, Ambrey’s latest threat assessment, and what shipowners need to know to protect their vessels. Let’s dive in.

Episode 33 - Securing the Cyber Seas: Navigating Maritime Cybersecurity with Beacon Technologies' Rob Vazquez

In this episode of Shoreline's Maritime Risk Podcast, host Thomas Brown speaks with Rob Vazquez, CEO and founder of Beacon Technologies, about groundbreaking advancements in maritime cybersecurity. Rob shares insights into Beacon’s innovative tools—CyFax and Detect—designed to offer vessels a 360-degree defense against modern cyber threats. Learn how these cutting-edge solutions bring real-time threat intelligence and automated remediation to the maritime industry, making robust cybersecurity accessible to all. Tune in to discover the critical role of continuous attack simulations, adaptive threat intelligence, and proactive security measures to protect vessels from the ever-evolving cyber landscape.

Episode 32 - Unlock the Future of Shipboard Safety with AI!

In our latest episode of Shoreline’s Maritime Risk Podcast, we dive into how AI is revolutionizing the maritime industry. Join host Captain Thomas Brown as he chats with Osher Perry, CEO of Shipin Systems, about their groundbreaking AI platform, Fleet Vision. Discover how AI-powered video monitoring and data analytics are improving safety, reducing incidents by 40%, and boosting operational efficiency on vessels worldwide. Whether you’re curious about the tech or eager to explore its tangible impact on shipboard operations, this episode is a must-listen for all maritime professionals! Tune in now to learn how AI is shaping the future of shipping.

Episode 31 - Navigating the Carbon Economy: How Carbon Finance is Shaping the Future of Shipping

In this insightful episode of the Shoreline Maritime Risk Podcast, we dive into one of the most pressing topics facing the shipping industry today: carbon finance. As environmental regulations tighten and market expectations evolve, shipowners and industry stakeholders must navigate the complex landscape of carbon accounting, sustainable finance, and compliance reporting. Join Captain Thomas Brown and Darren Wolfberg, CEO of Triangle Systems Inc., as they explore how carbon finance is impacting the maritime sector. From practical strategies for reducing carbon footprints to understanding the financial implications of non-compliance, this episode is packed with valuable insights that can help shipowners turn regulatory challenges into competitive advantages. Whether you're in finance, shipping, or just interested in the future of maritime sustainability, this is a conversation you won't want to miss.

Episode 30 - Excess Emissions Insurance (EEI) brought to you by AXA XL

As the maritime industry faces increasing pressure to reduce carbon emissions and align with global sustainability targets, AXA XL's EEI offers a unique insurance solution. Their new product is designed to cover the additional carbon emissions that result from fortuitous events like course deviations to a port of refuge or repairs, by providing indemnity in the form of voluntary carbon credits.

We will explore how this insurance product integrates with traditional marine insurance offerings, the process of calculating and verifying carbon credits, and the impact of regulatory changes on the demand for EEI. Hanna will also share insights into the challenges and future developments in the field of carbon offsetting within the shipping industry.