The United Kingdom welcomes this opportunity to consider the implications of emerging technologies for maritime security.
\n\nEmerging technologies are transforming our world.
\n\nAt sea, they offer immense opportunities to improve safety, strengthen maritime domain awareness, and protect the global trade on which all our countries depend.
\n\nBut these technologies also bring new risks, and we have a collective responsibility to ensure that they are developed and used safely.
\n\nThe United Kingdom sees three priorities.
\n\nFirst, as ever, states must uphold international law.
\n\nRecent events have shown how threats to Freedom of Navigation can have far reaching consequences, disrupting supply chains, driving up costs and affecting food and energy security.
\n\nUNCLOS provides the legal framework within which all activities in the ocean and the seas, its primacy must be respected.
\n\nStates must also protect those at the heart of global shipping: seafarers.
\n\nSecond, we must ensure that emerging technologies strengthen our security rather than undermine it.
\n\nIn the maritime domain, these technologies can make ports and shipping more efficient while increasing situational awareness, resilience, and our ability to respond to threats.
\n\nAs shipping becomes more connected and more digital, the UK is working with the International Maritime Organisation, partners, and industry to ensure emerging technologies are adopted safely and securely.
\n\nThis year, the International Maritime Organisation adopted the first global, goal-based regulatory framework for remotely controlled and autonomous commercial ships.
\n\nThe UK is leading work to develop the Maritime Cyber Code, a globally agreed framework to secure the systems and processes connecting the modern maritime sector.
\n\nBut we cannot ignore the potential for harm.
\n\nTechnological advances are already changing the nature of conflict.
\n\nUncrewed weapon systems increasingly accessible to state and non-state actors seeking to threaten shipping on, above, and below the water.
\n\nAs my Foreign Secretary said in this chamber, if we are to realise technology’s potential for good, we must address its risks.
\n\nThat means rigorous testing and assurance, giving governments the information they need to assess emerging risks, stronger cyber defences, and resilient critical infrastructure.
\n\nThird, none of us can address these challenges alone.
\n\nWhen maritime networks are disrupted, the consequences are felt far beyond our seas.
\n\nThey threaten our shared security and prosperity, and hit the world’s most vulnerable hardest.
\n\nWe need all countries to speak out against threats to the global maritime domain wherever and however they occur.
\n\nWe must work together, and with industry, to ensure technological progress delivers for our people.
\n\nIn the maritime sphere, that also means strengthening cooperation through the International Maritime Organisation, which the United Kingdom is proud to host.
\n\nPresident, the answer to technological change is not to retreat from innovation, but to shape it responsibly.
\n\nAs our Prime Minister said at the General Assembly, we need to embrace the extraordinary potential of technology to improve people’s lives.
\n\nThe United Kingdom stands ready to work with Council members, the wider UN membership, industry, and international organisations to ensure emerging technologies help deliver safer seas, more resilient societies, and greater security for all.
\nThe Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State has responsibility for:
\n\nLatin America
\nUS and Canada
\nUN, multilateral and human rights
\nCommonwealth
\nprotocol
\nBritish Council and World Service
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