BLUE PEACE NAVAL MILITARY MARITIME STRATEGY SMART SUSTAINABLE NAVIES MARINE ECONOMY UN UNITED NATIONS SDG 14 OBJECTIVES WARSHIP AIRCRAFT CARRIERS DESTROYERS & SUBMARINES VERSUS AUTONOMOUS SURFACE VESSEL FOR PERSISTENT SURVEILLANCE

NAVAL 'BLUE PEACE ' STRATEGY

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ARTISTS IMPRESSION - By way of an illustration only, solar assistance for existing ships might help contain harmful particulate emissions. While a move to replace bunker fuel oils with hydrogen, will go a stage further in the clean up process.

Blue growth also carries a military interpretation, overlaid, or as underlying policies. Such as food security being essential, to support efforts to secure peace, where some nations are pursuing varying degrees of aggressive economic expansion, including straying into another nations economic fishing zones.

Whereas, other naval interpretations of 'Blue Growth' may be focused on maritime military dominance, presumably aimed at destroyers, submarines and aircraft carriers, as the main players in any conflict - at time of writing. If that is as it appears, the main players will be the superpowers: US, Russia and China, with India joining in to protect their assets.

How then might one approach the subject of 'Blue Growth,' from a Ministry of Defence (MOD) sustaining the peace perspective, and still retain 'Blue Growth' sustainability at the core, bearing in mind that nuclear weapons are in any event deemed to be illegal (and unsustainable) under United Nations declarations, and that conventional diesel-oil heavy bunker fuels are to be phased out to comply with the International Maritime Organization's (IMOs) new clean air rules?

RECONCILING BLUE GROWTH WITH MARITIME SECURITY: A SUSTAINABLE APPROACH

The concept of "Blue Growth" has traditionally focused on promoting economic prosperity through sustainable practices in the maritime domain. However, some interpretations emphasize military dominance, particularly for superpowers like the US, Russia, China, and India. Here we explore how the Ministry of Defence (MOD) can approach Blue Growth from a perspective that sustains peace, prioritizes environmental sustainability, and adheres to international regulations.

Sustainable security is not a contradiction, but rather a necessity. By embracing a "Blue Growth" approach, Ministries of Defence can maintain a strong and capable navy while contributing to a clean and healthy ocean. Through international collaboration and innovation, the MOD can ensure a secure and sustainable future for our oceans and our planet.

By adopting a "Blue Peace" approach, the MOD can ensure a strong navy while contributing to a healthy and sustainable ocean. This requires a shift in focus from sheer military might to a holistic approach that considers environmental security alongside traditional defense concerns. This approach fosters long-term stability and promotes a secure future for all nations.

SHIFTING THE FOCUS FROM DOMINANCE TO COOPERATION

The traditional focus on naval might in Blue Growth can be reframed towards cooperative security. This approach emphasizes collective efforts to address shared maritime threats like piracy, terrorism, and illegal fishing. Collaborative exercises, information sharing, and capacity building for regional countries fosters trust and reduces the need for unilateral force projection.

SUSTAINABLE TECHNOLOGIES FOR A SECURE FUTURE

Military fleets heavily rely on fossil fuels, contributing to pollution and climate change. The IMO's clean air regulations necessitate a shift towards sustainable marine fuels like biofuels, hydrogen, and electric propulsion for both military and civilian vessels. Investing in research and development of these technologies not only benefits the environment, but also fosters innovation within the domestic blue economy.

BLUE GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES IN MARITIME SECURITY

The MOD'S of each nations can champion Blue Growth initiatives that enhance maritime security in a sustainable way. This could include:

- Oceanographic research: Collecting data on currents, weather patterns, and marine resources for enhanced situational awareness and disaster preparedness.

- Marine protected areas (MPAs): Collaborative efforts to establish and enforce MPAs can protect critical marine ecosystems crucial for healthy fisheries and coastal resilience.

- Sustainable aquaculture: Supporting the development of sustainable aquaculture practices can provide alternative food sources, reducing reliance on over-exploited wild fish stocks.

- Renewable energy from the sea: Integrating wave, tidal, and offshore wind energy into military bases fosters energy independence and reduces reliance on fossil fuels.

INTERNATIONAL COLLABORATION IS THE CORNERSTONE OF PEACE

Sustainable Blue Growth in the context of maritime security relies heavily on international cooperation. Collaborative research and development of clean technologies, shared enforcement of regulations, and joint efforts to combat transnational crime all contribute to a more stable and sustainable maritime environment.

By adopting a cooperative and environmentally conscious approach, the MOD can reconcile Blue Growth with maritime security. Prioritizing sustainable technologies, fostering innovation, and collaborating with international partners can create a more secure and healthy maritime domain for the future. This approach strengthens national security while also contributing to a thriving and sustainable blue economy.

AUTONOMOUS DRONES (ASVs) AS PERSISTENT SURVEILLANCE TO COUNTER AGGRESSIVE BEHAVIOUR

The current geopolitical climate presents as a complex situation. Here we consider how autonomous surface vessels (ASVs) designed for deterrence by peaceful nations could potentially counter aggressive behavior:

1. Increased Monitoring and Presence:

ASVs can patrol vast areas autonomously, providing persistent surveillance in international waters or contested zones. This can deter aggressive actions by increasing the likelihood of detection and exposure. Large numbers of unmanned vessels could be deployed at a lower cost compared to manned warships, creating a more robust deterrent presence.

2. De-escalation and Non-lethal Measures:

ASVs can be programmed to follow and harass aggressive vessels with non-lethal tactics like high-powered spotlights, loudspeakers with recorded warnings, or creating physical barriers to movement. This allows for a measured response without resorting to immediate use of force.

3. Information Gathering and Communication:

ASVs can gather real-time data on suspicious activities, including vessel movements and potential weapon deployments. This information can be relayed to manned forces for informed decision-making. ASVs can also act as communication relays, facilitating dialogue and de-escalation efforts between conflicting parties.

4. Cooperative Defense Networks:

A network of ASVs from peaceful nations, working as alliances, such as NATO, could be established to monitor critical shipping lanes and strategic chokepoints. Collaborative efforts along these lines will strengthens deterrence and discourages aggression against international trade routes. Such as that being experiences at present in the Red Sea.

LIMITATION CONSIDERATIONS

Relying solely on autonomous systems for critical decisions is risky. Human oversight and intervention capabilities should be built-in to prevent miscalculations.

Likewise, threats from military hackers needs to be addressed where ASVs are potentially vulnerable to hacking and manipulation. Robust cybersecurity measures are essential to ensure they don't become weapons themselves.

The development and deployment of autonomous weapons systems are subject to ongoing discussions and potential limitations under international law. Though, the US has already deployed such a warship. Meaning that all we are looking at is COLREGs compliance, such as "eyes on board."

Overall, ASVs offer a potential tool for peaceful nations to deter aggression without escalating tensions. However, their effectiveness relies on responsible development, clear communication of intent, and strong international cooperation.

Here we emphasize the importance of clear communication of purpose behind deploying ASVs – purely for defensive and de-escalatory purposes. There is also the potential role of ASVs in humanitarian missions like search and rescue or disaster relief operations.

SUSTAINABLE NAVAL OPERATIONS FOR PEACEKEEPING

Navies of the world should strive to temper their game plan in compliance with 21st Century sustainable peacekeeping, as a highly prized pinnacle, against the background of IMO clean air legislation, and United Nations' targets. Such attainment being social, moral and spiritual guidance to other nations in terms of world leadership. In itself a stabilizing attribute to be admired and emulated.

The Cleaner Ocean Foundation, is not concerned with the militaristic interpretation of 'blue-growth,' but shares it's thoughts only to encourage thinking outside the box. COF's focus is on sustainable waterborne transportation, ocean pollution, scientific exploration and conservation issues. Keeping their fingers crossed, as to eventual world peace.

https://s3platform.jrc.ec.europa.eu/blue-growth
https://eur-lex.europa.eu/EN/legal-content/summary/the-eu-s-strategy-for-sustainable-marine-and-maritime-growth-blue-growth.html

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0308597X17306905

https://commission.europa.eu/index_en
https://www.fao.org/3/i8512en/I8512EN.pdf
https://marine.copernicus.eu/
https://sdgs.un.org/goals

https://s3platform.jrc.ec.europa.eu/blue-growth
https://eur-lex.europa.eu/EN/legal-content/summary/the-eu-s-strategy-for-sustainable-marine-and-maritime-growth-blue-growth.html

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0308597X17306905

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