SeXTANt (Secure X Trustworthy AI Navigation)

Cyber-securing maritime autonomous surface ships
Long exposure image of stars over the ocean
Title: SAIMAS – SeXTANt (Secure X Trustworthy AI Navigation) 
Funding period: July 2024 – March 2025
University of Plymouth PI/Co-I: Dr Kimberly Tam - P
Link to Staffmember: Dr Kimberly Tam
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"> Dr Kimberly Tam , Miss Avanthika Vineetha Harish - P
Link to Staffmember: Miss Avanthika Vineetha Harish
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"> Dr Avanthika Vineetha Harish , Mr Luke Christison - P
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This project focuses on the network and system security aspects of Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS). 
Rather than concentrating on the security of the AI itself, the project examines the security of the hosting environments where the AI operates within autonomous systems. 
Additionally, the project explores data visualisation, specifically how cyber and cyber-physical security data impact marine technology and engineering design and implementation.
Sextant
 
Project objectives
This project aims to offer a comprehensive, holistic view of securing MASS AI and to effectively communicate practical solutions to the relevant stakeholders.
 

Cyber vulnerabilities in human-autonomy teaming technology

This project is funded by the Alan Turing Institute and focuses on secure and trustworthy AI for autonomous maritime systems. During the project, we looked at the cyber vulnerabilities of AI systems on uncrewed surface vessels and in remote operating centres. This also shows how AI can be developed to both be operational and have cyber resilience using data fusion. 
All of this cross-discipline research is then made more understandable and digestible through animations and visualisation.

Our people

Publications
Walter, M., Vineetha Harish, A., Christison, L. et al. (2025). Visualisation of cyber vulnerabilities in maritime human-autonomy teaming technology. WMU J Marit Affairs 24, 5–31. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13437-025-00362-z 
 
 
 
 

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