Modern Navigation Systems and their Role in Increasing the Safety of Marine Transportation: A Simulation Study

BACKGROUND The study aimed to evaluate the economic and operational efficiency of maritime navigation systems worldwide, considering Georgia’s maritime sector specifics to improve safety and reduce shipping costs. MATERIALS AND METHODS The analysis used simulation modelling based on hypothetical operational scenarios, verified with industry report data. RESULTS Results showed that global positioning systems (with a 150% return on investment (ROI), minimal implementation costs of USD 10,000, and maintenance costs of USD 1,000) and automatic identification systems (ROI of 120-125% with a 15-18% cost reduction) offered the highest economic efficiency. Satellite communication provided a balanced cost-benefit ratio (ROI of 110%, 14% cost reduction). Integrated bridge systems, despite the potential to cut costs by 18%, were limited by high implementation costs (USD 100,000) and low adoption in Georgia (30%). In Georgia’s context, automatic identification reduced incidents by 20%, saving USD 6,000 annually in insurance costs (ROI of 40%), while satellite communication reduced incidents by 15%, saving USD 4,500 (ROI of 22.5%). Electronic chart systems and radar systems showed moderate efficiency, but their use was restricted by complex interfaces and high training costs (USD 5,000-USD 12,000). The vulnerability of systems to cyberattacks underscored the need for stronger cybersecurity. CONCLUSION The practical importance of these findings is in developing recommendations for shipping companies and regulators, which could be used by shipping firms, authorities, and educational institutions to modernize navigation infrastructure and train crews within Georgia’s maritime industry.