Interconnecting the Maritime Domain in the Indo-Pacific Region

Abstract.The operationalisation of the Indo-Pacific Regional Information Sharing (IORIS) platform is examined as a tool for advancing maritime governance across one of the world's most strategically significant maritime regions. Funded by the European Union through the CRIMARIO initiative, IORIS facilitates real-time, secure communication among over 100 maritime stakeholders, tackling persistent challenges like piracy, geopolitical instability, regulatory complexity, and environmental risks. Drawing on maritime governance theory, collaborative governance frameworks, and socio-technical systems perspectives, this study applies a qualitative content analysis of policy documents, institutional reports, and scholarly literature. The results highlight IORIS’s role in dismantling institutional silos, enhancing situational awareness, supporting regulatory compliance, and streamlining emergency response. By integrating digital infrastructure and fostering cross-sectoral cooperation, the platform contributes to a more resilient and secure maritime environment. The findings affirm the need for sustained technological innovation, expanded regional partnerships, and adaptive policy frameworks to ensure the long-term stability of global maritime trade.