Dan Heering

Dan Heering is a cybersecurity researcher specializing in maritime applications at Tallinn University of Technology's Estonian Maritime Academy, where he currently serves as an Expert (2024-2025) following his position as Junior Research Fellow (2018-2024). His academic career is complemented by extensive industry experience in maritime administration, project management, and navigation.

Heering completed his Master's Degree in 2017 with research focused on cybersecurity in shipping with reference to Estonian shipowners, and pursued doctoral studies (interrupted) on cyber risk management in smart port environments. His teaching activities at TalTech include developing and teaching courses on Introduction to Cybersecurity and Ship Automation and Digitalisation.

His research interests center on maritime cybersecurity, ship digitalization, navigation risk management, and innovative educational approaches for the maritime sector. He has led significant research projects including the ERA Chair in Maritime Cyber Security (MariCybERA) with 2.5 million EUR funding from the European Commission, as well as multiple projects focused on maritime transport sector skills development and smart port technologies.

His publications demonstrate a consistent focus on applying cybersecurity principles to maritime contexts, with recent work examining cyber education for seafarers, simulation-based training environments, and sustainable development of maritime education technologies. His research bridges theoretical cybersecurity frameworks with practical maritime industry applications.

• Best abstract and presentation award at ICR 2019 conference

Heering has supervised three Master's theses on topics including cyber education for maritime officers, smart port solutions, and remote-controlled robotics for ship cleaning in Estonian ports. His professional experience spans maritime administration, project management in international contexts including Kazakhstan, and practical navigation experience, providing him with comprehensive industry knowledge that informs his academic work.