Assessment Task 3: Case Study Report

Module Code: MAR502

Module Title: International Maritime Policy and Geopolitics

Institution: Solent University (Warsash Maritime School)

Level: Level 5 (Undergraduate)

Academic Year: 2025/2026

Weighting: 40%

Due Date: 28 April 2026

Word Limit: 3000 words (excluding references and appendices)

Context

The South China Sea remains a focal point for geopolitical tensions, influencing maritime operations, trade routes, and port efficiency across South East Asia. These dynamics offer valuable insights for emerging maritime nations such as Nigeria, where port operations face similar challenges from insecurity, infrastructure limitations, and regional disputes. This assessment requires you to analyse these issues within the framework of international maritime policy, drawing parallels to support sustainable development in global shipping.

Task

Produce a 3000-word case study report that examines the geopolitical impacts on port operations and maritime security in the South China Sea. Compare these with challenges in the Nigerian maritime industry, and propose policy recommendations for enhancing resilience in both regions.

Your report should cover:

• An overview of key geopolitical factors in the South China Sea, including territorial disputes, freedom of navigation, and their effects on ports like those in Vietnam and the Philippines.
• Analysis of similar issues in Nigeria’s maritime sector, such as port congestion, piracy in the Gulf of Guinea, and regulatory frameworks.
• Comparative evaluation of strategies employed in South East Asia and potential applications to Nigeria, considering UNCLOS and IMO guidelines.
• Recommendations for UK maritime stakeholders on supporting international cooperation to mitigate these risks.

Guidelines

1. Structure the report with an executive summary, introduction, main analysis sections, conclusions, and recommendations.
2. Incorporate at least 8 academic sources, including peer-reviewed articles and official reports from 2018 onwards.
3. Use Harvard citation style and include a reference list.
4. Submit electronically via the Solent Online Learning platform by the deadline; extensions require prior approval.
5. Ensure originality; all work will be checked for plagiarism.

Marking Rubric

Criteria and Weighting:

• Knowledge and Understanding (25%): Demonstrates clear grasp of geopolitical and maritime issues in specified regions.
• Analysis and Comparison (30%): Provides in-depth comparison with evidence-based insights.
• Recommendations and Structure (20%): Offers practical recommendations; report is well-organised and logical.
• Research and Referencing (15%): Uses relevant sources effectively with accurate Harvard referencing.
• Presentation and Communication (10%): Professional writing, free of errors, with appropriate use of visuals if needed.

Pass mark: 40%. Detailed feedback provided within three weeks.

Geopolitical tensions in the South China Sea have disrupted port operations by increasing militarization and coercive maneuvers, which affect trade efficiency for nations like Vietnam. Nigeria faces parallel threats from piracy in its coastal waters, leading to higher insurance costs and delayed shipments. Strengthening bilateral agreements could help both regions, as seen in ASEAN’s collaborative efforts. Enhanced maritime domain awareness is essential for Nigeria to mirror South East Asian strategies in countering non-state threats (Raymond and Welch, 2022, https://doi.org/10.1177/18681034221086291).

References

• Asua, S. A. and Nwangwu, C. (2025) ‘Maritime insecurity, environmental degradation and the development of Nigeria’s blue economy’, Journal of Asian and African Studies, 60(1), pp. 45-62. DOI: 10.1177/00219096251371696. Available at: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/00219096251371696 (Accessed: 23 January 2026).
• Raymond, M. and Welch, D. A. (2022) ‘What’s really going on in the South China Sea?’, Journal of Current Chinese Affairs, 51(2), pp. 214-239. DOI: 10.1177/18681034221086291.
• UNCTAD (2024) Review of maritime transport 2024. Geneva: United Nations Conference on Trade and Development. Available at: https://unctad.org/system/files/official-document/rmt2024_en.pdf (Accessed: 23 January 2026).
• Nwanosike, F. O., Tipi, N. S. and Warnock-Smith, D. (2016) ‘Productivity change in Nigerian seaports after reform: a Malmquist productivity index approach’, Maritime Policy & Management, 43(7), pp. 798-811. DOI: 10.1080/03088839.2016.1183828.
• Baltic Exchange (2024) Xinhua-Baltic International Shipping Centre Development Index Report 2024. London: Baltic Exchange. Available at: https://www.balticexchange.com/content/dam/balticexchange/consumer/documents/Xinhua-Baltic-ISCDI-Report-2024.pdf (Accessed: 23 January 2026).