## 1 Introduction
### Related Works  
The evolution of MCNs has garnered significant attention, leading to various innovative architectures and technological advancements. [PERSON] et al. introduced MagicNet, a novel architecture deploying seaborne floating towers in a honeycomb topology to provide wide-area and seamless maritime coverage, addressing the limitations of traditional shore-based base stations [10]. Also, UAVs have emerged as pivotal components in enhancing maritime communications. [PERSON] et al. have provided a vision of UAV-aided maritime communications, discussing deployment considerations, applications, and future challenges, highlighting UAVs' potential to extend coverage and improve communication reliability [5; 11]. Similarly, the integration of air-to-sea communication systems has been explored to enhance the Maritime Internet of Things (MIoT), focusing on enabling technologies and applications [6; 12]. Hybrid communication models have also been proposed to enhance maritime connectivity. [PERSON] et al. discussed hybrid satellite-terrestrial communication networks for the MIoT, emphasizing key technologies, opportunities, and challenges in achieving seamless integration [13]. Furthermore, the concept of space-air-sea-ground integrated networks has been examined for maritime transportation emergency forecasting, proposing a layered structure to support operational responses in distress scenarios [14]. Further, [PERSON] et al. discussed the challenges and opportunities for MCNs in the 6G era, focusing on enabling technologies and relevant use cases [15]. To enable smart and collaborative shipping, [PERSON] et al. introduced FedShip, a federated over-the-air learning framework designed for communication-efficient and privacy-aware operations in 6G maritime environments [16]. Apart from the aforementioned studies, Table 1 summarizes key recent works studying different aspects of 6G/MCN combined networks. \begin{table}
\begin{tabular}{c c} \hline \hline
**Study** & **Summary** \\ \hline
[15] & Reviews enabling technologies, use cases, and challenges for 6G-enabled MCNs, including smart ports and integrated network architectures. \\ \hline
[16; 17] & Proposes a federated learning and over-the-air computation framework for privacy-aware, efficient 6G maritime communications. \\ \hline
[6] &
\begin{tabular}{c} Presents a comprehensive survey of air-to-sea integrated \\ maritime IoT technologies, applications, and research gaps. \\ \end{tabular} \\ \hline
[18] &
\begin{tabular}{c} Explores UAV and satellite-supported base stations for maritime \\ 6G coverage, focusing on link scheduling and rate adaptation. \\ \end{tabular} \\ \hline
[19] &
\begin{tabular}{c} Proposes resource allocation and task offloading solutions for \\ reliable 6G space-air-sea maritime networks. \\ \end{tabular} \\ \hline
[20] &
\begin{tabular}{c} Surveys maritime wireless channel characteristics and network \\ architecture differences from terrestrial systems. \\ \end{tabular} \\ \hline
[21] &
\begin{tabular}{c} Overviews 6G communication technologies, architectures, and \\ applications, including implications for maritime connectivity. \\ \end{tabular} \\ \hline
[22] &
\begin{tabular}{c} Highlights underwater communications as a vital but overlooked \\ infrastructure for achieving full 6G network access. \\ \end{tabular} \\ \hline
[5; 11] &
\begin{tabular}{c} Examines UAV swarms with NOMA to enhance 6G maritime \\ wireless connectivity and spectral efficiency. \\ \end{tabular} \\ \hline
[23] &
\begin{tabular}{c} Reviews path-planning for autonomous maritime vehicles to \\ support data collection and NTNs in future oceanic 6G systems. \\ \end{tabular} \\ \hline \hline \end{tabular}
\end{table} 
Table 1: Recent studies combining 6G/MCN concepts. Despite these advancements, gaps remain in the literature, particularly concerning the adaptation of 6G enabling technologies to the unique challenges of maritime environments.