DNV certifies ABB’s integrated ship operating system

“This builds ‘Defence in depth’ into the vessel design – a mechanism with several security controls where if one measure fails, another will come into play to protect assets. As a result, cyber-security risks can be mitigated on an increasingly stronger level that goes beyond what has been possible in the marine industry up until now.”

Since January 2021, IMO has required that every ship’s safety management system include a cyber-security risk assessment. However, the risk assessment needed for compliance does not specify the means of protecting systems and networks at sea, leaving it to shipowners to make their own cyber-security arrangements.

However, DNV group leader for cyber safety and security Jarle Coll Blomhoff believes owners alone cannot take the full burden of responsibility, “They rely on the expertise from yards, suppliers and classification societies to make sure they are prepared to deal with cyber threats both on board and on shore.”

“The security ABB offers as a built-in feature for systems demonstrates these new threats and the importance of building cyber protection into every link of the supply chain are recognised throughout the maritime industry.”

The certification acknowledges ABB’s product as providing protection for onboard systems, enabling system recovery to pre-attack status and troubleshooting to find the root cause of a breach. 

Approvals to remotely connect to the vessel must be controlled by the onboard crew, with only actively accepted and encrypted connections being permitted. ABB will offer continuous support to ease customers’ workloads.

The Maritime Cyber Risk Management Forum will be held 28 June 2022. Details and tickets can be found here