🔒 Strengthening Maritime Cybersecurity: The Importance of OT Inventory for Ships 🚢
With evolving cybersecurity regulations like the IMO’s MSC-FAL.1/Circ.3 and upcoming EU NIS2 Directive, ships must enhance their Operational Technology (OT) security to prevent cyber threats. A crucial step in compliance and risk mitigation is maintaining an accurate OT inventory.
📌 Why is OT Inventory Important?
✔ Regulatory Compliance – Authorities require clear documentation of OT assets onboard.
✔ Vulnerability Management – Knowing what systems exist helps identify security risks.
✔ Incident Response – A complete inventory speeds up recovery from cyber incidents.
✔ Network Segmentation – Mapping OT systems helps separate critical assets from IT networks.
🔹 How to Build an Effective OT Inventory?
✅ Identify & Categorize – List all OT systems (e.g., ECDIS, VDR, engine control, ballast systems).
✅ Document Connectivity – Map each device’s network connections to spot potential weak points.
✅ Assess Cyber Risks – Regularly evaluate vulnerabilities and update security measures.
✅ Monitor & Update – Keep inventory updated to reflect new installations or modifications.
🌍 Take Action Now!
With cyber threats rising in maritime operations, a well-managed OT inventory is a key first step to ensuring compliance and safeguarding your vessel. Start today to protect your fleet from cyber risks!
Recent reports indicate a significant escalation in cyber threats targeting the maritime industry. Marlink’s Security Operations Center observed a sharp increase in malicious activities during the first half of 2024, with over 23,400 malware detections and 178 ransomware incidents. Phishing remains the primary method attackers use to breach corporate networks, and there’s a notable rise in sophisticated botnet attacks leveraging AI to target IoT devices.
In response to these growing threats, the International Maritime Cyber Security Organisation (IMCSO) has been established. This non-profit entity aims to standardize cybersecurity risk assessments across the maritime sector. IMCSO offers certification programs for security consultants and maintains a professional register to assist shipping organizations in selecting qualified personnel. Additionally, it will validate and standardize report outputs, storing them in a central database accessible to authorities and third parties for assessing vessel risk.
These developments underscore the critical importance of robust cybersecurity measures in maritime operations. Organizations are urged to stay vigilant, update their security protocols, and invest in advanced threat detection capabilities to safeguard their operations against evolving cyber threats.
The Europe maritime cybersecurity market is projected to reach $3.49 billion by 2033 from $972.3 million in 2023, growing at a CAGR of 13.64% during the forecast period 2023-2033
Protecting digital assets and networks in the maritime industry from online threats is the main goal of maritime cybersecurity in Europe. As maritime operations depend more and more on digital technologies, cybersecurity has become crucial to ensuring efficiency, safety, and risk mitigation. These dangers range from widespread cyberattacks like viruses and scams to more complex attacks that target shore-based infrastructure and vessel systems. Serious repercussions, including interruptions in business operations, monetary losses, harm to the environment, and even death, can result from cybersecurity breaches. Shipping firms, port authorities, regulatory agencies, and trade associations are important participants in the European maritime cybersecurity market.
Techniques like risk assessment, access control, incident response planning, and continuous employee training are necessary for effective cybersecurity management. Global rules, like those established by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code, provide frameworks for improving cybersecurity within the maritime sector. Collaboration between public and private sectors, along with technological innovation and information sharing, is crucial to address cyber threats effectively. As the maritime industry continues its digital transformation, robust cybersecurity measures will be vital for ensuring resilience and sustainability across European maritime operations.
Market Introduction
The maritime sector’s growing dependence on digital technologies for communication, navigation, and operations is driving a notable expansion in the European maritime cybersecurity market. Strong cybersecurity is crucial to protecting ships, ports, and associated infrastructure because of the increased susceptibility to cyberattacks that comes with this increased digitization. These dangers can cause operational disruptions, monetary losses, environmental harm, and threats to human safety. They range from viruses and phishing scams to more sophisticated attacks that target vital systems.
The increasing use of cloud computing, automation, and Internet of Things (IoT) devices in the maritime industry is propelling the market. In order to adhere to international standards like the ISPS Code and the regulations of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), major industry participants, including shipping companies, port authorities, and regulatory bodies, are concentrating on fortifying their cybersecurity frameworks. Furthermore, tackling changing cybersecurity challenges requires cooperation between the public and private sectors, improvements in threat detection, and continual staff training. The need for efficient cybersecurity solutions is anticipated to increase as Europe continues to embrace digital transformation in the maritime industry, guaranteeing safer and more robust operations.
How can this report add value to an organization?
Product/Innovation Strategy: The product segment helps the reader understand the different types of services available for deployment and their potential in Europe region. Moreover, the study provides the reader with a detailed understanding of the Europe maritime cybersecurity market by products based on solution, service, and threat type.
Growth/Marketing Strategy: The Europe maritime cybersecurity market has seen major development by key players operating in the market, such as business expansion, partnership, collaboration, and joint venture. The favored strategy for the companies has been partnerships to strengthen their position in the Europe maritime cybersecurity market
Competitive Strategy: Key players in the Europe maritime cybersecurity market analyzed and profiled in the study involve maritime cybersecurity products and service offering companies. Moreover, a detailed competitive benchmarking of the players operating in the Europe maritime cybersecurity market has been done to help the reader understand how players stack against each other, presenting a clear market landscape. Additionally, comprehensive competitive strategies such as partnerships, agreements, and collaborations will aid the reader in understanding the untapped revenue pockets in the market.
Companies Featured
SAAB AB
Thales
Leonardo S.p.A.
Airbus SE
BAE Systems
Terma
Westminster Group Plc
Kongsberg Digital
Smiths Group plc
Nettitude Ltd.
HGH
Key Attributes:
Report Attribute
Details
No. of Pages
73
Forecast Period
2023 – 2033
Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2023
$972.3 Million
Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2033
$3490 Million
Compound Annual Growth Rate
13.6%
Regions Covered
Europe
Key Topics Covered:
1 Markets
1.1 Trends: Current and Future Impact Assessment
1.1.1 Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning in Cybersecurity
1.1.2 Increased Connectivity
1.1.3 Zero Trust Architecture (ZTA)
1.2 Supply Chain Overview
1.3 Regulatory and Environmental Considerations
1.3.1 Regulatory Implications
1.4 Ecosystem/Ongoing Programs
1.4.1 Series of Assessments, including Threat Modeling and Open-Source Intelligence, Performed by NCC Group
1.5 Startup Funding Summary
1.6 Market Dynamics Overview
1.6.1 Business Drivers
1.6.1.1 Increasing Cyber Threats and Attacks
1.6.1.2 Digitalization of Maritime Operations
1.6.1.3 Global Supply Chain Reliance on Maritime Transport
1.6.2 Business Challenges
1.6.2.1 Lack of Trained Personnel
1.6.2.2 Complex Regulatory Environment
1.6.3 Business Opportunities
1.6.3.1 Cybersecurity for Autonomous Vessels
1.6.3.2 Integration of Internet of Things (IoT) and Operational Technology (OT) Security
2 Regions
2.1 Regional Summary
2.2 Drivers and Restraints
2.3 Europe
2.3.1 Regional Overview
2.3.2 Driving Factors for Market Growth
2.3.3 Factors Challenging the Market
2.3.4 Application
2.3.5 Product
2.3.6 U.K.
2.3.7 Application
2.3.8 Product
2.3.9 Germany
2.3.10 Application
2.3.11 Product
2.3.12 France
2.3.13 Application
2.3.14 Product
2.3.15 Rest-of-Europe
2.3.16 Application
2.3.17 Product
3 Markets – Competitive Benchmarking & Company Profiles
3.1 Next Frontiers
3.2 Geographic Assessment
3.2.1 Overview
3.2.2 Top Products/Product Portfolio
3.2.3 Top Competitors
3.2.4 Target Customers
3.2.5 Key Personnel
3.2.6 Analyst View
3.2.7 Market Share, 2022
About ResearchAndMarkets.com
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Optimising vessel operations has become crucial for the industry to achieve sustainability and decarbonisation goals. In the long term, large investments will focus on building ships ready for alternative fuels, but in the meantime, owners and operators are turning to digitalisation technologies to save fuel and emissions by becoming more energy efficient.
Owners and operators are also using faster low-latency satellite communications to tackle the challenges of retaining and retraining crew, and to keep track of growing fleets and changing trading patterns. Communications, digital applications and electronic hardware help to tackle these issues, enabling owners to offer career development pathways, almost limitless communications, and technology to make seafarer’s lives easier.
Shipping has turned to digital applications, low-latency connectivity, cloud-based solutions, artificial intelligence and machine learning, while tackling cyber risks with enhanced security.
New LEO constellations overtake established GEO
One company run by an established billionaire, who will soon be part of Trump’s new US administration, has transformed maritime satellite communications during 2024 with owners installing new technology to keep up.
Elon Musk’s SpaceX’s Starlink low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite constellation has revolutionised maritime and offshore communications, providing fast connectivity with low latency to vessels, for crew welfare services and operational applications.
LEO satellite communications has taken the maritime sector to new heights in terms of providing connectivity and welfare support to seafarers. Starlink has become popular with the masses with shipmanagers, owners and operators increasing its deployment across fleets. Whereas two years ago, flat-panel antennas for Starlink were only just being tested, now it is difficult to find a ship without Starlink on board.
Another LEO constellation gaining traction is Eutelsat OneWeb, albeit at a slower pace, with early adoption on offshore vessels, drilling and production facilities. As this global coverage is implemented, more cruise and commercial ships will consider this as a viable alternative. Marella Cruises is investing in OneWeb to operate alongside Starlink on its cruise ships.
Despite the rise of LEO, there is still demand for reliable geostationary orbit (GEO) satellite communications and very small aperture terminal (VSAT) connectivity, but distributors are integrating these services into hybrid smart solutions, where connections will take the cost-efficient, secure pathways. There is also still a need for L-band through Inmarsat, Iridium and Thuraya for maritime safety and security communications.
As the maritime industry adopts more digitalisation applications and ships become more connected, they come under greater risk of cyber attacks. Therefore, enhancing cyber resilience and security is essential to ship operators, owners and builders.
In 2024, the International Association of Classification Societies (IACS) introduced unified requirements (URs) for cyber security and outlined how to demonstrate compliance with them. These URs, E26 and E27, are seen as new benchmarks for shipping’s response to its growing exposure to cyber attacks.
UR E26 is aimed at ensuring the secure integration of both operational technology (OT), information technology (IT) and equipment in a vessel’s network, during the design, construction, commissioning and operational life of the ship.
This UR targets the ship as a collective entity for cyber resilience and covers five key aspects: equipment identification, protection, attack detection, response and recovery.
UR E27 is written to support manufacturers and OEMs of onboard operational systems and equipment in evaluating and improving their cyber resilience. This has led to suppliers and system integrators introducing upgrades to ensure cyber resilience. It also encouraged classification societies to develop and introduce their own interpretations of these URs.
Introducing IACS requirements and raising awareness and demand for enhanced cyber security has led to a trend of class societies acquiring companies with these skills. One of the main deals in 2024 was DNV’s acquisition of CyberOwl, which regularly reports on the shipping industry’s risks and responses to cyber attacks.
According to a study led by CyberOwl published in Q4 2024, a typical fleet of 30 cargo vessels now experiences an average of 80 cyber incidents a year. The study found the average cost of unlocking computer systems in the maritime sector reached US$3.2M.
We can expect more advanced and integrated solutions to be unveiled and new innovative cyber threats to emerge in 2025.
BIMCO Compliant: What Does It Mean?
The Baltic and International Maritime Council (BIMCO) has developed guidelines to help ship owners protect their vessels and IT systems from cyber threats and digital attacks. BIMCO is a global trade organization representing shipping companies and ship owners. Countries like the UK, Greece, Singapore, the Netherlands, Germany, the US, Japan, China, and South Korea collaborate with BIMCO to ensure compliance with international maritime rules.
What Are BIMCO’s Cybersecurity Guidelines for Ships?
Cybersecurity Policy
BIMCO recommends that ship owners and operators establish a cybersecurity policy. This policy should outline how the ship’s IT systems will be protected from cyber threats and how to handle any incidents that may arise.
Risk Assessment
BIMCO emphasizes the importance of regular cybersecurity risk assessments. These assessments help identify and address potential risks and vulnerabilities in systems such as communication, navigation, electronic cargo documents, and payment transactions.
Preventive Measures
To protect their systems, BIMCO advises ship owners to install firewalls, encrypt data, use strong authentication methods, and keep security updates up to date.
Training and Awareness
Educating staff and crew on cybersecurity is crucial. Ship owners should ensure that their employees can recognize potential threats, such as phishing attacks, and know how to respond to various cybersecurity incidents.
Incident Management
BIMCO recommends preparing a comprehensive plan for handling cyberattacks. This includes reporting incidents to the appropriate authorities, isolating affected systems, and restoring operations as quickly as possible.
Security for Suppliers
Since ships often rely on third-party suppliers for IT services and equipment, BIMCO advises ensuring that these suppliers also meet cybersecurity requirements and implement adequate security measures.
Certification and Compliance
BIMCO encourages shipping companies and ship owners to comply with international cybersecurity standards, such as the IMO Cybersecurity Code, and other relevant maritime regulations.
Why Is This Important?
BIMCO’s cybersecurity guidelines provide ship owners and operators with a robust framework for managing cyber risks. By following these guidelines, ships can reduce their vulnerability to cyberattacks and maintain safe and efficient operations.
For ship owners, using a BIMCO-certified IT platform ensures that your IT infrastructure meets the latest security standards and international cybersecurity regulations. This minimizes the risk of cyberattacks, operational downtime, and legal issues while strengthening trust with business partners and authorities. Additionally, it simplifies incident management and ensures compliance with maritime regulations.
Lloyd’s Register (LR) is partnering COSCO Shipping Heavy Industry on the development of an 82,500 dwt bulk carrier design that will meet Unified Requirement (UR) E26, which governs the cyber resilience of ships.
As explained, issued by the International Association of Classification Societies (IACS), the UR comes into force on 1 July 2024. The new IACS Requirements aim to secure integration of both operational and information technology equipment onboard a ship throughout the vessel’s lifecycle. The UR applies to aspects of a vessel and its operations, including equipment identification, protection, attack detection, response, and recovery.
The partnership is LR’s first JDP focussed on E26 compliance.
Cyber security has become an increasing concern for shipowners and this JDP represents an important milestone to support cyber resilience of vessels. In partnership with COSCO Heavy Industry, Lloyd’s Register will create its first vessel design in line with the new IACS UR E26 requirement.
… said Sau Weng Tang, Commercial Manager Greater China
Key facts about the EU NIS2 Directive regarding cybersecurity
LR approves five VLGC designs by Deltamarin and Jiangsu
To remind, OTESAT_MARITEL and Bureau Veritas (BV), have recently joined forces to certify two cybersecurity solutions, IRIS and s@tGate, according to IACS UR E27 Rev.1 requirements on the cyber resilience of on-board systems and equipment.
To resolve shipowner’s concerns on UR E26, we worked with LR and achieved the first E26 approval from LR. The upgrade on UR E26 compliance enables our yards, designing department, and system vendors to be fully prepared when UR E26 come into force. It ensures shipowners can reduce their cyber risks.
Orient Overseas Container Line (OOCL) has reported that there is a suspicious investment software in the market that is using the OOCL logo without authorization.
The software claims to offer high returns on investments. However, OOCL has no connection or affiliation with the software or its developers.
In a statement warning its clients, OOCL says: “We do not endorse or recommend it in any way.
“OOCL does not offer any investment product or service via any channel and we urge you to exercise caution and vigilance when dealing with any online platforms or applications that offer such products or services under OOCL’s name. Such platforms or applications may be fraudulent, illegal, or harmful to your interests.
“If you encounter any such platforms or applications, please do not provide any personal or financial information, and do not download or install any software or files. We also advise you to report any suspicious activities to the relevant authorities and OOCL Customer Service via your usual contact.
“We appreciate your continued support and trust in OOCL. We are committed to providing you with the best quality and reliable services. We also take our information security and brand protection very seriously, and we will take appropriate actions to safeguard our interests and those of our customers.”
DP World Australia, one of the country’s largest ports operators, said on Monday operations had resumed at all its facilities after a cyber security incident forced it to suspend operations for three days.
The breach had crippled operations at the company, which manages about 40% of the goods that flow in and out of Australia, affecting its container terminals in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane and Western Australia’s Fremantle.
“Operations resumed at the company’s ports across Australia at 9 a.m. today (2200 GMT, Sunday) … following successful tests of key systems overnight,” the company, part of Dubai’s state-owned DP World, said in a statement.
DP World expects to move about 5,000 containers from the four Australian terminals through the day, although ongoing investigation and responses to protect its networks could result in temporary disruptions over the next few days.
“This is a part of an investigation process and resuming normal logistical operations at this scale,” DP World said.
After spotting the breach on Friday, DP World, one of a handful of stevedore industry players in Australia, disconnected internet, significantly impacting freight movements.
Australia has seen a rise in cyber intrusions since late last year, prompting the government in February to reform rules and set up an agency to help coordinate responses to hacks.
“(The DP World breach) does show how vulnerable we have been in this country to cyber incidents and how much better we need to work together to make sure we keep our citizens safe,” Cyber Security Minister Clare O’Neil told ABC Radio.
The breach comes as the government on Monday released some details of its proposed cyber security laws that would force companies to report all ransomware incidents, demands or payments.
DP World did not specify if it received any ransomware demands.
O’Neil said the rules would also bring telecommunication companies under “strict cyber requirements”, after an outage last week at telco Optus cut off internet and phone connections to nearly half of Australia’s population for about 12 hours.
(Reuters – Reporting by Renju Jose; Editing by Lisa Shumaker and Lincoln Feast)
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