Cybersafety News

Kongsberg Digital's cloud infrastructure Vessel Insight has received the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) Product Design Assessment Certificate for SMART (INF) for data infrastructure in accordance with the ABS Smart Functions Guide, in addition to ABS CyberSafety PDA certification. This is the first time ABS has awarded this combination of endorsements to a single product.According to Kongsberg Digital, Vessel Insight is a software-as-a-service (SaaS) solution that provides vessel-to-cloud data infrastructure…

After prototype testing in January 2023, classification society ABS has issued the world's first ABS CyberSafety Product Design Assessment (PDA) certification for the main engine and main propulsion remote control systems (M-800 series) from Nabtesco Corporation.“In vessel operations today, more and more components are connected and reliant on digitally enabled systems that introduce new risks and vulnerabilities into the maritime supply chain. By addressing the risks early at the individual component and equipment levels, equipment manufacturers can help mitigate potential negative impacts.

With shipowners pressed to upgrade machinery to meet strict new emission targets, there’s much confusion with chatter surrounding ‘decarbonization’ and ‘future fuels’, solutions that don’t exist today – and may not exist in mass for another generation – cluttering the conversation. Enter Wabtec, formerly GE Transportation, which today offers a Tier 4 compliant engine with no need for urea. Is it the cheapest propulsion solution on the market? No. But the Pennsylvania-based engine builder mounts a compelling case for its 250MDC diesel engine based on performance…

New approach applies data-driven decisions to produce actionable insight into cyber risksABS announced it has developed a new methodology to measure cyber security risk associated with operational technology, providing marine and offshore clients a calculated risk index for vessels, fleets and facilities. The index quantifies cyber security risk and gives owners and operators an actionable strategy to reduce cyber risk on board a vessel.Until now, cyber risk assessment methods were largely qualitative, characterizing risk based on threats, vulnerabilities and consequences.

ABS executives informed the industry conversation at Singapore Maritime Week, with presentations on the growing cyber security threat to maritime, new opportunities to take advantage of data, and the huge potential of LNG shipping for the region. Speaking at the Singapore Maritime Cyber Security Seminar, ABS Chief Digital Officer, Howard Fireman highlighted the opportunities and challenges presented by the ever-increasing connectivity of maritime assets. “The cyber threat is real to maritime safety, making it a relevant issue that ABS must address.

U.S. based classification society ABS said it has granted a Certificate of CyberSafety Compliance for South Korean shipbuilder Samsung Heavy Industries’ (SHI) Smart Ship Solution demonstrating adherence to the ABS Guide for Cybersecurity Implementation for the Marine and Offshore Industries and ISO 27000 series, IT Security Control Code of Practice. SHI’s Smart Ship Solution aims to improve vessel efficiencies using real time data from hull and equipment sensors in collaboration with land-based technical and fleet managers.

ABS Chairman, President and CEO calls upon insurance industry and class to work closer together in addressing the next-generation safety system. Christopher J. Wiernicki, Chairman, President and CEO of ABS, addressed the American Institute of Marine Underwriters (AIMU) today, describing the future of maritime safety and risk mitigation as it relates to cyber safety as well as outlining how the classification and insurance industries can strengthen their collaboration as the progression of cyber and autonomy propel maritime safety into new waters. “Building on our safety and risk control focus, class and insurance are in a unique position to lead in several areas – specifically…

ABS has hosted the inaugural meeting of the Hellenic Technical Committee (HTC) at its state-of-the-art Global Ship Systems Center (GSSC). “The Hellenic shipping community possesses a wealth of engineering knowledge and we are honored to assemble such a credentialed Technical Committee,” said ABS Europe Division Senior Vice President Vassilios Kroustallis. The HTC includes more than 20 key technical professionals across the maritime industry representing owners, operators and owner associations. The Committee brings together ABS and industry leaders to discuss key technical issues and developments as they pertain to ABS Rules. The HTC also analyzes technology trends, such as digitalization and cyber security, which are impacting the marine industry and vessel complexity.

Classification society ABS unveiled its Global Ship Systems Center and announced the formation of its Hellenic Technical Committee in Athens. “This cutting-edge facility brings together industry-recognized technical leaders to support clients throughout the entire lifecycle of their assets,” said ABS Chairman, President and CEO Christopher J. Wiernicki. Through a systems-based approach, the Global Ship Systems Center addresses the increasing complexity of mechanical and cyber-enabled systems onboard vessels.

The maritime industry is becoming more connected – at sea, on land and in between. This trend has given rise to a cyber-enabled fleet that continues to adopt greater levels of automation and operational complexity. For the end user, the benefits of modern shipping are multiple. For the ship owner or operator, however, every incremental advance of technology creates new entry points for risk. In this hyper-connected era, defending against the introduction of new risks as technology changes demands a recommitment to systems engineering and…

ABS held its annual Marine and Offshore Technical Committee Meetings in Houston in early May and addressed industry challenges and sharpen focus on future needs. “Collaborating with significant and recognized industry leaders representing ship owners, yards, operators, equipment manufacturers and vendors helps guide our research and development focus,” said ABS Chief Technology Officer Howard Fireman. Fireman identified four key focus areas that will help industry deal with this new data-centric world: data collection, data security, data management and data analytics. Together, these areas make up ABS FutureClass™ - ABS’ approach to leveraging real-time data to improve decisions and increase operational efficiencies.

ABS Chief Operating Officer Tony Nassif shares insights on cyber-related challenges and the role of class at the Connecticut Maritime Association’s annual conference. ABS participated in the 32nd annual CMA Shipping Conference and Exhibition in Stamford, Conn., where ABS Chief Operating Officer Tony Nassif shared his perspective on cyber-related challenges faced by the marine industry. “The main challenge we face is that in our industry not all users of new technology understand the way the software they are using was built…

ABS, the leading provider of classification and technical services to the offshore industry, collaborated with industry experts during its annual Special Committee Meeting held recently to discuss the ABS Rules for Building and Classing Mobile Offshore Drilling Units (MODUs), with the goal of assuring that Rule requirements align with industry needs. “Our leadership position in the offshore sector is based on the ability to provide exceptional guidance and services,” says ABS Executive Vice President of Global Offshore Ken Richardson. More than 50 participants, including delegates from major owners, designers, shipyards and technical representatives from ABS, provided input at the Special Committee Meeting that will be used to refine ABS Rules.

ABS said it has issued its first notation for the ABS Guide for Cybersecurity Implementation for the marine and offshore Industries. “The focus on cyber safety is increasing, and that is changing the expectations industry has for classification services,” explained ABS Chairman, President and CEO, Christopher J. The ABS CyberSafety program is aimed at mitigating the risk of cybersecurity-related conditions or incidents that could negatively affect operations. Awarding the CS1 notation (Asset…

ABS is presenting cyber seminars in multiple locations across Europe to deliver critical safety guidance. The ABS CyberSafety program team is presenting industry-leading guidance to address cyber-related threats and risks in the marine and offshore environments and explaining how the comprehensive ABS program can be used to combat cyber threats. “ABS is providing real-time, practical solutions to the cyber challenges owners and operators are facing today,” says ABS Chief Technology Officer Howard Fireman. The ABS CyberSafety program equips ship and asset owners, vendors and managers with the first risk-based management tool for mitigating risks connected to cybersecurity, automated systems safety, data integrity and software verification.

ABS brought together nearly 100 industry leaders, government officials, technical experts, and academic leaders in Singapore to discuss cyber-related threats and risks in the marine environment and explain the value of the ABS CyberSafety program. The seminar is one of many ABS is hosting across Asia, Europe and the Americas currently. “ABS understands the cyber challenges owners and operators face today with increased software integration and greater levels of automation,” says ABS Chief Technology Officer Howard Fireman. The ABS CyberSafety program equips ship and asset owners, vendors and managers with the first risk-based management tool for mitigating risks connected to cybersecurity, automated systems safety, data integrity and software verification.

Forum promotes improved safety, security, productivity, efficiency and environmental performance through collaboration and innovation. ABS hosted the fall meeting of the Ship Operators Cooperative Program (SOCP) in Houston October 5 and 6, welcoming representatives from industry, government and academia to discuss current issues and new technologies. “It is a privilege to host the SOCP and to share information with the other member organizations,” says ABS Chief Technology Officer Howard Fireman. A number of significant issues were on the meeting agenda, which kicked off with a look at the impact of Subchapter M and how companies can prepare for implementation.

ABS, a provider of classification and technical services to the global marine and offshore industries, said it has been awarded a research contract by the Maritime Security Center (MSC) – a U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Center of Excellence, led by Stevens Institute of Technology – for a two-year research program focused on defining the future of cybersecurity for the maritime industry. Study participants, which include DHS and the Department of Defense, will focus on key areas that will help define future research and guidance.

ABS, a provider of classification and technical services to the global marine and offshore industries, unveiled the first comprehensive cybersecurity certification and optional notations for marine and offshore assets and facilities at the SMM (Shipbuilding, Machinery, Marine) bi-annual international maritime trade fair. Introduced in early 2016, the ABS CyberSafety series is the industry’s first risk-based management program for asset owners to apply best practice approaches to cybersecurity, automated systems safety, data integrity and software verification.

CEO/President: Christopher J. ABS, a leading provider of classification services to the global maritime industry, is guided by its mission to promote security of life, property and the natural environment. The organization offers support during initial concept design, design approval, construction and throughout a vessel’s lifecycle. ABS is built on a commitment to providing great classification services, being a recognized leader for new technology development and assessment, and serving as a trusted technical advisor to the industry.

ABS has published Guidance Notes on the Application of Cybersecurity Principles to Marine and Offshore Operations. This cybersecurity guidance note is the first volume in the ABS CyberSafety series, and provides best practices for cybersecurity as a foundational element of overall safety and security within and across the marine and offshore industries. The ABS CyberSafety series is the industries’ first risk-based management program for asset owners to apply best practice approaches to four key cyber areas:  cybersecurity, automated systems safety, data management and software assurance. ABS CyberSafety defines a scalable approach that can be applied to a single component up to a multi-system suite of assets.