Key Takeaways
- Techcross has received cyber security type approval from ABS and NK, making it the first company to obtain approval from five major global classification societies.
- The company’s Ballast Water Management Systems (BWMS) meet the international cyber security standard IACS UR E27.
- Cyber security is becoming increasingly important in the maritime industry due to the adoption of internet-based navigation software and smart-ship operations.
- The International Association of Classification Societies (IACS) has mandated the UR E27 cyber-resilience requirements for marine equipment starting in 2024.
- Techcross has obtained cyber security type approval from all five major classification societies, including KR, BV, CCS, ABS, and NK.
Introduction to Cyber Security in the Maritime Industry
The maritime industry has witnessed a significant increase in the adoption of internet-based navigation software and smart-ship operations in recent years. While these advancements have improved efficiency and reduced costs, they have also introduced new risks, including the threat of cyberattacks. Cyberattacks can have severe consequences, such as equipment paralysis, operational shutdowns, and even ship control seizure. As a result, the importance of cyber security in the maritime industry continues to grow, and companies are taking steps to ensure the security of their systems and equipment.
The IACS UR E27 Regulation
In response to the growing threat of cyberattacks, the International Association of Classification Societies (IACS) has mandated the UR E27 cyber-resilience requirements for marine equipment starting in 2024. The UR E27 regulation is an international standard that requires essential security measures, including design, operation, account management, logging, and backup, to ensure that equipment does not malfunction or lose control due to cyberattacks. Established in 2022, the standard became mandatory in July 2024, requiring all marine equipment, including Ballast Water Management Systems (BWMS), to comply. The regulation is designed to ensure that marine equipment is resilient to cyberattacks and can operate safely and securely.
Techcross’s Achievement
Techcross, a leading provider of Ballast Water Management Systems (BWMS), has achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first company in the industry to obtain cyber security type approvals from five major global classification societies. The company’s BWMS, including ECS and HYCHLOR, meet the international cyber security standard IACS UR E27. Techcross had previously secured cyber security type approvals from KR (Korea), BV (France), and CCS (China), and has now additionally received type approvals from ABS (USA) and NK (Japan). This achievement demonstrates the company’s commitment to cyber security and its ability to meet the highest standards of security and safety.
Challenges and Efforts
Obtaining cyber security type approval from all five major classification societies is a challenging task, as each society applies different interpretations and requirement levels. Despite these challenges, Techcross has been able to satisfy all major societies simultaneously through its continuous efforts to strengthen its security framework in line with international standards. The company has also conducted functional verification and enhancements to operational processes to ensure that its BWMS meet the required standards. Techcross’s achievement is a testament to its dedication to providing secure and reliable systems to the maritime industry.
Conclusion and Future Implications
Techcross’s achievement of obtaining cyber security type approval from all five major classification societies is a significant milestone for the company and the maritime industry as a whole. As the industry continues to adopt more internet-based systems and smart-ship operations, the importance of cyber security will only continue to grow. Techcross’s commitment to cyber security and its ability to meet the highest standards of security and safety will help to ensure the safe and secure operation of its BWMS and other marine equipment. The company’s achievement will also set a precedent for other companies in the industry to follow, and will help to raise the bar for cyber security in the maritime industry.