Key Takeaways
- DNV has been awarded an exclusive contract to deliver cybersecurity assurance and advisory services for the Santiago de los Caballeros monorail, the first monorail system in the Caribbean.
- The scope covers safety‑critical subsystems (signalling, train control, rolling stock, power supply) and supporting digital/electromechanical infrastructure such as ticketing, PSIM, and CCTV.
- DNV’s rail team, now part of the newly formed Industrial Services business unit, will work alongside engineering partner EQP to support the government‑owned FITRAM throughout the project lifecycle.
- Services are aligned with leading international railway cybersecurity standards—TS 50701, IEC 62443, and the emerging IEC 63452 framework.
- The monorail aims to ease urban congestion and cut commuter costs by roughly 30 %, spanning over 13 km with 14 overground stations.
- Stakeholders emphasize that robust cybersecurity is essential for safety, resilience, and public confidence in this landmark sustainable‑mobility initiative.
Project Selection and Scope
DNV has been selected to provide cybersecurity services for the Santiago de los Caballeros monorail project in the Dominican Republic, marking an important expansion of its rail cybersecurity portfolio. The engagement encompasses comprehensive cyber risk management for safety‑critical railway systems, including signalling, train control, rolling stock, and power supply, as well as the supporting electromechanical and digital infrastructure. By addressing these areas, DNV will help ensure that the monorail’s operational technology remains protected against evolving digital threats while maintaining the safety and reliability required for passenger transport.
Partnership Structure
Under the exclusive contract, DNV’s rail assurance, advisory, and digital services team will collaborate closely with engineering company EQP to support the Trust for the Development of the Mass Transit System of the Dominican Republic (FITRAM). This partnership combines DNV’s cybersecurity expertise with EQP’s systems integration capabilities, enabling a coordinated approach to embed security across all phases of the monorail’s design, construction, integration, and testing. The joint effort aims to deliver a resilient and secure system that meets FITRAM’s operational goals and regulatory obligations.
Integration into DNV Industrial Services
Recently integrated into DNV’s new Industrial Services business unit, the rail team now operates under a broader umbrella that emphasizes safe management of critical assets and adaptation to sector‑wide transformations. This structural move strengthens DNV’s ability to offer an end‑to‑end, integrated service offering that leverages deep technical knowledge of rail systems alongside forward‑looking digital‑transformation strategies. The unit’s focus on enhancing performance, efficiency, and resilience across entire asset lifecycles aligns well with the monorail project’s long‑term objectives.
Project Objectives and Benefits
The Santiago de los Caballeros monorail is designed to alleviate travel congestion for the city’s population and reduce urban commute costs by approximately 30 %. Spanning more than 13 km with 14 overground stations distributed across the metropolitan area, the system will provide a modern, high‑capacity alternative to existing road‑based transit. By delivering a reliable and efficient mode of transport, the monorail supports sustainable urban mobility, lowers emissions, and improves quality of life for residents.
Cybersecurity Standards Alignment
DNV’s cybersecurity activities will be guided by leading international railway and industrial standards, ensuring the monorail conforms to both national regulations and global best practices. The framework includes TS 50701 (railway cybersecurity), IEC 62443 (industrial automation and control systems security), and the emerging IEC 63452 specifically tailored for railway applications. Aligning with these standards enables systematic risk assessment, secure architecture design, and continuous validation throughout the project lifecycle.
Statements from DNV Leadership
Jorge Aldegunde, Global Head of Railway Services at DNV, expressed pride in the selection, stating that the monorail is a “groundbreaking project that will reduce congestion in the city and bring down travel costs for commuters.” He emphasized that providing specialized cybersecurity services for such a system is an honor and underscores DNV’s commitment to enhancing safety and security in critical infrastructure projects worldwide.
End‑to‑End Cybersecurity Advisory
DNV will deliver independent, end‑to‑end cybersecurity advisory and assurance services covering the entire project lifecycle. This includes verifying critical rail subsystems, components, and key electromechanical and digital systems such as ticketing, Physical Security Information Management (PSIM), CCTV, and related platforms. By embedding security considerations from design through construction, integration, testing, and commissioning, DNV aims to ensure that the monorail’s interconnected operational technology remains robust against cyber threats.
Comments from EQP General Director
José M. Díaz, general director at EQP, highlighted the complexity of the monorail, noting its integration of signalling, rolling stock, power, and digital platforms. He remarked that working with DNV allows EQP to embed a structured cybersecurity approach across all railway and electromechanical systems, supporting a resilient and secure delivery for FITRAM and the city. The collaboration strengthens EQP’s system‑integration activities by providing independent expertise aligned with international railway standards.
Comments from FITRAM Executive Director
Jhael Isa, executive director at FITRAM, described the monorail as a major step forward in sustainable urban mobility for the Dominican Republic. He stressed that cybersecurity is a fundamental enabler of safe, reliable, and trusted railway operations. By partnering with EQP and DNV, FITRAM aims to apply international best practices across all project phases, thereby ensuring long‑term resilience and public confidence in this landmark infrastructure initiative.
Comments from DNV Industrial Services CEO
Mohamed Houari, CEO of Industrial Services at DNV, noted that assurance, advisory, and digital services within the rail sector constitute an important facet of DNV’s diverse portfolio. He expressed pride in supporting the Santiago de los Caballeros monorail development and pointed out that bringing rail activities under the Industrial Services banner marks a significant step in strengthening and expanding DNV’s global service offering. The integrated approach enables greater value delivery to customers through combined technical expertise and a forward‑looking digital transformation strategy.
Broader Implications for Rail Cybersecurity
The selection of DNV for this Caribbean monorail project underscores a growing recognition of the need to secure increasingly interconnected rail environments where operational technology, safety systems, and digital platforms converge. As cities worldwide invest in modern transit solutions, the exposure to cyber‑physical threats expands, making proactive cyber risk management essential. DNV’s involvement demonstrates how specialized cybersecurity expertise can be leveraged early in a project’s lifecycle to build resilience, protect critical assets, and maintain public trust.
Conclusion and Outlook
The Santiago de los Caballeros monorail represents a milestone for the Dominican Republic’s transportation infrastructure and serves as a benchmark for cybersecurity integration in rail projects across the region. With DNV’s comprehensive advisory and assurance services, backed by international standards and a strong partnership with EQP and FITRAM, the monorail is poised to deliver not only improved mobility and reduced commuting costs but also a secure and resilient foundation for future urban transit initiatives. Continued collaboration among the stakeholders will be vital as the project progresses from construction to operation, ensuring that safety and cybersecurity remain paramount throughout the asset’s lifespan.