Key Takeaways
- Inmarsat Maritime’s NexusWave fully managed, bonded connectivity service has received Cyber Security Type Approval from classification society ClassNK.
- The approval confirms NexusWave’s onboard Information and Communication Technology (ICT) architecture complies with the latest IACS cyber‑security standard, Unified Requirement UR E27 (Rev. 1).
- ClassNK evaluated the entire integrated system—including network equipment, orchestration processes, and managed‑service edge infrastructure—rather than isolated components.
- UR E27 sets mandatory cyber‑resilience requirements for shipboard systems to reduce the likelihood and impact of cyber incidents that could affect safe vessel operation.
- Executives from Inmarsat Maritime and ClassNK highlighted the certification as validation of a security‑by‑design approach and a step toward broader adoption of cyber‑resilient maritime technologies.
- The certification supports shipowners’ need for operational confidence when running critical business applications and meeting evolving compliance obligations at sea.
Overview of the Certification Achievement
Inmarsat Maritime, a Viasat company, announced that its NexusWave managed connectivity service has been awarded Cyber Security Type Approval by ClassNK, one of the world’s leading classification societies. The accolade follows a rigorous assessment of NexusWave’s onboard Information and Communication Technology (ICT) architecture and associated equipment. ClassNK’s verification confirms that the service fully satisfies the latest International Association of Classification Societies (IACS) cyber‑security mandate, Unified Requirement UR E27 (Revision 1). This achievement positions NexusWave as a validated, cyber‑resilient solution for modern vessels seeking to safeguard critical communications and data flows while at sea.
What UR E27 Mandates for Shipboard Systems
Unified Requirement UR E27 establishes mandatory cyber‑resilience criteria for applicable shipboard systems and equipment. Its core purpose is to ensure that such systems are designed, implemented, and maintained in a manner that both reduces the likelihood of cyber incidents and mitigates their potential effects on safe and reliable vessel operation. The requirement addresses risk management, secure configuration, patch management, access control, monitoring, and incident response, among other controls. By aligning with UR E27, NexusWave demonstrates that its architecture incorporates these safeguards from the ground up, thereby helping shipowners meet regulatory expectations and protect operational technology (OT) and information technology (IT) networks against evolving cyber threats.
ClassNK’s Integrated Assessment Approach
Unlike a component‑by‑component check, ClassNK evaluated NexusWave as an integrated onboard ICT architecture. The review encompassed the service’s onboard network equipment, orchestration processes that manage traffic and service delivery, and the managed‑service edge infrastructure components that reside on the vessel. By considering how these elements interact within a unified system, ClassNK could verify that the collective design satisfies UR E27’s system‑level cyber‑resilience intent. This holistic methodology ensures that potential weaknesses arising from interfaces or data flows between subsystems are identified and addressed, delivering a more robust assurance of security than isolated product testing could provide.
Leadership Perspectives on the Certification
Gert‑Jan Panken, General Manager and Vice President of Inmarsat Maritime, emphasized that cyber resilience has become a non‑negotiable operational requirement for shipowners. He noted that the ClassNK certification independently validates that NexusWave was conceived and built with security as a foundational pillar, reinforcing the company’s pledge to deliver the operational confidence customers need to run critical business applications and comply with evolving maritime regulations.
Taro Okamoto, General Manager of ClassNK, expressed satisfaction in issuing the Cyber Security Type Approval to Inmarsat Maritime’s NexusWave after verifying its ICT architecture against UR E27’s stipulations. He highlighted that collaborating with industry leaders such as Inmarsat Maritime advances the deployment of cyber‑resilient technologies aboard ships and underscores ClassNK’s commitment to impartial verification and certification as a means to enhance safety and reliability across the maritime sector.
Implications for the Maritime Industry
The Cyber Security Type Approval for NexusWave signals a growing recognition that connectivity solutions must be evaluated not only for performance and coverage but also for their ability to withstand cyber threats. As vessels increasingly rely on satellite‑based communications for navigation, cargo management, crew welfare, and remote monitoring, the attack surface expands, making certified, resilient services essential. ClassNK’s endorsement provides shipowners with a trustworthy benchmark when selecting communications partners, potentially influencing procurement decisions and encouraging other service providers to pursue similar certifications. Moreover, the alignment with IACS UR E27 helps harmonize cyber‑security expectations across classification societies, facilitating smoother compliance for operators operating under multiple regulatory regimes.
Conclusion
Inmarsat Maritime’s NexusWave achieving ClassNK’s Cyber Security Type Approval marks a significant milestone in the pursuit of secure, reliable maritime connectivity. By meeting the stringent UR E27 (Rev. 1) requirements through a comprehensive, system‑level assessment, NexusWave offers shipowners a validated platform that supports critical applications while mitigating cyber risk. The endorsements from both Inmarsat Maritime and ClassNK reinforce the industry’s shift toward proactive cyber resilience, setting a precedent for future connectivity solutions and contributing to the overall safety and reliability of global maritime operations.