IACS is pleased to announce the publication of its Recommendation on Cyber Resilience (No. 166).  This single, standalone Recommendation consolidates IACS’ previous 12 Recommendations related to cyber resilience (Nos. 153 to 164) and applies to the use of computer-based systems which provide control, alarm, monitoring, safety or internal communication functions which are subject to the requirements of a Classification society.  Part of the objective in consolidating the 12 Recommendations was to define responsibilities and harmonise and simplify the language used therein.  This Recommendation has benefited from the valuable input of a wide range of industry partners contributing via the Joint Industry Working Group on Cyber Systems and covers the constructional aspects of the 12 previously published Recommendations.  It provides information on matters such as reference guidelines and standards, terms and definitions, goals for design and construction, functional requirements, technical requirements and verification testing.

IACS Chairman, Arun Sharma, said ‘The publication of this important Recommendation marks a significant milestone in IACS’ work to support the maritime industry in the delivery of cyber resilient ships.  I am pleased to note the significant cross-industry cooperation that led to its development and we look forward to maintaining that dialogue as we assess its practical implementation and effectiveness’.

This new recommendation is applicable to a vessel’s network systems using digital communication to interconnect systems within the ship and ship systems which can be accessed by equipment or networks off the ship.  Robert Ashdown, IACS Secretary General, added ‘The network design forms the basis for a reliable and robust network. Issues such as compatibility of various devices, communication between devices, communication from various systems and sub systems, need due consideration during design phase.  This Recommendation is an important step in addressing cyber resilience from the earliest stages of a vessel’s life.’

Operational aspects that were included in the superseded 12 Recommendations have been identified and grouped under a separate annexure.  Following the publication of this consolidated Recommendation the earlier 12 Recommendations have been officially deleted by IACS.

IACS will continue to work with its industry partners and look for their feedback regarding its practical implementation and effectiveness.  Based on the experience gained from the practical implementation of this Recommendation IACS will assess the suitability of using it as the basis for a Unified Requirement on Cyber Resilience.

Ocean Network Express (ONE) is expanding its current refrigerated container (reefer) fleet by adding another 5000 (40” HC) units, including 200 units equipped with advanced Controlled Atmosphere (CA) technology, to meet
growing demand of refrigerated cargo around the world.

ONE has one of the largest, state of the art reefer fleet in the world, equipped with the most advanced technologies designed to handle perishable cargo demand. With this new investment of 5000 reefer units, coming on the heels of last year’s procurement of 6,000 units, ONE demonstrates its strong commitment to meet growing demand for containerized reefer trade.

In 2019, global refrigerated container volume grew by more than 7%, augmented by expansion of middle class in Asia constantly demanding healthy food choices. In 2020 too, despite challenges posed by coronavirus pandemic, the prospect of global refrigerated container trade remains strong specially for protein and fresh fruits segment and ONE expects the growth momentum to be maintained for remaining months of the year.

ONE is currently working towards the application of latest IoT technology into its fleet of reefer containers which allows real time visibility of critical information such as temperature, humidity inside the container, thereby enhancing value chain proposition of perishable trade.

Jun Shibata, Senior Vice President of Strategic Yield Management, commented “As one of the leading refrigerated container carriers in the world, ONE is continuously investing in new reefer containers to meet growing demand in perishable cargo segment around the world. We are committed to provide our customers with reefer containers equipped with the most up to date specifications to ship perishable goods and enable them to expand to new markets around the world.”

ONE’s Global reefer strategy The Global Reefer Business Planning team (GRBP), based at ONE’s HQ in Singapore, develops ONE’s global reefer marketing and business strategy through close monitoring of market demand and closely collaborating with the regional reefer steering desks located in different parts of the world. ONE’s Reefer technical team is available both on board and on shore to provide round the clock assistance and monitoring of precious reefer cargo thorughout the voyage.

The maritime industry can benefit from digital technologies in a way that can have an immediate and transformative impact on design, operations, business models, and environmental impact.

To harness this transformational power, the world’s leading classification society DNV GL and technology company Alpha Ori Technologies (AOT) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in which they agree to work together to contribute to the marine industry’s ongoing digital transformation. The MOU will also see the companies work together to unlock the benefits of new digital technologies and methods, including sharing data collaboratively, and the creation of frameworks and standards, to develop new and enhance existing products and services.

The MOU is based around the installation of Alpha Ori’s SMARTShip systems on BW LPG vessels, piloting the use of digital technologies to further enhance the relationship between ship operator and class. The following areas have already been identified as potential areas for exploration:

• Data exchange for digital class services

• Possibilities for continuous assurance

• Remote operations and monitoring

“There is a tremendous opportunity for the shipping industry to improve the way it works,” says Andreas Sohmen-Pao, Chairman of BW Group and BW LPG. “For those who are interested in cost savings on fuel and maintenance, good technology is critical: even the most brilliant captain cannot see every change in the weather; even the most brilliant chief engineer cannot hear every problem in the machinery. For those who are interested in staying ahead of changing environmental legislation and the related cost of financing, automated measurements will provide an indispensable edge. And for those looking to reduce the cost and challenge of physical inspections and service – even in calmer times where there are no restrictions on mobility – digital solutions provide an answer. Smart use of these systems will gradually separate the winners from the losers, and it is encouraging to see leading players like DNV GL and AOT collaborate to accelerate this development.”

“By deploying AOT’s SMARTShip application on a vessel, surveyors can access real-time data,” says Capt. Rajesh Unni, Co-CEO of AOT. “The resulting advantage is that one can remotely access the health of a vessel and verify whether a ship is compliant with IMO 2020 and other regulatory requirements. This digital approach is reliable, efficient, and can improve savings.”

“By working together with leading technology solution providers, alongside owners and operators we can unlock broader maritime digitalisation and build on the value these new technologies generate,” said Cristina Saenz de Santa Maria, Regional Manager for South East Asia, Pacific & India at DNV GL Maritime. “At DNV GL we want to continue taking advantage of the opportunities created by digitalization to offer new services and ways of working that enhance quality, are more efficient, and improve our customers’ experiences with class. Of course, with every step towards greater digitalization we must make sure that we are continuing to ensure safe operations at sea, while protecting life, property and the environment.”

As the MOU implementation continues, the partners will look to cover many of the most important emerging areas for maritime digitalization, including remote monitoring and operations, the digital supply chain and predictive maintenance systems.