Korean Register, Hyundai LNG Shipping ink cybersecurity MoU

The Korean Register and Hyundai LNG Shipping signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU), to conduct joint research on the application, verification and development of Guidance for maritime cybersecurity systems. 

Under the agreement, the two companies will jointly verify cybersecurity solutions applicable to new ships and will develop a risk analysis and design safety evaluations for cybersecurity systems, KR said in its statement.

The IMO’s Resolution adopted at the 98th meeting of the Maritime Safety Committee in June 2017 will increase demand for cybersecurity risk management from 2021. From this date, Administrations will be obliged to ensure that cyber risks are appropriately addressed in safety management systems no later than the first annual verification of the company’s Document of Compliance after 1 January 2021.

“HLS is pleased to sign this important MoU with KR, as a commitment to developing our proactive cybersecurity expertise to further support shipowners and their vessels when the new regulations come into force,” said Choi Jang-pal, head of Business Operation Division, Hyundai LNG Shipping.

A ship’s cybersecurity system protects its operational data, the networks that deliver data and data storage. Demand for cybersecurity protection has grown in recent years because of the rapid convergence of the ship’s operational information and communication technologies and the increased exchange of information between ship and ship and ships and land, respectively.

KR established its own maritime cybersecurity certification system last year and provides cybersecurity certification services for companies and ships, and cybersecurity type approval services for networks and automation systems of ships.