Shipping Bodies Launch Cyber Security Guidelines

Shipping organizations comprising BIMCO, CLIA, ICS, INTERCARGO and INTERTANKO have launched a set of guidelines to help the global shipping industry prevent major safety, environmental and commercial issues that could result from a cyber incident onboard a ship.

The cyber guidelines launched today are a first for the shipping industry, developed by international shipping associations, with support from a wide range of stakeholders.

These included container shipping company Maersk Line, a global cyber security specialist NCC Group, Wilh. Wilhelmsen Group, a global maritime industry group focusing on shipping and integrated logistics services and Zodiac Maritime Ltd, an international ship management company.

“BIMCO has led the way to identify potential cyber vulnerabilities for ships – and their implications – based on the latest expert research,” Angus Frew, Secretary General of BIMCO, said.

“The aim is to provide the shipping industry with clear and comprehensive information on cyber security risks to ships enabling shipowners to take measures to protect against attacks and to deal with the eventuality of cyber incidents.”

Cyber threats are changing all the time – and BIMCO and the other industry associations plan to regularly update the cyber guidelines to ensure shipping companies have the latest information available.

“The guidelines launched today should help companies take a risk-based approach to cyber security that is specific to their business and the ships they operate,” Frew added.