GasLog pilot for LR and QinetiQ cybersecurity venture

A pilot project with GasLog – the international owner, operator and manager of LNG carriers – will seek to tailor methodologies for LNG vessels.

Theo Katemidis, GasLog’s head of newbuilding, innovation and projects, said: “We are constantly focused on driving safety and environmental improvements through our business as the wider LNG shipping industry continues to evolve. Our collaboration with LR and QinetiQ demonstrates our desire to take a lead in cyber security to further understand future vulnerabilities and ensure that we have the necessary mitigating measures in place.”

Cyber security is becoming an increasingly important element of the risk profile of critical assets that are connected between ship and shore. The Baltic and International Maritime Council (BIMCO), the IMO and the United States Coast Guard (USCG) are all developing guidance and regulation to address these challenges.

“Due to the rapid pace of technology development prescriptive approaches to risk management are not always suitable. Instead, a ‘total systems’ approach is required taking into account all systems on board and – critically – on shore, how they are designed and installed, how they connect, and how they will be managed,” explained Nick Brown, LR’s Marine & Offshore director. “Our tailored approach to cyber security takes account of these interdependencies and we are delighted to be working with GasLog who are taking an industry lead in cyber security.”

The collaboration aims at developing robust methodologies for readiness against existing and emerging standards, vulnerability and impact assessment and mitigation measures, all carefully tailored for the maritime sector and the specific needs of customers.

Vittorio Vagliani, QinetiQ’s international maritime consultancy and software director, said: “A number of factors are putting pressure on the maritime industry to increase its focus on cyber security. It is likely that cyber certification will soon become a legal requirement for entering some territorial waters. Increased internet connectivity at sea enlarges the window of opportunity for criminal organisations to intercept confidential data such as the ship’s position, its cargo, or its passenger list.

“In a future where autonomous and remotely controlled craft are commonplace, greater cyber protection will be crucial in ensuring chartered vessels cannot be taken off course by those with malicious intent,” he concluded.