Why yards and vessel operators can’t afford to ignore maritime cybersecurity

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Maritime cybersecurity is no longer just a technology issue. Increasingly, it is becoming an operational, compliance and project management challenge affecting vessel owners, operators and shipyards alike.

That growing industry shift will be explored during the upcoming Marine Log and the Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers (SNAME) virtual event, “From Regulation to Drawing Board: What USCG Cybersecurity Rules Mean for Vessel Design & Construction,” scheduled for June 4 at 11 a.m. ET.

The event will open with a presentation by Gaute Hjellbakk Pettersen, head of group maritime technology, Vard Group AS.

The session will examine how new U.S. Coast Guard cybersecurity requirements are beginning to influence vessel construction, retrofit planning, shipyard coordination and operational decision-making across the maritime industry.

For vessel owners and operators, cybersecurity failures can carry consequences far beyond data loss, including operational disruption, equipment downtime, compliance exposure and increased business risk.

At the same time, shipyards and project teams are facing growing pressure to address cybersecurity considerations earlier in both newbuild and repair projects as vessels become increasingly dependent on connected systems and integrated operational technology.

Topics will include operational technology integration, project coordination, lifecycle risk management and the broader operational implications of cybersecurity regulations for commercial vessels. The event will also explore how stakeholders can improve coordination between owners, yards, designers and technology providers throughout the vessel lifecycle.

Speakers include Lt. William Quigley, vessel branch lead, Office of Maritime Cybersecurity Policy, U.S. Coast Guard; Cliff Neve, vice president of maritime cybersecurity, MAD Security; Ethan Trupia, senior marine electrical engineer, Boksa Marine Design; and Drew Orvieto, director of marine solutions, Siemens Energy. The panel discussion will be moderated by Scott Dickerson, founder and principal, CISO LLC.

The session is intended for vessel owners, operators, shipyards, naval architects, marine engineers and maritime technology professionals seeking a clearer understanding of how cybersecurity requirements are affecting vessel projects and operations.

Registration is now open.