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Dutch Seaports and FERM Launch National Cybersecurity Platform to Combat Growing Digital Threats

On December 10, 2024, Dutch seaports took a bold step forward in the fight against rising cyber threats by signing a cooperative agreement that will transform the FERM Foundation into a national cybersecurity platform. This collaboration between the Seaports Trade Organisation (BOZ), the Ministry of Infrastructure & Water Management, and the National Coordinator for Counterterrorism and Security (NCTV) aims to protect critical port infrastructure from increasingly sophisticated digital attacks.

Cybersecurity risks have become a growing concern for the logistics and maritime sectors, particularly in ports where operations are closely interconnected. A digital breach in one part of the supply chain can quickly disrupt the entire system, leading to costly consequences. To combat this, the newly established strategy—Cyber Strategy for Dutch Seaports—lays out a comprehensive plan for enhancing digital resilience across the country’s key port hubs.

FERM, which has already been operational at the Port of Rotterdam and Moerdijk since its founding in 2021, is now set to expand its role. Initially designed to raise cyber risk awareness and create a network of companies committed to securing the Port of Rotterdam, FERM’s influence is being extended to all major Dutch seaports, including Groningen Seaports, North Sea Port, and Port of Amsterdam.

In a statement, Boudewijn Siemons, CEO of the Port of Rotterdam and Chair of BOZ, emphasized the importance of cybersecurity for the future of the ports. “Cybersecurity is critical to the continuity and security of our ports. At a time when digital threats are becoming more sophisticated, we must take proactive and concerted action to protect our infrastructure and operations. Only by working together can we strengthen the resilience of our ports,” he said.

As part of this effort, a new national FERM organization will be established to oversee the cooperation between seaports. Marijn van Schoote, CISO of the Port of Rotterdam, will take over as director of FERM starting January 1, 2025. His leadership will be crucial in coordinating cybersecurity efforts, including information sharing, threat intelligence, and training across the seaports to ensure that they are all adequately prepared to handle emerging threats.

Evelien Bras, the current Director of FERM, reflected on the organization’s growth, stating, “I look back on these last few years with great pride and satisfaction. We have been learning together continually and achieved a great deal as a result. With growing cyber threats from state actors, the need arose to take a major step, and today, that step is being taken.”

The collaboration between these seaports and FERM marks a significant milestone in the ongoing effort to safeguard critical port infrastructure from digital threats, ensuring that the Dutch maritime industry remains secure, resilient, and capable of responding to the challenges of the future.

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