The Korean Register (KR) has granted an Approval in Principle (AIP) to Samsung Heavy Industries (SHI). This commendation recognizes SHI’s design and test procedures for implementing cyber resilience of ships and onboard systems based on the International Association of Classification Societies’ (IACS) UR E26 and E27 standards. The official presentation of this AIP occurred at Gastech 2023 in Singapore on September 6.
The maritime world is undergoing a digital transformation with the integration of information and operational technology, such as smart ship solutions. However, this advancement brings with it an escalating threat of cyberattacks, including hacking and ransomware. To counter these threats, IACS introduced UR E26 and E27, unified requirements aimed at enhancing the cyber resilience of ships and onboard systems. These requirements are slated to become mandatory for ships contracted for construction on or after January 1, 2024. Cyber resilience encompasses not only safeguarding against cyber threats but also minimizing their impact to ensure operational safety.
Since October of the previous year, KR and SHI have been jointly developing design and verification methods for implementing cyber resilience based on UR E26 and E27. This collaborative partnership was established to proactively meet IACS’s forthcoming guidelines. The AIP bestowed upon SHI acknowledges the successful synergy between KR and SHI, with KR providing crucial technical guidance on ship cyber resilience application technology, including security functions and network design for ship operational systems. This contribution has played a pivotal role in securing the foundational technology required for applying cyber resilience to ships constructed by SHI.
KIM Yeontae, Executive Vice President of KR’s Technical Division, emphasized the significance of this AIP award, stating, “This AIP award to Samsung Heavy Industries serves as an opportunity to internationally publicize the excellence of KR’s ship cyber resilience technology. KR will continue to strengthen our technology and certification capability for ship cyber resilience with the goal of providing a higher level of service to our customers.”
JANG Haeki, Executive Vice President (CTO) of SHI Engineering Operations, expressed confidence in the enhanced security this certification brings, not only to SHI’s ships but also to those registered by KR. He noted, “It is expected that the security of ships built by Samsung Heavy Industries will be further enhanced through this certification, which includes security application technology for cyber resilience of essential systems in ships as well as ships registered by KR, leading marine digital technology in shipbuilding.”
Since 2018, KR has been a steadfast provider of company and ship certification services, type approval, and technical training programs for maritime cybersecurity. This commitment underscores the industry’s dedication to strengthening its cybersecurity capabilities in an increasingly digital age.
