Wagenborg rolls out connectivity and cybersecurity upgrades across 160 ships

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Royal Wagenborg has selected De Boer Marine for a multiyear programme to upgrade connectivity, onboard IT and cybersecurity across about 160 general cargo vessels, strengthening the digital infrastructure supporting its global shipping operations.

The programme will be introduced in phases and combines communications technology, network infrastructure and security systems under a single fleetwide approach.

Wagenborg operates about 160 general cargo vessels ranging from roughly 2,000 to 23,000 tonnes, with ships deployed across European, Baltic and transatlantic markets.

The connectivity package will combine Starlink, OneWeb, Ku band VSAT, Iridium Certus and 5G, giving vessels several options for maintaining ship to shore communications as availability changes between trading areas.

The scope extends beyond internet access. De Boer Marine will handle onboard IT and network infrastructure, navigation and communication equipment, installations, system upgrades and remote support.

Its LinQontrol platform will monitor and visualise communication data aboard the vessels, providing operators with greater visibility over connectivity use.

For a fleet operating worldwide, relying on one communications technology can be similar to operating a ship with only one navigation aid. Multiple systems provide redundancy when coverage, capacity or local conditions change.

The programme also covers firewall protection, intrusion prevention, web filtering, endpoint management and secure remote access.

That security layer is becoming increasingly important as vessels depend on connected systems for operational data, communications, maintenance and shore based support. De Boer Marine holds ISO 27001 certification for information security management.

Theo Klimp, Fleet Director at Royal Wagenborg Shipping, said digitalisation was becoming an important part of the company’s strategy for reliable, safe and sustainable maritime services.

He said De Boer Marine’s integrated approach would allow Wagenborg to combine connectivity, infrastructure, cybersecurity and user support while developing systems that could scale with changing operational requirements.

Meindert Jan de Boer, CEO of De Boer Marine, said the programme would bring connectivity, IT and cybersecurity together within one fleetwide approach.

The agreement comes as shipowners increasingly treat communications and cybersecurity as core vessel infrastructure rather than separate supporting services. Wagenborg’s fleet currently handles about 23 million tonnes of cargo annually and makes around 8,000 port calls a year.