DNV GL, Tsakos Join Forces on Cybersecurity Management System

Classification society DNV GL is to assist in preparing a cybersecurity management system for Tsakos Group of Companies’ fleet and onshore facilities by implementing a system of safeguards and procedures to protect Tsakos’ assets from cyber risks.

Managing risks related to cyber safety and security requires a systemic integrated approach that understands and covers all layers of asset management and their interconnections, from infrastructure technology and software, to human-system interaction, data management and company-wise policy and preparedness,” Knut Ørbeck-Nilssen, CEO of DNV GL – Maritime explained.

Recently published guidelines on marine cybersecurity by the Round Table of international shipping associations had called upon shipping companies to further enhance the security of their IT systems. One of their key recommendations was for shipping companies to develop a cybersecurity management system to ensure that they not only have a broad overview of the cyber and information security risks which may occur during their assets’ lifecycles but also maintain sustainable and resilient procedures to protect vessels and their systems against cyber threats.

The duo has been working together to create an information security management system that would provide a framework for assessing cyber vulnerabilities and implementing the necessary measures for mitigating risks and responding to potential system breaches.

Moreover, Nikolaos Kakalis, Manager of DNV GL Maritime R&D and Advisory in Greece said that the DNV GL Group company Marine Cybernetics is to test the resilience of the resulting procedures and management system.

On board vessels, the navigational equipment and systems like the Electronic Chart Display and Information System (ECDIS), control and automation systems, as well as communication networks are considered of high vulnerability to potential cyber threats, making them, along with the user awareness, key focus areas in the development of cybersecurity management systems, according to DNV GL.

Separately, DNV GL announced today at the Posidonia trade fair being held in Athens, Greece from June 6 to 10, that it had recently completed the first production surveys using an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) or drone.

The survey took place on the MV Apollo, a chemical tanker owned by Carl Büttner Shipmanagement in Bremenhaven, Germany.

Two DNV GL surveyors used the drone to inspect 14 tanks over a period of two and a half days.

In addition, the classification society said it has now carried out several tests using drones for the inspection of cargo tanks or holds in a large oil tanker, a chemical tanker and a bulk carrier, both in Europe and in China.