In a groundbreaking development that sets a new benchmark for maritime cybersecurity, ABB’s UNITROL® 1000 excitation system has become the first automatic voltage regulator to receive the prestigious DNV Cyber Security Type Approval. The significance of this achievement cannot be overstated, as it ensures that UNITROL 1000 complies with the new IACS UR E27 requirements designed to bolster the cyber resilience of on-board systems and equipment. With digitalization increasing connectivity and potential vulnerabilities on vessels, the importance of robust cybersecurity measures in the maritime sector has never been more critical.
Importance of Cyber Security in the Maritime Sector
Maritime industry stakeholders are increasingly aware of the cyber risks that accompany the sector’s digital transformation. As vessels become more connected through advanced networked technologies, they expose potential vulnerabilities that could be exploited by cyber-attacks. Implementing a strong cybersecurity framework is essential to safeguard operations and ensure the integrity of maritime systems. ABB’s UNITROL 1000 system, designed for synchronous machines ranging from 100 kVA to 80 MVA, is now at the forefront of this effort, demonstrating a proactive approach to cybersecurity.
Obtaining the DNV Cyber Security Type Approval is a significant milestone for UNITROL 1000, indicating its full compliance with stringent cyber security standards. This includes adherence to industry benchmark IEC 62443-3-3 security level 1 and the attainment of the robust DNV Cyber Security Profile 1 certification. ABB’s commitment to these standards highlights the company’s dedication to providing secure and resilient solutions for maritime applications. This step is particularly crucial as the maritime industry grapples with the dual challenge of digital advancement and cyber-threat mitigation.
UNITROL 1000’s Comprehensive Certification
The UNITROL 1000’s new certification marks a pivotal moment for the maritime industry, which strives to enhance cybersecurity measures alongside technological advancement. The DNV type approval facilitates ship-specific certification processes, streamlining efforts to meet the IACS UR E26 requirements set to become mandatory for new ships contracted from July 2024. This pre-certification significantly reduces the complexities and operational downtime traditionally associated with achieving cyber compliance, presenting a streamlined pathway for vessel owners, designers, and shipyards.
From a practical standpoint, UNITROL 1000’s new certification ensures stable control and rapid response to load changes in a vessel’s synchronous generator, which is vital for consistent power generation at sea. The system’s robust performance plays a pivotal role in the overall safety and efficiency of maritime operations, helping to maintain reliable power supply. By meeting the rigorous requirements of the DNV Cyber Security Type Approval, ABB’s UNITROL 1000 significantly enhances the confidence of vessel operators in the cyber resilience of their power systems.
ABB’s Commitment to Rigorous Cyber Security Standards
ABB’s latest achievement underscores its unwavering dedication to rigorous cyber security standards and alignment with the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) resolution MSC.428(98). This resolution mandates that power and automation systems on board ships are secured against potential cyber threats. ABB’s alignment with these standards demonstrates its proactive approach in enhancing the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of data in remote connections, which is crucial for maintaining secure maritime operations.
Werner Pretorius, the UNITROL 1000 Global Product Manager at ABB, emphasizes the importance of compliance with high cybersecurity standards in mitigating cyber threats and ensuring system resilience. This compliance greatly simplifies the certification process for customers, enabling ship owners and managers to focus on the configuration and installation of their systems without being burdened by extensive cybersecurity compliance processes. ABB’s proactive measures provide a straightforward, reliable solution that enhances the overall cyber resilience of maritime operations.
Conclusion
In a groundbreaking move that sets a new standard for maritime cybersecurity, ABB’s UNITROL® 1000 excitation system has distinguished itself as the first automatic voltage regulator to secure the prestigious DNV Cyber Security Type Approval. This achievement is monumental, ensuring that UNITROL 1000 meets the recently established IACS UR E27 requirements. These regulations are designed to enhance the cyber resilience of on-board systems and equipment, making them more secure against digital threats. With the rapid pace of digitalization increasing both connectivity and potential vulnerabilities on ships, the emphasis on robust cybersecurity measures in the maritime sector has become more crucial than ever before. As vessels integrate more advanced technologies to improve efficiency and performance, the risk of cyber attacks grows, necessitating comprehensive security protocols. Therefore, UNITROL 1000’s compliance is a significant step forward in protecting maritime operations from cyber threats, ensuring safer and more secure voyages in an increasingly connected world.
