ICS initiatives to keep ahead of digitalisation

(Posted on 06/11/20)

The International Chamber of Shipping is set to deliver two new initiatives to help the shipping industry face the continuing challenges brought by the digital revolution of the maritime sector.

Aimed at the decision maker, the latest edition of the ICS Leadership Insights Series of webinars, The Digitalisation of Shipping, will focus on the how technology is affecting the infrastructure of the industry. The event will explore the effect of COVID-19 on the pace of change; the reach of new technologies; the rate of adoption across the industry; and the training and skill sets that future seafarers will need to equip them for the digital revolution.

Taking place on 11 November, the event will be chaired by Esben Poulsson, Chairman of ICS, and speakers will include Quah Ley Hoon, CEO, Maritime and Port Authority Singapore, Tan Chong Meng, Group CEO, PSA International, Hege Skryseth, EVP KONGSBERG and CEO, Kongsberg Digital, and Al Tama, Vice President & General Manager, Container and Port Solutions, ORBCOMM.

At an operational level the downside to the digital revolution is the increasing vulnerability of an operator to cyber attack. With internet connectivity on board becoming common and ships' systems increasingly digitised and integrated, ships are now a common target for hackers worldwide it is crucial that the entire crew has an understanding of how and when cyber attacks can occur. ICS has joined with BIMCO and Witherbys to launch the second edition of the Cyber Security Workbook for On Board Ship Use, which provides a ship’s crew with the practical means to identify cyber risks and to protect vulnerable onboard systems.

This workbook is an essential tool to prepare a crew for IMO Resolution 428(98), which states that, from 2021, a vessel’s safety management system (SMS) will need take into account cyber risk management in accordance with the objectives and functional requirements of the ISM Code. Member governments have been encouraged to ensure that safety management systems address cyber risks no later than the first annual verification of the Document of Compliance after 1 January 2021.

Guy Platten, Secretary General of ICS says: “The digital revolution in the maritime industry brings with it not only opportunities, but also responsibilities. In today’s turbulent times the shipowner has many day-to-day challenges to contend with, but the strategic and practical consequences of the ever-increasing digitalisation of shipping cannot be ignored.

“These initiatives have been developed to provide both inspiration and support to shipowners, helping them to face an uncertain future with confidence.”