A new set of cyber security guidelines has been launched by the classification society ABS for the global marine and offshore industries.

The publication Guidance Notes on the Application of Cybersecurity Principles to Marine and Offshore Operations marks the first volume of the ABS CyberSafety series that attempts to promote measures to curb and combat potential cybersecurity threat across the marine and offshore industries.

Discover B2B Marketing That Performs

Combine business intelligence and editorial excellence to reach engaged professionals across 36 leading media platforms.

Find out more

The ABS CyberSafety series is comprised of guidance notes, guides with optional notations, advisory notes, and related publications.

"Asset owners will be able to organise security requirements, tasks and activities by prioritising cyber-related work efforts."

The risk-based asset management programme addresses the asset owners to employ best practise approaches to four key cyber areas which include cybersecurity, automated systems safety, data management and software assurance.

ABS senior vice-president and chief technology officer Howard Fireman said: "Asset owners will be able to organise security requirements, tasks and activities by prioritising cyber-related work efforts based on what their organisation can support and maintain, rather than as a checklist of controls."

The guidelines detail an approach which is applicable on a single unit to a multi-system suite of assets.

GlobalData Strategic Intelligence

US Tariffs are shifting - will you react or anticipate?

Don’t let policy changes catch you off guard. Stay proactive with real-time data and expert analysis.

By GlobalData

The programme with its industry regulatory mechanisms can also be leveraged internally and externally by the marine and offshore industries to attain an immuned and sustainable asset condition.

ABS chairman, president and CEO Christopher Wiernicki said: "As automation has permeated vessel and onshore systems, it is more critical than ever that we provide the most comprehensive guidance to help asset owners, vendors, operators, crews and regulators develop a sustainable and measurable methodology for approaching cybersecurity and cyber-related safety concerns."

Baltic and International Maritime Council (BIMCO) along with other shipping associations such as CLIA, ICS, Intercargo and Intertanko and other stakeholders, released a set of guidelines to curb cybersecurity threat for the shipping industry on a similar note last month.

Ship Technology Excellence Awards - Nominations Closed

Nominations are now closed for the Ship Technology Excellence Awards. A big thanks to all the organisations that entered – your response has been outstanding, showcasing exceptional innovation, leadership, and impact.

Excellence in Action
From automated chartering invoices to EU ETS and CII management, Ankeri Solutions’ maritime SaaS platform has earned three Ship Technology Excellence Awards for 2025. See how Ankeri is helping shipowners and charterers boost efficiency, cut emissions, and collaborate better across complex global fleets.

Discover the Impact