The UK’s University of Plymouth is set to establish a new research facility, Cyber-SHIP Lab, to address cybersecurity challenges in the shipping industry.

The lab will host connected maritime systems that are found on a ship’s bridge. The new £3m facility will receive funding for three years and will address various complex and interlinked issues in the maritime industry.

Experts in cybersecurity and information systems will evaluate the systems for weaknesses. Based on the assessment, human and technological changes will be identified to ensure system security in the future.

The university is developing Cyber-SHIP Lab in collaboration with equipment manufacturers, solution developers, shipping and port operators, shipbuilders, classification agencies and insurance companies.

The facility will host maritime technology, including radar equipment, a voyage data recorder (VDR), an Electronic Chart Display and Information System (ECDIS), an automatic identification system (AIS) and communications devices.

It will also complement the existing maritime facilities of the university, including a simulator for training professional seafarers and a lab that examines the latest cybersecurity developments.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

Researchers from the University’s Maritime Cyber Threats Research Group and Centre for Security, Communications and Network Research are coordinating the Cyber-SHIP Lab development.

The University of Plymouth Science and Engineering executive dean professor Kevin Jones said: “Cyber-attacks are a Tier 1 National UK threat but although the maritime sector is advancing technologically, it is not well-protected against cyber or cyber-physical attacks and accidents.

“Worth trillions, it has an unmatched reach across international waters, which exposes people and goods to a diverse range of factors, putting the shipping industry at high risk. As such, this facility has never been more timely.”

The facility will help incorporate technological and human behavioural aspects to mitigate threats, especially considering a broad range of vessel types in the maritime industry.

The UK Research and Innovation’s Research England Development (RED) Fund is providing funding for the facility.