ICS announces two new initiatives for keeping up with digitalisation

In the first of the two initiatives, ICS has announced its latest edition of the ICS Leadership Insights Series of webinars, The Digitalisation of Shipping, focusing on how technology is affecting the infrastructure of the industry.

The event, taking place on 11 November, 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.

The event will be chaired by Esben Poulsson, chairman of ICS, and speakers will include Quah Ley Hoon, chief executive of Maritime and Port Authority Singapore, Tan Chong Meng, group ceo of PSA International, Hege Skryseth, evp of Kongsberg and ceo of Kongsberg Digital, and Al Tama, vice president and general manager for container and port solutions of Orbcomm.

The second initiative is the launch of 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.

At an operational level the downside to the digital revolution is the increasing vulnerability of an operator to cyber attack. With internet connectivity onboard 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 said 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 will need to 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.

“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,” commented Guy Platten, secretary general of ICS.

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

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ICS to deliver two new initiatives for shipping to keep up with digitalisation