MAN Releases Cybersecurity Solution For Marine Retrofits

MAN PrimeServ, MAN Energy Solutions’ after-sales division, announced a new digital addition to its retrofit portfolio. Called MAN EngineVault, the new initiative is designed to prepare shipowners for developments within the increasingly important area of marine cybersecurity. In connection with this, the IMO, SIRE and SOLAS are all set to introduce guidelines from Jan. 1, 2021 that will require operators to address the issue.

MAN EngineVault is designed to protect existing engines, machinery, auxiliary systems, instrumentation and control systems that have already operated in the field for multiple years from online and physical cyberattacks.

Unique in the marine industry, MAN EngineVault combines software and hardware to provide firewall protection, comprehensive whitelisting and application-layer protection that seals engine networks off from virtually any known threat – including on-board attacks via compromised USB flash drives and similar, physical media, the company said.

“Data is shaping the future of shipping,” said Michael Petersen, vice president, head of PrimeServ Copenhagen. “Engine data, in particular, is essential to help our customers make smarter decisions and better predictions. We realize that the increase in digitization and network-based systems also increases vulnerability for cyberattacks that can potentially paralyze entire businesses. Therefore, implementing defensive barriers – also for your vessels’ main engines – should be an essential element in proactive cybersecurity management.”

As well as comprehensive, in-house testing, MAN PrimeServ has also successfully trialed MAN EngineVault in the field aboard the Adriatic Gas, a semi-refrigerated carrier owned by UltraShip, the international marine group.

“One of MAN PrimeServ’s aims is to contribute to areas where we can provide unique benefits to our customers’ business,” Petersen said. “Ultimately, MAN EngineVault optimizes the availability and efficiency of ship installations. It is our firm belief that cross-industry cooperation is essential to the success of the digital transition that the industry is currently experiencing, and in this respect, we thank UltraShip for their role in helping to bring MAN EngineVault to the market.”