29 September 2022

Offshore support vessel (OSV) company Uniwise Offshore is expanding its cybersecurity standards across its full OSV fleet with technology from Inmarsat.

With connectivity delivered by Inmarsat’s Fleet Xpress, Fleet Secure Unified Threat Management (UTM) provides Uniwise with end-to-end functionality to protect its network from cyber-attacks and intrusion via infected devices. Connectivity is a key requirement for operation in the busy gulf of Thailand, where the majority of Uniwise’s OSVs operate, but during prolonged downtimes and when usage is high, vessels become susceptible to cyber-attacks, which could impact vessel operations and result in significant business losses for both owners and charterers.

“In busy areas in the Gulf of Thailand usage on the network is high. Both business critical as well as extensive crew traffic must be protected and secured, hence we needed a satellite communications partner that has solutions specifically designed for maritime,” said Jon-Axel Hauglum, co-head of business, Uniwise Offshore. “We needed security, not only to minimise the risk of downtime during operations but also to safeguard our vessels from the growing threat of cyber-attacks. We identified Inmarsat as that partner. Fleet Xpress offers reliable connectivity and Fleet Secure UTM ensures robust network protection our operations require.”

Fleet Secure UTM is a suite of network security tools designed for the maritime industry. Managed through a single online portal and backed by a dedicated security operations centre, the solution enables Uniwise to detect and monitor threats and protect its fleet network from attacks. It also supports the company’s compliance with the International Maritime Organization’s 2021 functional cybersecurity requirements for demonstrating cyber-risk management.

Inmarsat’s end-to-end connectivity and security package for Uniwise also includes Fleet Hotspot, which provides crew access to high-speed connectivity independently of the vessel’s bandwidth. This ensures uninterrupted connection to high-speed, always-on, business-critical bandwidth. Both services are delivered via the secure, dedicated network.

“Cyber-attacks are a growing concern for vessel operators worldwide. Fleet Secure UTM brings together all the tools owners need to assess and mitigate risks and establish a cyber-secure environment, while Fleet Xpress provides the reliable coverage to ensure these tools – and other business-critical applications – remain online even where demand is at its highest,” said Gert-Jan Panken, vice president direct sales, Inmarsat Maritime.