French managed services company Marlink has received cyber-security type approval certification (TAC) from Bureau Veritas for its IoT data collection offering.

The offering lets remote users collect the data required to understand vessel efficiency, monitor fuel consumption and lower emissions in line with ESG goals. The granting of the certification by BV contributes to Marlink’s strategy of meeting customer demand for cyber security, hybrid networks and IoT.

This approval confirms it complies with the latest cyber-security regulations in maritime, IACS UR E27, which relates to the certification of equipment and systems onboard ship.

Data gathered can be used to support understanding of fuel consumption and emissions for regulatory compliance. Vessel operators can use the data collected to enhance maintenance, ensure system uptime and vessel availability. It is vendor agnostic, so shipowners and managers can collect data from any equipment made by any manufacturer;

The approval provides a qualification that onboard equipment is operating in compliance with the applicable cyber-security regulation.

Marlink’s offering is compatible with an increasing range of shipboard equipment and can be scaled across a fleet, collecting data from non-standardised equipment to a single collection point. Supported by Marlink’s global installation and maintenance network, it is optimised for operations in a multi-satcom environment.

“The digitalisation of the maritime industry continues to be a process of gathering data so that shipowners can derive real value and use them to support their decarbonisation strategies,” said Tore Morten Olsen, president for maritime at Marlink. “Marlink is supporting the process of data collection and ensuring that we are certified to the latest cyber-security standards.”

Philippe Vaquer, cyber-security manager at Bureau Veritas, added: “New regulations and industrial requirements highlight the critical need for independent third-party organisations to assess and manage cyber risk in systems, assets and products. BV provides the trusted cyber-security verification the industry needs to protect maritime supply chains and demonstrate a proactive approach to stakeholders.”

Marlink (www.marlink.com) is a managed service provider and specialist in remote ICT with annual revenues surpassing $800m and 1500 employees operating in more than 30 countries.