- VARD, a Fincantieri subsidiary, has delivered the CSOV Grampian Kestrel and CSOV Purus Chinook—two of the world’s first vessels built in compliance with the new mandatory cybersecurity regulations effective from July 1, 2024.
- Both vessels incorporate cybersecurity readiness from design to delivery, demonstrating VARD’s proactive commitment to cyber resilience even before the regulations became compulsory.
- This milestone highlights VARD and Fincantieri’s leadership in digital innovation, shipbuilding standards, and the ongoing technological transformation of the maritime sector.
VARD, a globally recognized designer and builder of advanced specialized vessels and a key subsidiary of the Fincantieri Group, has marked a major industry milestone by delivering two pioneering vessels featuring full cybersecurity class notations. These vessels—the CSOV Grampian Kestrel, delivered to North Star, and the CSOV Purus Chinook, delivered to Purus—are among the first in the world built under the new mandatory cybersecurity regulations set by the International Association of Classification Societies (IACS), effective from July 1, 2024.
Built to Withstand the Digital Threat Landscape
The cybersecurity notations integrated into these vessels reflect a comprehensive approach to cyber resilience. From initial design through to final delivery, VARD has embedded cybersecurity as a core element of the shipbuilding process. These vessels are engineered not only to defend against cyber threats but also to continue operating securely during an attack and to recover effectively afterward.
Industry Leadership in Cyber-Integrated Shipbuilding
James Bradford, Chief Technology Officer at North Star, emphasized the strategic importance of digital security:
“At North Star, digital resilience is as critical as operational reliability. The Grampian Kestrel is a clear expression of our intent to build secure, forward-thinking vessels. Working alongside VARD and Lloyd’s Register, we ensured that cybersecurity wasn’t treated as an afterthought—it was designed, integrated, and rigorously tested from the start.”
Exceeding Regulatory Expectations Before Enforcement
Though the vessels were contracted in 2023, prior to the IACS cyber notation requirements becoming mandatory, VARD, along with its partners, proactively chose to implement the unified cybersecurity requirements UR E26 and E27. This early adoption speaks to the company’s forward-thinking ethos and technical rigor.
Cathrine Kristiseter Marti, CEO of VARD, noted:
“The delivery of these vessels represents a historic step for VARD, Fincantieri, and the entire maritime industry. It reaffirms our leadership in maritime technological evolution and our dedication to delivering future-proof, cyber-resilient platforms.”
Creating a Culture of Cyber Resilience
As the maritime industry undergoes a digital transformation, the integration of connected systems has made cyber resilience a top priority. The vessels’ successful delivery under these new standards demonstrates VARD’s commitment to fostering a cybersecurity mindset across its entire value chain—from engineering and production to supply chain collaboration.
Amrit Bhullar, SVP of Business Development and Group Innovation at VARD, added:
“Cyber resilience is now a fundamental design priority. These deliveries are the result of early discussions with our clients, internal capability building, and a coordinated effort to ensure the vessels are ready to manage present and future cyber threats. This shared commitment with North Star and Purus sets a new industry benchmark.”
Setting New Standards in Maritime Security
Through the delivery of the Grampian Kestrel and Purus Chinook, VARD and Fincantieri have not only achieved a global first but have also demonstrated how cybersecurity can be seamlessly integrated into shipbuilding. This advancement sets a new standard for vessel safety in the digital era, offering shipowners the tools they need to navigate an increasingly complex threat environment with confidence.
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Source: Vard on LinkedIn
