Optimized Cyber Security Standards From Uniwise Offshore

Uniwise Offshore, Thailand’s leading offshore support vessel (OSV) company, is enhancing cyber-security standards across its OSV fleet by adopting technology from Inmarsat, the world leader in global, mobile satellite communications. With reliable 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.

In the busy Gulf of Thailand, where a majority of Uniwise’s OSVs operate, connectivity is a key requirement. 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.

Gulf of Thailand usage on the network is high

Jon-Axel Hauglum, Co-Head of Business, Uniwise Offshore, said “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. 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 comprehensive suite of network security tools designed specifically for the maritime industry. Managed through a single online portal and backed by a dedicated security operations centre, the solution allows 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 cyber-security requirements for demonstrating cyber-risk management.

Gert-Jan Panken, Vice President Direct Sales, Inmarsat Maritime, commented “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.”

Inmarsat’s end-to-end connectivity and security package for Uniwise also includes Fleet Hotspot, which provides crew access to high-speed connectivity and is completely independent of their vessel’s bandwidth. This ensures uninterrupted connection to high-speed, always-on, business-critical bandwidth. With flexible charterer plans, Uniwise also benefits from tailored connectivity needs for charterers. Further contributing to Uniwise’s cyber-resilient environment, both services are delivered via the secure, dedicated network.

Inmarsat delivers world leading, innovative, advanced and exceptionally reliable global, mobile communications across the world – in the air, at sea and on land – that are enabling a new generation of commercial, government and mission-critical services. Inmarsat is powering the digitalisation of the maritime industry, making operations more efficient and safer than ever before. It is driving a new era of inflight passenger services for aviation, while ensuring that aircraft can fly with maximum efficiency and safety. Furthermore, Inmarsat is enabling the rapid expansion of the Internet of Things (IoT) and enabling the next wave of world-changing technologies that will underpin the connected society and help build a sustainable future. And now Inmarsat is developing the first-of-its-kind, multi-dimensional communications network of the future, ORCHESTRA.

In November 2021, Inmarsat and Viasat announced the planned combination of the two companies, to create a new leader in global communications. The deal is scheduled to close in the second half of 2022.