- New Cyber-Physical Testbed Enhances Shipboard Cybersecurity Training.
- MariOT Provides Hands-On Training for Maritime Cyber Threats.
- Singapore Expands Maritime Cybersecurity Capabilities with MariOT.
The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) has launched the Maritime Testbed of Shipboard Operational Technology (MariOT), the first industrial-grade cyber-physical platform in the world aimed at advancing cybersecurity training and technology testing for shipboard systems. It was designed and developed in partnership with the Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD) and industry partners and assisted by the Singapore Maritime Institute (SMI), and it represents a significant step forward in addressing the cybersecurity challenges in the maritime industry, reports MPA.
Enhancing Maritime Cybersecurity Training
MariOT offers realistic simulations of critical shipboard systems such as navigation, propulsion, and power management. The realistic training environment enables maritime professionals to get hands-on practice in detecting and countering cyber threats, filling the gap between theoretical concepts and actual cybersecurity problems.
Aside from training, MariOT lessens reliance on shipboard physical infrastructure through providing an integrated environment where maritime engineers, IT experts, and cybersecurity specialists collaborate. The center enhances sharing of knowledge, refinement of best practices, and quicker testing of cybersecurity measures in addition to bolstering incident response measures. MPA is going to introduce MariOT to maritime academic programmes through collaborations with Institutes of Higher Learning. Learners will receive cutting-edge cybersecurity simulations, internships, and cross-disciplinary research assignments to pave the way for specialization in maritime cybersecurity.
Increasing the Capabilities of MariOT
MPA and its collaborators seek to further develop MariOT’s capabilities to counter new cyber threats and regularly perform cybersecurity training exercises. The centre will be at the forefront of maritime cybersecurity research, with SMI taking the lead, and other international collaborations will be pursued to further develop its simulation capabilities and assist in international cybersecurity standards.
In the next three years, MariOT will train over 300 professionals, ranging from ship crew to cybersecurity personnel and port operators, affirming Singapore’s dedication to maritime cybersecurity excellence.
International Partners Join MariOT Inaugural Cybersecurity Exercise
SUTD and MPA will jointly organize the inaugural MariOT cybersecurity exercise on 27–28 March 2025. The exercise will model cyber threats launched against Operational Technology (OT) systems on board ships, subjecting participants to the test of detecting and responding to cyber intrusions. Observers will be senior officials from foreign port authorities, comprising members from the Port Authority Chief Information Officers Cybersecurity Network (PACC-Net) as well as the chainPORT Cyber Resilience Working Group (CRWG).
The training is aided by iTrust cybersecurity researchers from SUTD’s cybersecurity research centre, the Estonian Maritime Academy’s Maritime Cybersecurity Centre, and Tallinn University of Technology’s School of IT (TalTech).
Industry Leaders on the Importance of MariOT
Mr David Foo, Assistant Chief Executive (Operations Technology), MPA, said:
“MariOT offers cyber solution providers a practical platform to test and develop their solutions in a realistic maritime environment. At the same time, it plays a key role in upskilling our workforce to address the growing cybersecurity challenges in the industry. We welcome partners to use MariOT and work with us to enhance its capabilities, ensuring it remains effective in tackling evolving cyber threats.”
Professor Chua Chee Kai, Associate Provost for Research at SUTD, said:
“We are thankful for the support from MPA, SMI, and industry partners for collaborating with us to bring MariOT to fruition. The MariOT is the first of its kind industrial-grade cyber-physical testbed that will provide real-world scenarios for cybersecurity training and testing of maritime operations. We believe that with its capabilities, we will be able to nurture a new generation of talents with deep expertise in maritime cybersecurity.”
Dr Chen Xinwei, Deputy Executive Director of SMI, said:
“With the increasing digitalisation and enhanced connectivity between ship and shore-based systems, concerns over cyberattacks on shipping operations are growing. In response, SMI has supported iTrust at SUTD to develop MariOT, a cutting-edge facility designed to provide a secure and collaborative environment for industry and researchers. This testbed will enable stress-testing of systems, the development of robust cyber defences, and the strengthening of maritime operations’ resilience against emerging cyber threats. SMI will work closely with iTrust to leverage the testbed for research and development, driving the advancement of new capabilities in maritime cybersecurity.”
Professor Sanja Bauk, ERA Chair Holder of Maritime Cybersecurity (MariCybERA) at the Estonian Maritime Academy, Tallinn University of Technology (TalTech), said:
“This cooperation with Singapore’s esteemed partner institutions in the field of maritime cyber security is a great pleasure and honour for us to further our joint efforts as the experts from the Maritime Cybersecurity Centre within the Estonian Maritime Academy and from the School of IT have supported the Singaporean partners in the MoU with research and training activities.”
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Source: MPA
