North Star, an offshore wind vessel operator, has become the first company worldwide to achieve Lloyd’s Register (LR)’s Cyber Resilience classification for its ships.
The vessel operator met the International Association of Classification Societies (IACS) standards that take effect for all newbuilds on 1 July 2024.
According to LR, these vessels are designed to withstand cyberattacks, maintain operations during cyber threats, and quickly recover — safeguarding personnel, systems, and ensuring the continuity of critical offshore operations.
These CSOVs are reportedly the first in the world to be formally approved under the LR Rules for implementing IACS standards UR E26 (‘Cyber Resilience of Ships’) and UR E27 (‘Cyber Resilience of On-Board Systems and Equipment’).
Built at the Vard Langsten shipyard in Norway, the VARD 4 22 design marks North Star’s first additions to its growing renewables fleet, supporting its goal to add 40 SOVs by 2040.
As part of the certification process, all mission-critical systems aboard the CSOVs were rigorously tested against LR’s Cyber Resilience classification criteria.
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This included technologies like dynamic positioning software and complex control systems connected to Voith Schneider propulsion units, all engineered to ensure operational safety and enhance crew wellbeing.
In addition, the vessels are equipped with Starlink communication systems for improved onboard connectivity.
With this cyber resilience certification, North Star has fortified its people and assets against cyber threats while ensuring seamless, uninterrupted operations in the field.
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Duncan Duffy, Global Head of Digitalisation, Technical Directorate, LR, said: “The significant implementation of LR’s Cyber Resilience descriptive note is the culmination of a high level of collaboration between North Star, Vard and LR.
“Vard and North Star were clear on their cyber resilience aims long before the IACS UR E26 and UR E27 were formalised.”
Gitte Gard Talmo, North Star’s CEO, stated: “Being the first to certify our newbuilds under these new IACS standards demonstrates our commitment to safe, smart, and sustainable offshore operations.
“Working in partnership with VARD and Lloyd’s Register has been instrumental to this process, and I’m very proud of North Star’s IT and special projects team’s drive to advance our CSOVs’ cyber resilience.”
