The Panama Maritime Authority (PMA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with ClassNK to boost its cyber security efforts.
On 17 November 2021, the PMA announced the establishment of its Cyber Incident Voluntary Reporting Scheme. This aims to better help the authority better understand the cyber threats that vessels face and seeks pragmatic and effective measures to control these risks.
The scheme encourages all Panama-flagged vessels to report detected cyber incidents to the PMA.
Under the MoU, ClassNK has agreed to provide its knowledge and experience cultivated so far, while also analysing information collected from the Cyber Incident Voluntary Reporting Scheme to help the PMA further ensure cyber security.
“As the world largest flag state, it is our duty to take action against cyber risk and contribute to the safety of maritime transport. On this occasion, we are very happy to conclude an MoU with ClassNK, a leading classification society putting effort into maritime cyber security,” said Rafael Cigarruista, General Director of Merchant Marine for the PMA.
“By integrating the knowledge and expertise from both flag state and classification society, we are confident in developing measures against cyber risks that are appropriate for the industry to deploy.”
Mr Hirofumi Takano, Executive Vice President and Director of the Innovation Development Division at ClassNK, added “Sharing a common objective to build onboard cyber resilience by cross-industry approach, I am glad to embark the on new partnership with PMA and contribute to maritime cyber security with our expertise.
“ClassNK has strived to develop rules and standards and conduct certification services based on outcomes gained through collaboration with front runners. We will continue to promote initiatives based on diverse partnerships and work to propose best practices related to ensuring cyber security suitable for shipping.”
ClassNK previously signed a joint research agreement with e5 Lab on cybersecurity and agreed to conduct a proof of concept (PoC) on ‘Marindows’, a comprehensive digital platform for ships being developed by e5 Lab.
