KR awards AIP to HD Hyundai’s ship cyber resilience technology

Korean Register (KR) has awarded an AIP (Approval in Principle) to HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HD HHI) and HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering (HD KSOE) for their innovative 'Technical Procedures and Methodology for Implementation of Ship Cyber Resilience (IACS UR E26).' This milestone achievement marks the successful collaboration between KR and HD Hyundai in the development of ship cyber resilience technology.

Ship cyber resilience encompasses measures taken to reduce cyber accidents and mitigate their impact on the operational technology systems essential for the safe navigation of ships. IACS UR E26, introduced in April 2022, establishes unified requirements for cyber resilience in ships and becomes mandatory for vessels contracted for construction from January 2024.

Since September of last year, KR and HD Hyundai have joined forces in a dedicated research and development project aimed at applying and validating the cyber resilience of main systems and related equipment of ships, in anticipation of the adoption of IACS UR E26. HD HHI and HD KSOE have successfully designed a cyber resilience network for the main systems of ships and established a response system, underpinned by technical procedures and methodologies based on a cyber risk management framework. KR has verified the feasibility, safety, and suitability of the cyber resilience concept design, resulting in the granting of AIP.

KIM Daeheon, Executive Vice President of KR’s R&D division said:

“This AIP of cyber resilience technology is the first case in KR, and it is very meaningful for us that our collaboration with the world-class HD Hyundai has led to this successful result. KR will further enhance its technologies and certification capability, and support customers to secure higher level cyber resilience of their ships.”

JUNG Jaejun, Senior Vice President and Head of Basic Design Office of HD HHI said:

"We are delighted to have obtained the first certification of our concept design of ship cyber resilience from KR. We will work to meet customers’ needs by continuously developing related technologies and providing safer smart ships.”

KWON Byounghun, Executive Vice President and Head of Digital Research Lab of HD KSOE added:

“It is crucial for autonomous ships and smart ships to secure cyber security. I believe that HD Hyundai has proven its advanced technology by receiving the design certification based on the IACS unified requirements for the first time in the world as a shipyard.”

This achievement underscores HD Hyundai's position as a global leader in shipbuilding and highlights KR's dedication to fostering innovation in the maritime industry. As the demand for cyber-resilient ships continues to grow, both organizations remain committed to advancing their technologies and expertise to meet the evolving needs of their customers.