As offshore operations become increasingly digitised and reliant on real-time data exchange, remote monitoring, and automation, the risk of cyber threats has grown significantly. The maritime industry—historically focused on physical safety—must now contend with a new frontier of vulnerabilities: cyberattacks that can compromise vessel operations, navigation systems, and even offshore energy infrastructure.
- The Growing Threat Landscape in Maritime Cybersecurity
Offshore vessels, DP systems, and subsea infrastructure rely on a mix of satellite, radio, and internet-based communications to function effectively. Unfortunately, these systems are now prime targets for cybercriminals, nation-state actors, and even rogue insiders.
🔴 GPS Spoofing & Jamming – Hackers or state-backed actors can manipulate GPS signals, causing vessels on passage to move off course, potentially leading to groundings. For DP vessels involved in high-risk operations, erroneous positioning information being fed into the DP system could be catastrophic if not mitigated against.
🔴 AIS Manipulation – The Automatic Identification System (AIS), used to track vessel movements, can be altered to hide, fake, or misrepresent vessel locations—posing serious security risks.
🔴 Malware & Ransomware Attacks – A cyberattack on an offshore asset’s network could lock operators out of critical systems, disrupt drilling rigs, or even shut down remote operations.
🔴 E-navigation Hacking – ECDIS (Electronic Chart Display and Information System) is vulnerable to cyberattacks that could alter digital charts, leading to navigational errors.
🔴 DP System Breaches – A compromised Dynamic Positioning (DP) system could be manipulated, causing unsafe vessel movements, potential collisions, or loss of station-keeping during sensitive operations.
- Notable Cybersecurity Incidents in Offshore & Maritime
While many cyber incidents go unreported, there have been high-profile cases demonstrating the real-world risks:
🚨 2017 – NotPetya Cyberattack on Maersk – A malware attack crippled Maersk’s global operations, costing the company over $300 million and disrupting supply chains worldwide.
🚨 2019 – GPS Jamming in the Eastern Mediterranean – Ships reported false GPS locations, suspected to be interference from state actors, affecting vessel navigation.
🚨 2020 – Oil & Gas Phishing Campaigns – Hackers targeted major offshore drilling companies with phishing emails that infected control networks with malware.
🚨 2023 – Cyberattack on an Offshore Wind Farm – A North Sea wind farm operator reported a network intrusion that disrupted SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) systems.
These incidents underline the urgent need for enhanced cybersecurity across offshore and maritime sectors.
- Key Vulnerabilities in Offshore & DP Operations
Offshore operations face unique cybersecurity challenges due to their reliance on multiple interconnected systems operating in remote locations. Some of the most at-risk areas include:
⚠️ Dynamic Positioning (DP) Systems – DP networks depend on GPS, gyrocompasses, and thruster control systems to maintain station. If hacked, a vessel could be forced off position, endangering offshore platforms and subsea operations.
⚠️ Remote Monitoring & Control Systems – Many offshore facilities, including ROVs and autonomous vessels, now rely on shore-based operators. A cyberattack could cut off communication, leaving assets adrift or inoperative.
⚠️ Unsecured OT (Operational Technology) Networks – Unlike IT systems, many maritime OT networks (used for power, ballast control, and engine management) were not originally designed with cybersecurity in mind, making them easy targets.
⚠️ Satellite & Internet-Based Communication Links – Offshore units rely on satellite VSAT, LEO networks, and HF/VHF for communication. A DDoS (Distributed Denial of Service) attack could disrupt critical ship-to-shore connectivity.
- How to Protect Offshore & Maritime Operations from Cyber Threats
Given the evolving cyber threat landscape, offshore companies and vessel operators must proactively implement strong cybersecurity measures. Key strategies include:
🔐 Cybersecurity Training & Awareness – Crew members and offshore personnel must be trained to identify phishing attacks, suspicious network activity, and social engineering attempts.
🛡️ Network Segmentation – Isolating critical DP, navigation, and control systems from external IT networks reduces the risk of widespread system compromise. This is already common place but when remote access is increasingly used, leave the potential for threats to be realised.
📡 Encrypted & Redundant Communication Channels – Implementing secure VPNs, encrypted satellite links, and multi-layered communication networks can prevent unauthorized access.
🚨 Intrusion Detection & Real-Time Monitoring – AI-driven cyber threat monitoring systems can detect anomalies in shipboard networks and automatically respond to breaches.
💾 Regular Software Patching & Updates – Many cyberattacks exploit outdated software and firmware. Offshore operators must ensure that all ECDIS, DP, and SCADA systems are patched regularly.
🌍 Industry Collaboration & Threat Intelligence Sharing – Organizations like BIMCO, OCIMF, and the IMO encourage maritime stakeholders to share information about cyber threats and vulnerabilities.
- The Role of Regulations & Compliance in Maritime Cybersecurity
To address rising cyber risks, regulatory bodies have introduced mandatory cybersecurity frameworks:
📜 IMO MSC.428(98) Cyber Risk Management Guidelines – Requires shipping companies to implement cyber risk management into their Safety Management Systems (SMS).
📜 BIMCO Cyber Security Guidelines – Provides best practices for protecting vessels, DP systems, and offshore assets.
📜 NIST Cybersecurity Framework for Offshore Energy – US-based oil & gas companies must follow strict cybersecurity protocols for offshore installations.
These frameworks emphasize proactive cyber risk management as a core component of offshore safety.
Final Thoughts: Is Offshore Cybersecurity Ready for the Future?
As offshore energy, subsea operations, and DP vessels continue to advance, so too must their cyber resilience. The growing connectivity of offshore assets, combined with the increasing sophistication of cyberattacks, makes cybersecurity a non-negotiable priority.
Ultimately, the question is not if, but when offshore operations will face a major cyber incident. The key to mitigation lies in preparation, investment, and industry-wide collaboration—ensuring that maritime assets remain secure, resilient, and operational in an increasingly digital world.
At MOR Maritime Consultants, we help offshore operators stay ahead of evolving cyber threats. As offshore assets become more digitalized, risks like GPS spoofing, system breaches, and malware attacks pose serious threats to safety and efficiency.
With our expertise in marine assurance, DP advisory, and risk management, we provide tailored cybersecurity strategies to protect your operations.
📩 Contact us to safeguard your offshore assets with cutting-edge security solutions.
👉 info@mormaritimeconsultants.co.uk #MaritimeCyberSecurity #OffshoreSafety #DigitalDefens