A group of the world’s largest international shipping associations – including Bimco, Intertanko, Intercargo, OCIMF and the World Shipping Council – have published an update to their cybersecurity guidelines.

The third edition of the Guidelines on Cyber Security Onboard Ships covers adding cyber risks to a ship’s safety management system, risk assessments for operational technology and offers guidance for onboard cybersecurity threats arising from the external supply chain, Passenger Ship Technology reports.

“The third edition provides additional information which should help shipping companies carry out proper risk assessments and include measures in their safety management systems to protect ships from cyber incidents," said Bimco cybersecurity working group chair Dirk Fry, who also serves as Colombia Ship Management's managing director.

The guidelines offer anonymous examples of real-world cyberattacks on ship owners and operators, including examples that highlight increased threats to human life emanating from cyberattacks on operational technology, as well as an increase in malware infections from third-party suppliers.