The China Navigation Company (CNCo), a member of the Swire Group, is to roll out Sperry Marine’s Connected ECDIS across 36 vessels as the company looks to upgrade the digital capabilities of its bridge systems.
The bulk and liner operator will implement the technology on 24 of its bulk carriers and 12 of its container ships, to support the digital transfer of chart data from back of bridge to the navigation systems using the SperrySphere platform.
The new set-up will help to improve cyber risk management by removing the need to use USB memory devices when transferring electronic chart data and will also enable the vessels to update their navigation charts digitally, with data passing through Sperry’s Secure Maritime Gateway (SMG).
The SMG employs multiple firewalls as well as a ‘demilitarised zone’ as a staging post between front and back of bridge to ensure there is no direct connection between the navigation systems and the ship’s main IT network.
“We wanted to reduce the reliance on manual ECDIS updates and mitigate cyber risk by removing USBs from the chart update process,” said Gerry Bonner, General Manager Fleet Services, The China Navigation Company.
“With cyber security incidents presenting a major concern for shipping, Sperry Marine’s Connected ECDIS gives us the opportunity to drive digitalisation in our fleet, improve operational efficiency and increase cyber safety.”
