ChartWorld reports that it has launched a new onboard data gateway to improve cyber security in vessel navigational data exchange.
The new eSync systemremoves the necessity for manual data transfers to the bridge, incorporating a single device connected to the vessel’s communication system and to the bridge’s ECDIS (regardless of its brand) for data management.
“The trend of improved connectivity onboard SOLAS vessels, notably through systems like Starlink, is reducing the need to update onboard ECDIS data (ENC) with physical media. However, this also introduces a new scale of security concerns,” said ChartWorld CEO, Steven Schootbrugge.
“Critical systems, including navigation, will rely on – can now rely on – continuous connectivity. This means we must ensure the data exchange process is as secure as possible.”
Data exchange between eSync and ChartWorld’s servers is conducted through a VPN tunnel, ensuring compliance with the IEC 61162-460 standard for cyber security and minimising the need for physical media to update onboard ECDIS data, such as ENC data and route (rtz, csv) files, as well as CIO+ data (ChartWorld Information Overlay+), when using ChartWorld’s NavCloud ecosystem.
The system uses a multilayer inspection firewall and offers network and transport layer access control, based on addresses, ports, and protocols. The download, application, and storage of weekly AVCS Base Media is also managed by the unit.
