IAI, Israel Shipyards sign MOU for development of maritime cybersecurity suite 

The companies aim to roll out the comprehensive solution for commercial ships in response to growing cyber threats worldwide

IAI, Israel Shipyards sign MOU for development of maritime cybersecurity suite 

Samy Katsav (standing, R), Chairman of Israel Shipyards; Yoav Tourgeman (seated, R), VP IAI and CEO of ELTA; Boaz Levy (standing, L), IAI President and CEO; and Eitan Zucker, CEO of Israel Shipyards, at the MOU signing ceremony. Photo: IAI

Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) and Israel Shipyards on Thursday signed a memorandum of understanding on joint development of a cybersecurity suite for maritime vessels. The novel solution will incorporate dedicated security mechanisms for maritime platforms, taking into account the systems' technical features with improved resilience and stability in mind, the companies said.  

IAI and Israel Shipyards noted that the International Maritime Organization recently revamped the cybersecurity requirements for ships and ports, and that approximately 95% of Israel’s imports, including energy, food, industrial, defense and other essential goods, arrive via maritime freight.  As seaports and maritime vessels face increased cybersecurity threats, the need for effective and resilient security is paramount in order to maintain seamless maritime transportation, according to the companies.  

IAI is at the forefront of developing cyber solutions and advanced unique capabilities for national cyber organizations and platforms, forensics and training, providing customers with capabilities for addressing a range of cyber threats. IAI runs R&D and innovation centers worldwide and leads IC3, the Israel Cyber Companies Consortium, comprised of leading Israeli cyber companies offering end-to-end solutions for national cybersecurity organizations.

Israel Shipyards develops a range of military and civilian solutions for the Israeli Navy and global customers, meeting its customers' needs with design flexibility. It also owns a fleet of merchant ships.

Boaz Levy, IAI President and CEO, said, "We are extremely proud that IAI's collaboration with Israel Shipyards will yield a comprehensive cybersecurity solution for commercial ships, answering a growing global cyber threat. IAI is a national excellence center in cybersecurity. IAI supports the defense of Israel's air and sea territories and its strategic assets, including: the natural oil rigs, defense against missiles, rockets, enemy aircraft, and more."

Samy Katsav, Israel Shipyards chairman, said, "We are proud to collaborate with IAI, a company with broad know-how and reputation in cybersecurity. The collaboration agreement entered with IAI combines IAI's cyber capability with Israel Shipyards' experience and extensive expertise in the design, construction, operation, and maintenance of military and civilian marine vessels. The collaboration aligns with our expansion and growth plans to become a global technological leader in marine vessel construction."