Navigating cyber risks on autonomous ships

Abstract

Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS) have become a reality in the 21st century, with Yara Birkeland leading the way since 2021. The maritime industry has experienced substantial transformation due to rapid technological advancements, resulting in increased dependence on interconnected digital systems. This technological evolution has introduced novel security vulnerabilities, particularly cyber risks, which are not typically encountered by conventional vessels. Current marine insurance policies and regulatory frameworks inadequately address these cyber risks. Standard insurance clauses generally do not cover cyber incidents, and the existing regulations related to these risks are fragmented and insufficient. Therefore, there is a clear need to establish a tailored approach to address cyber risks associated with MASS.

The findings reveal that current forms of these perils fail to explicitly cover cyber incidents, leaving autonomous ships predominantly uninsured against cyber risks. We recommend two main approaches to enhance cyber insurance coverage for MASS: (1) modifying the existing marine and war risk insurance policies to explicitly include coverage for cyber-related incidents; and (2) the development of specialised cyber insurance policies tailored to the unique needs of MASS.

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