Cyber Scares and Safety Measures
Living in a digitally dependent world has introduced a whole new set of concerns and watchouts into industries across the globe.
Dry bulk shipping is no exception, with digital technology underpinning all aspects of its operations such as navigation systems, cargo monitoring, engine automation, maintenance planning and ship-shore communications. Relying on interconnected digital platforms, these systems deliver efficiency and operational insight. However, they also introduce a new category of risk. Cyber risks pose a serious threat to dry bulk operations, one that can directly affect the fleet’s safety.
The reality of this digital threat means that effective maritime cyber risk management is no longer optional. It is now a fundamental component of ship security and must be addressed with the same discipline as physical safety risks. In recognition of this shift and to enable companies to action this management, DryBMS incorporates cyber security measures into its self-assessment structure. Through its framework, DryBMS can help dry bulk operators manage cyber risk as part of their wider ship safety management system.
Cyber Risk as an Operational Safety Issue
It’s a common misconception to view cyber incidents as technical failures or data-security events. The reality of these potentially dangerous incidents is their consequences can be operational and immediate. In a dry bulk context, cyber compromise may affect:
- navigation and positioning systems
- electronic charts and voyage planning tools
- cargo loading and stability calculations
- engine and machinery control systems
- communications between vessel and shore
Any disruption in these areas can escalate and pose a threat to company and crew safety. This is why DryBMS has cyber risk as an integral part of the ship safety management system, ensuring it is managed alongside operational, HSSE and environmental risks rather than in isolation.
Common Cyber Threats Facing Dry Bulk Vessels
With digital technology being so integral to operations dry bulk operators face a range of cyber threats. Many of these stem from everyday practices. These include:
- malware introduced via removable media
- phishing emails targeting crew and shore staff
- weak password management
- unsecured remote access to onboard systems
- poorly protected or outdated vessel tool software
Integrating DryBMS encourages organisations to identify where digital vulnerabilities intersect with critical shipboard operations, and to assess cyber risk using the same structured approach applied to physical hazards.
Embedding Cyber Risk Management into the SMS
Fostering strong maritime cyber risk management in a maritime operation relies on integration, not standalone policies. To support this practise, DryBMS encourages dry bulk operators to:
- include cyber risk within formal risk assessments
- define clear responsibilities for cyber security
- control access to safety-critical systems
- report and investigate cyber incidents consistently
- align cyber controls with wider ship security arrangements
Using the DryBMS framework helps operators embed cyber risk into the SMS. This action ensures digital threats are managed proactively and transparently across ship and shore.
Crew Awareness and Cyber Safety Culture
The protection of any vessel cannot and should not rely on technology alone. Operators should, therefore, regard human behaviour as one of the most significant cyber risk factors. With this in mind, DryBMS places a strong emphasis on crew competence and awareness, ensuring that:
- crew understand basic cyber hygiene
- suspicious activity is reported without hesitation
- cyber awareness forms part of routine HSSE training
- lessons learned are shared across the fleet
By adopting this approach, a dry bulk organisation can develop a culture where cyber safety becomes part of everyday operational discipline.
Securing Digital Integrity in Dry Bulk Shipping
The DryBMS platform does not seek to over-complicate cyber security. Instead, it provides a practical, proportionate framework. This functional, effective approach helps operators:
- understand where cyber risks exist
- apply appropriate controls
- maintain digital integrity as part of safe operations
When cyber risk is managed systematically, ship security is strengthened and dry bulk operations remain resilient in an increasingly digital environment.
Discover how embedding the DryBMS framework into your organisation can help keep your cyber security in check. Find out more and subscribe here.
