The grounding of the MSC Antonia near Eliza Shoals off the coast of Jeddah has raised serious concerns about the risks of cyber attacks in the maritime industry, particularly in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). This incident has highlighted the increasing vulnerability of vessels to cyber threats, which can have real-world consequences.
Experts believe that the grounding of the MSC Antonia may have been linked to GPS jamming. This interference likely disrupted the ship’s navigation systems, leading to incorrect positioning data and ultimately causing the vessel to run aground. Luke Pordham, an assistant vice president at Lockton MENA, emphasized that this event reveals the growing threat of cyber risks to maritime operations in the region.
The MENA area is critical for global trade, with vital routes such as the Strait of Hormuz and the Suez Canal. Pordham pointed out that the implications of these cyber risks are particularly serious for the region. Despite the rising threat, many maritime operators are not adequately addressing these risks in their insurance and risk management strategies. Pordham noted a significant disconnect between the emerging cyber threats and the existing risk transfer arrangements, which could leave operators exposed if another incident occurs.
Cyber risks in the maritime sector are not just a byproduct of new technology; they are now integral to how the industry operates. As ships increasingly rely on connected systems for various functions, the security measures in place have not kept pace, making the industry more vulnerable to attacks. Many vessels still use outdated systems that were not designed for connectivity or cyber resilience. This interconnectedness means that a cyber incident affecting one operator could disrupt global shipping, especially in critical areas like the Suez Canal or the Strait of Hormuz.
Pordham highlighted that cyber attackers are now targeting navigational systems directly, manipulating data that can threaten vessel control. This shift raises the stakes from potential financial losses to the risk of physical disasters. The incident involving the MSC Antonia is part of a larger trend, with an increase in cyber-physical incidents in the maritime sector. Previous incidents, such as the NotPetya malware attack on Maersk in 2017, caused significant financial damage and affected key ports in the MENA region.
Regulatory pressure is also mounting as authorities recognize the need for greater cyber resilience in the maritime sector. The International Maritime Organization has mandated that cyber risk management be integrated into safety management systems. In the MENA region, countries like the UAE and Saudi Arabia are aligning with international standards and developing their own cybersecurity frameworks.
As regulations evolve, maritime operators must rethink their risk management strategies. They are now expected to demonstrate effective cyber risk management and incident response capabilities. This shift is not just about compliance; it is also a commercial necessity. Pordham pointed out that many operators may be unknowingly exposed to cyber-related risks due to gaps in their insurance policies.
To address these vulnerabilities, Pordham recommends that marine operators engage with their brokers to review their policies. It’s crucial to understand whether existing marine insurance programs will cover physical damage, cargo delays, or other costs resulting from a cyber event. He also suggests considering dedicated cyber insurance solutions that cover a wider range of risks.
Building resilience against cyber threats requires a comprehensive approach that goes beyond IT teams or checklists. Pordham stresses the need for an enterprise-wide strategy that integrates security, operations, and insurance. As cyber risks continue to evolve, incidents like the MSC Antonia grounding will push the maritime sector to reassess its approach to risk management and insurance, as these threats increasingly impact vessel operations and financial outcomes.