It is no secret that while technology and connectivity in shipping still lags behind developments on land, a digital transformation is in motion with ship automation and improved internet access on the cards in the years to come.

However, these developments have introduced a new challenge for the industry.

Johan Machtelinckx is technical director at maritime publishing firm Witherbys. Photo: Witherbys

Until a few years ago, ships were often only connected to the internet for a few minutes a day, meaning that the threat of cyber security breaches was only a minor concern.