The American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) has just set a new benchmark in offshore cyber resilience, awarding its CR-Ex notation to three self-elevating units from Jana Marine Services. This isn’t just another certification—it’s an industry first, blending cyber safety with existing operational standards in a way that could redefine how the sector approaches digital risk.
The jack-up barges JANA 505, 508, and 509 are now the first offshore units to carry the CR-Ex notation, which merges elements of the IACS UR E26 Cyber Resilience (CR) requirements with the existing (Ex) standards for hazardous environments. This isn’t about ticking a box; it’s about embedding cyber resilience into the DNA of offshore operations.
The CR-Ex notation stems from ABS’s updated Guide for Cybersecurity Implementation for the Marine and Offshore Industries, CyberSafety Volume 2. This framework doesn’t just address cyber risks in isolation—it integrates operational technology (OT) control systems and related IT systems into a cohesive safety strategy. For offshore assets operating in high-risk environments, this is a game-changer.
ABS Vice President, Technology, Gareth Burton, put it bluntly: “This is an important achievement for Jana Marine and ABS that advances the safety and operational standards in offshore operations. As digital connectivity on vessels expands, so too does the cyber threat landscape. ABS is committed to leading the industry in cyber resilience—supporting clients with robust strategies to safeguard critical marine and offshore systems in an increasingly connected world.”
Jana Marine Services CEO Mohamed Alsubaie echoed this sentiment, calling the certification a testament to their commitment to cyber safety and operational excellence. “We are proud to announce that our jack-up barges Jana 505, Jana 508, and Jana 509 have been awarded the industry’s first CR(Ex) cyber security notation by the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS). This groundbreaking achievement underscores our commitment to cyber safety, innovation, and operational excellence in hazardous environments.”
So, what does this mean for the industry? For starters, it’s a clear signal that cyber resilience isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s becoming a competitive differentiator. As offshore operations become more digitally interconnected, the threat landscape evolves. This certification shows that leading players are already future-proofing their assets, ensuring that safety and security go hand in hand.
But beyond the immediate impact, this move could accelerate broader adoption of cyber resilience standards across the maritime and offshore sectors. If major players like Jana Marine are investing in this level of protection, others will likely follow suit. It’s a domino effect that could reshape how the industry views cybersecurity—from a compliance exercise to a core operational priority.
The bigger question is whether this will push regulators to mandate similar standards. With cyber threats growing more sophisticated, voluntary certifications may not be enough. If ABS’s CR-Ex notation gains traction, we could see it becoming a baseline requirement for offshore operations, much like SOLAS compliance for vessels.
For now, though, the focus is on what this means for Jana Marine and ABS. By leading the charge, they’re not just setting a new standard—they’re challenging the rest of the industry to catch up. And in a sector where safety and efficiency are paramount, that’s a challenge worth taking on.