VARD delivers two CSOVs with cyber notation

Fincantieri’s Norwegian shipbuilding subsidiary, VARD, has announced the delivery of two commissioning service operation vessels (CSOVs) which, it claims, are two of the world’s first vessels with cyber notation. The CSOVs, Grampian Kestrel and Purus Chinook, have been delivered to the companies Aberdeen-based North Star and Purus, a Singapore company, respectively.

The new notations warrant cyber security readiness where cyber resilience is integrated into every stage of VARD’s shipbuilding process, from concept to delivery, the shipbuilder said in a statement. Both vessels were ordered in 2023, before the cybersecurity notations became mandatory. Their delivery therefore demonstrates the forward-looking strategy of both VARD and the two offshore owners.

North Star’s chief technology officer, James Bradford, commented: “At North Star, digital resilience is as critical as operational reliability. The Grampian Kestrel reflects our commitment to pioneering secure, future-ready vessels that protect both our people and our operations. Working closely with VARD and Lloyd’s Register, we’ve ensured that cyber security is not an afterthought but a core element of the ship’s DNA; designed, integrated, and tested from the outset. This milestone underscores our dedication to safety, innovation, and setting new standards for the offshore industry.” 

Cathrine Kristiseter Marti, VARD’s chief executive, said: “The maritime industry is undergoing a significant transformation based on the increased use of digitally connected systems. These notations are essential for establishing baseline requirements and best practices to protect maritime operations from evolving and dynamic cyber threats. The delivery of these vessels shows VARD’s and Fincantieri’s commitment and willingness to set new standards and explore new ways of building cyber resilient platforms which allow our customers to manage cyber threats to the vessels.”