Inmarsat NexusWave Certified by ClassNK for Latest IACS Cyber Security Standards

Why It Matters

The certification validates NexusWave’s cyber‑resilience, giving shipowners confidence that critical communications meet emerging regulatory standards and reducing risk of costly cyber incidents at sea.

Key Takeaways

• ClassNK certifies NexusWave against IACS UR E27 cyber‑resilience standard
• Integrated assessment covered network gear, orchestration and edge components
• Certification signals compliance for shipowners facing stricter cyber regulations
• Inmarsat positions NexusWave as a secure, managed maritime connectivity solution
• Industry sees growing demand for certified, cyber‑resilient shipboard IT

Pulse Analysis

Maritime cyber security has moved from a niche concern to a core operational requirement. The International Association of Classification Societies (IACS) introduced Unified Requirement UR E27 to set mandatory resilience standards for shipboard systems, aiming to prevent cyber incidents that could jeopardize navigation, safety and cargo integrity. Classification societies such as ClassNK now act as independent validators, ensuring that vendors’ hardware and software architectures meet these rigorous criteria before they are deployed on vessels.

Inmarsat Maritime’s NexusWave service achieved this benchmark after a comprehensive audit of its onboard ICT architecture. ClassNK examined every component—from routers and switches to the orchestration layer that manages bandwidth allocation—and verified that the entire ecosystem aligns with UR E27’s threat‑modeling, access‑control and incident‑response requirements. By securing Cyber Security Type Approval, NexusWave demonstrates that its managed, bonded connectivity is built with security by design, rather than as an afterthought, giving operators a single, certified solution for critical communications at sea.

For shipowners and operators, the certification translates into tangible business value. It reduces the compliance burden as regulators increasingly reference IACS standards in maritime safety frameworks, and it mitigates the financial and reputational fallout of a cyber breach. Moreover, the endorsement strengthens Inmarsat’s market positioning against competitors lacking comparable certifications, potentially accelerating adoption of NexusWave across commercial fleets, offshore platforms, and cruise lines seeking resilient, regulated connectivity solutions.