In the maritime sector, ABB UNITROL 1000 excitation system is used for a variety of applications on synchronous machines ranging from 100 kVA to 80 MVA. To help ensure resilience in the face of potential cyber threats, UNITROL 1000 has been certified as of November 2024 for compliance with the DNV Cyber Security Profile 1 (IACS UR E27), which is based on industry standard IEC 62443-3-3 security level 1. DNV, also known as Det Norske Veritas, is headquartered in Norway and is the world’s leading classification society, as well as a recognized advisor to the maritime industry.
The primary purpose of a synchronous generator on a vessel is to supply the necessary electrical power for various on-board systems, including lighting, machinery, navigation, communication and propulsion. The UNITROL 1000 excitation system ensures stable control of the synchronous generator voltage, providing rapid response to load changes and maintaining required voltage levels, even in harsh environments. This reliability makes it a crucial component for efficient and consistent power generation, and safety of the vessel.
DNV type approval speeds up ship specific certification
UNITROL 1000 is the first automatic voltage regulator to comply with the IACS UR E27 requirements, which involves “Cyber Resilience of On-Board Systems and Equipment”. The new certification is especially relevant for the maritime sector, which is currently accelerating its digitalization with more connectivity to onboard equipment. Digitalization brings many benefits but, at the same time, it can expose vessels to new cyber threats.
To reduce cyber risk, it has been mandatory for all new ships contracted from 1 July 2024 to comply with IACS UR E26 for “Cyber Resilience of Ships”. Having assets certified according to IACS UR E27 for the on-board systems provides important support for vessel owners, designers and yards in achieving full compliance with IACS UR E26.
Werner Pretorius, UNITROL 1000 Global Product Manager at ABB Energy Industries, explains the situation. “The main purpose of these standards is to lower the risk of cyber security threats and reduce downtime in case of potential cyber-attacks. To ensure compliance with regulations, each vessel must undergo a system evaluation by the classification society. With a Cyber Security Type Approval certificate, ABB simplifies the certification process for their customers, allowing them to focus on configuration and installation rather than re-testing pre-approved security barriers."
In line with IMO safeguards
With the DNV certification ABB mitigates the occurrence of, and downtime caused by, cyber incidents due to potential cyber-attacks. Moreover, DNV accreditation supports vessel operators, offshore operators and marine OEMs in demonstrating the resilience of their systems. This not only streamlines the certification processes but also enhances overall cyber security awareness. Additionally, DNV recognition aligns well with the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) resolution MSC.428(98), which focuses on safeguarding power and automation systems on board ships, as well as ensuring the confidentiality and integrity of data in remote connections.
Jarle Coll Blomhoff, DNV Head of Section for Digital Ship Systems, comments on the importance of gaining this security classification. “Adhering to IACS UR E27 and IEC62443 contributes to safer and more secure on-board systems and equipment, thus reducing the risk of power outages and other safety threats due to malicious attacks. We appreciate that ABB takes lead with ABB UNITROL 1000 system being the first of its kind to be DNV Cyber Secure compliant according to IACS UR E27 and supporting a more efficient certification process.”
