Samsung Heavy Industries Strengthens Autonomous Ship Security Using Blockchain... Industry First

Prevention of Tampering and Alteration of Critical Navigation Information

Kim Hyun-jo, Head of the Autonomous Navigation Research Center at Samsung Heavy Industries (fourth from the right), and Lee Jang-seop, DNV Korea Representative (fifth from the right), along with other officials, are posing for a commemorative photo at the 'SAS & eLogbook Blockchain Proof of Results' award ceremony. Photo by Samsung Heavy Industries

[Asia Economy Reporter Choi Seoyoon] Samsung Heavy Industries has developed the first blockchain-based cybersecurity solution for autonomous ships in the shipbuilding industry.

On the 16th, Samsung Heavy Industries announced that it successfully verified technology that transmits data generated from its remote autonomous navigation system 'SAS (Samsung Autonomous Ship)' and electronic logbook (eLogbook) to the outside using the blockchain platform 'Vechain Thor.'

This security solution prevents third parties from tampering with or manipulating important digital information exchanged between ships and land. It is the first application of blockchain technology in the shipbuilding sector. In this regard, it also obtained a Statement of Fact (SoF) certificate from Norway's DNV classification society.

As ship digitalization and automation accelerate, critical operational information such as navigation data, fuel consumption, and equipment operating status is being replaced by digital formats. When this digital information is transmitted through wired or wireless networks to key systems onboard or between ship and land, it becomes exposed to risks of external cyberattacks.

Accordingly, Samsung Heavy Industries has been focusing its capabilities on developing ship cybersecurity solutions, having acquired the world's first 'Smart Ship Cybersecurity Technology Certification' in 2018. Recently, it has been paying attention to the applicability of blockchain (distributed ledger) technology to ships.

Kim Hyunjo, Head of the Autonomous Navigation Research Center at Samsung Heavy Industries (Executive Director), said, "Cybersecurity is an essential technology in the field of remote autonomous ships, where connection between ships, land, and systems is indispensable," adding, "We will strengthen cooperation with shipping companies, classification societies, and blockchain platform providers to expand the application of blockchain technology."