KR launches cyber resilience platform to support IACS UR E26 compliance

Korean Register (KR) has launched a pilot service for its new Cyber Resilience Platform (KR-CRP), designed to help shipowners and shipyards manage cybersecurity documentation and meet the requirements of the International Association of Classification Societies’ (IACS) Unified Requirement (UR) E26.

The development reflects the growing need to integrate cybersecurity considerations into ship design, classification and operational management. As ships become increasingly connected and reliant on digital systems, effective cyber resilience requires more than technical protection alone.

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The launch comes as cybersecurity becomes an increasingly important part of ship design, classification and operational safety, with the industry facing growing demands to strengthen the resilience of onboard systems against cyber threats.

Platform aims to simplify compliance and class surveys

KR-CRP provides a digital environment for preparing and managing the design documentation required under IACS UR E26, which addresses the cyber resilience of ships. The platform is integrated with KR’s drawing approval and classification survey processes, with the aim of reducing administrative work for shipowners and shipyards while making compliance more efficient.

During the launch event, KR outlined how the platform could support the management of cybersecurity requirements throughout the relevant approval and survey processes.

A demonstration also showed how KR-CRP can use data from existing onboard security monitoring systems developed and installed by third-party providers.

By incorporating this information into class survey activities, the platform is intended to support more data-driven assessments, streamline survey preparation and reduce the time surveyors need to spend on board.

Alongside the platform launch, KR announced plans to establish an internal framework to support a more systematic response to cyber incidents affecting ships.

Under the proposed arrangement, KR’s Statutory System Certification Team, which works with shipping companies on audits under the International Safety Management (ISM) Code and the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code, will serve as the central point of contact for incident reporting.

Relevant KR departments will collaborate on technical analysis, recovery support, verification of vessel safety and assistance with classification surveys, according to the organisation.

The approach is intended to improve coordination when cyber incidents occur, bringing together the expertise needed to assess their technical implications and support the safe recovery of affected vessels.