By Andrew R. Lee and Ilsa H. Luther
April 13, 2025
The $5.4 trillion global maritime industry faces a perfect storm of cyber vulnerabilities, and a new government regulation aims to be the lighthouse guiding stakeholders to safer digital harbors.
On January 17, 2025, the US Coast Guard (USCG) published a final rule titled “Cybersecurity in the Marine Transportation System,” aiming to bolster the cybersecurity posture of the nation’s marine transportation system (MTS). This rule introduces mandatory cybersecurity measures for US-flagged vessels, Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) facilities, and certain facilities regulated under the Maritime Transportation Security Act of 2002 (MTSA).
The integration of digital technologies and interconnected systems within the MTS has heightened vulnerability to cyber threats. Recognizing these risks, the USCG’s rule sets a baseline for cybersecurity standards, ensuring entities within the MTS can effectively detect, respond to, and recover from cyber incidents.
The final rule applies to:
- US-flagged vessels, including cargo vessels exceeding 100 gross tons, commercial passenger vessels carrying more than 150…