North Star, a fast-growing service operation vessel (SOV) operator in Europe’s offshore wind sector, has become the first organisation in the world to have ships achieve Lloyd’s Register’s Cyber Resilience classification, in line with mandatory International Association of Classification Societies (IACS) standards implemented for all newbuilds from 1 July 2024.

The organisation’s new commissioning service operation vessels (CSOVs), the Grampian Kestrel and Grampian Eagle, have set a new industry benchmark for cyber protection at sea. This certification strengthens their ability to withstand cyberattacks, continue operating under threat, and recover quickly from incidents, ensuring the protection of personnel and onboard systems, while maintaining critical offshore operations.

FORMALLY APPROVED
These CSOVs are the first in the world to be formally approved by Lloyd’s Register to the LR Rules implementing IACS standards UR E26 (‘Cyber Resilience of Ships’) and UR E27 (‘Cyber Resilience of On-Board Systems and Equipment’). Of the VARD 4 22, designed and built at Vard Langsten shipyard in Norway, they represent North Star’s first CSOV additions to its growing renewables fleet in its ambition to add 40 SOVs by 2040.

North Star’s CEO Gitte Gard Talmo said: “Being the first to certify our newbuilds under these new IACS standards demonstrates our commitment to safe, smart, and sustainable offshore operations. Working in partnership with VARD and Lloyd’s Register has been instrumental to this process, and I’m very proud of North Star’s IT and special projects team’s drive to advance our CSOVs’ cyber resilience, positioning us ahead of the curve as the sector evolves. We’re ready to support the next phase of Europe’s offshore wind growth, and we’re doing it with trust, security, and future-proof thinking built in from the keel up.”

SUBSTANTIAL INVESTMENT
A fully integrated shipbuilder and vessel operator, North Star has made a substantial investment in the advanced automation and digital solutions utilised across its renewables fleet, essential for monitoring performance and ensuring safe vessel operations. As part of the cyber resilience certification process, all mission-critical systems were rigorously assessed on the CSOVs against Lloyd’s Register’s Cyber Resilience classification criteria. This included technologies such as dynamic positioning software and the complex control systems connected to the Voith Schneider propulsion units, all designed to support operational safety and enhance crew wellbeing.

The vessels also feature Starlink communications systems to improve onboard connectivity. With this cyber resilience accreditation, North Star’s people and assets are better protected from cyber threats without affecting ongoing operations in field.

James Bradford, North Star Chief Technology Officer added: “Cyber resilience is no longer optional - it's essential. That’s why our newbuilds are equipped to withstand, recover from, and adapt to cyber incidents. This means our clients can rely on an uninterrupted, secure service and consistent performance, ensuring their operations and maintenance projects remain on schedule and protected from cyber threats.

SPECIAL PROJECTS TEAM
“Our IT and special projects team worked diligently to align with IACS standards UR E26 and UR E27 across every layer of our CSOVs’ onboard and connected software systems to ensure they’re inherently secure, class-compliant, and resilient against cyber threats. This approach forms a key part of North Star’s long-term vision to transition from traditional systems to fully digitalised, secure-by-design vessel operations, reinforcing the business as a trusted partner.”

Duncan Duffy, Global Head of Digitalisation, Technical Directorate, Lloyd’s Register, said: “The significant implementation of LR’s Cyber Resilience descriptive note is the culmination of a high level of collaboration between North Star, VARD and LR. VARD and North Star were clear on their cyber resilience aims long before the IACS UR E26 and UR E27 were formalised, and it has been constructive working with them through the design and implementation of these rules on their complex and market-leading vessels.”

The Grampian Kestrel is bound for EnBW next month (May) to commence front-running operations at Germany’s He Dreiht wind farm. The Grampian Eagle is also preparing for a contract this July. These vessels now give North Star a competitive edge with operationally available ships that meet the most up-to-date classification requirements for cyber-secure operations.

 About North Star:   

• North Star is the market leading UK provider of mission critical, offshore infrastructure support services to offshore wind and offshore oil and gas markets.  
• The firm has bases in Aberdeen, Lowestoft and Newcastle and Hamburg, and has a workforce of 1,400 seafarers and onshore personnel. It has been supporting the energy sector for the past four decades. It has eight Service Operations Vessels (SOV) fleet built or under construction to support the growing European offshore wind market. Its fleet also includes 42 assets providing continuous around the clock support services to more than 50 North Sea installations.  
• The 137-year-old business, which was originally established to support the fisheries industry, is also the country’s largest employer of offshore cadets. Since 1996, it has trained hundreds of future deck and engineering trainees, investing £1million annually on average to develop the next generation.   
• By combining safety, service and quality, the company delivers exceptional levels of support to its clients in one of world’s most challenging and demanding industries.  

About Lloyd’s Register:   

• Trusted maritime advisors, partnering with clients to drive performance across the ocean [HL1] economy.
• Lloyd’s Register (LR) is a global professional services group specialising in marine engineering, technology and digital solutions. Were created more than 260 years ago as the world’s first marine classification society to improve and set standards for the safety of ships.
• Today are a leading provider of classification and compliance services to the marine and offshore industries, helping clients design, construct and operate their assets to accepted levels of safety and environmental compliance.
• Provide advisory services and digital solutions, supporting fleet and voyage performance and optimisation.
• The digital solutions are relied upon by more than 30,000 vessels, following the acquisition of OneOcean in 2022 and Ocean Technologies Group in 2024.
• In the race to zero emissions, research, advisory and technical expertise and industry-firsts are supporting a safe, sustainable maritime energy transition.
• Lloyd’s Register Group is wholly owned by the Lloyd’s Register Foundation, a politically and financially independent global charity that promotes safety and education.