On 16 January the Danish Ministry of Industry, Business and Financial Affairs launched a new sectoral strategy for the shipping industry as part of the Danish government’s national strategy for cyber and information security. The strategy contains a number of initiatives aimed at strengthening IT security and preventing cyber threats in the maritime sector.

The objective of the strategy is to ensure that safety in Danish waters and on board Danish ships is not compromised by cyber attacks. The responsibility for cyber and information security in the maritime sector lies with the Danish Maritime Authority. The new strategy covers navigational safety in Danish waters and safety on board Danish ships, including systems and software for operation, propulsion and navigation of the ship.

It is reported that the Danish Maritime Authority has established a dedicated Danish Maritime Cybersecurity Unit, which is to handle implementation of the strategy in practice.