First vessel with cybersecurity notation at Vard Vung Tau
In the beginning of March 2026 newbuild (NB) 974 for Purus had its final cybersecurity assessment with DNV at Vard Vung Tau in Vietnam. This is the first vessel built at VARDs Vietnamese shipyard with Cyber Secure (Essential) notation.
10. March 2026
NB 974 is the sister vessel of Purus Chinook NB 973, which was the world’s first vessel with Cyber Secure (Essential) class notation aligned with the latest cybersecurity regulations IACS UR E26 and E27.
Deep involvement, preparation and excellent cooperation between all parties involved made this possible.
Cyber Resilience in VARD
Cybersecurity notations provide demonstrated cybersecurity readiness where cyber resilience is integrated into every stage of VARD’s shipbuilding process, from concept to delivery. Enhancing the vessels’ capability to withstand cyberattacks, to operate while under attack and the ability to recover from an attack.
Cybersecurity notations and requirements became mandatory for newbuilds contracted after July 1, 2024.
The first two vessels delivered from VARD with cyber notation, the CSOVs Grampian Kestrel to North Star and Purus Chinook to Purus, were contracted in 2023 and delivered in 2025 showing the dedication and strength of the work done by VARD and the customers.
A cornerstone of delivering a vessel with cybersecurity class notations is seamless system integration. This ensures that all onboard systems are connected through secure, controlled, and resilient digital architecture. As vessels become interconnected, linking systems create vulnerabilities. Each connection must be carefully designed to prevent unauthorized access, minimize attack surfaces, and maintain the integrity of critical operations.
A significant share of the systems onboard the cyber resilient vessels are delivered from Vard Electro’s SeaQ portfolio demonstrating their role as a trusted product supplier with the expertise required to meet evolving cybersecurity requirements.
Since 2025, the delivery of six vessels with cybersecurity class notations stands as a clear testament to the strong collaboration between VARD Design and Engineering Cyber and VARD Electro Cyber, and to VARD’s leading position in cyber resilient shipbuilding.
