World’s fist platform for testing cybersecurity technologies launched in Singapore

MPA Singapore announced the commissioning of the Maritime Testbed of Operational Technology Systems (MariOT) during the opening ceremony of the 19th Singapore Maritime Week, taking place 24-28 March, 2025 at EXPO@SMW.

The MariOT is the world’s first industrial grade cyber-physical platform designed to provide a safe and realistic environment for testing cybersecurity technologies and training. Developed in collaboration with the Singapore Maritime Institute (SMI), Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD), and industry partners, the SUTD-based MariOT also supports the development of a sustainable cybersecurity talent pipeline for the maritime sector

The inaugural MariOT exercise will take place from 27 to 28 March 2025. The exercise will simulate cyber threats targeting operational technology systems onboard vessels, such as the navigation and propulsion systems, and assess participants’ ability to detect cyber intrusions and carry out the appropriate incident response protocols. Participants will also undergo a training session co-developed by Estonia’s Tallinn University of Technology and SUTD.

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MPA will also host a cybersecurity tabletop exercise (TTX) at the Maritime Cyber Assurance and Operations Centre (MCAOC)5 on 25 to 26 March 2025, bringing together more than 40 local and international participants. Building on the 2024 TTX, which validated MCAOC’s prototype capabilities, this year’s exercise will focus on using the MCAOC platform to process cyber threat information and coordinate timely information dissemination during a simulated cyberattack.

Cyber incidents, such as ransomware attacks, system breaches, and IT outages, have surged across industries, with maritime shipping no exception. The Allianz Risk Barometer 2025 ranks cyber risk as the top global threat, overtaking traditional concerns like natural disasters and supply chain disruptions. In addition, a recent Thetius’ report underscores how inconsistencies in cybersecurity approaches—from ship design to operation—expose shipping companies to significant risks.

MPA plans to integrate MariOT training scenarios into academic curricula for maritimerelated courses through partnerships with Institutes of Higher Learning. Through access to state-of-the-art simulations, students will enhance their learning outcomes, supported by structured internships and cross-disciplinary research projects to offer students pathways for specialisation in maritime cybersecurity.

This new maritime cybersecurity testbed is expected to provide a realistic platform for testing and developing cyber solutions while upskilling the workforce. Mr. David Foo, Assistant Chief Executive (Operations Technology) of the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA), highlighted its role in enhancing cybersecurity capabilities.

Professor Chua Chee Kai, Associate Provost for Research at the Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD), emphasized MariOT’s unique industrial-grade setup for training and testing. Dr. Chen Xinwei, Deputy Executive Director of the Singapore Maritime Institute (SMI), noted its importance in strengthening maritime resilience against cyber threats.

Professor Sanja Bauk, ERA Chair Holder of Maritime Cybersecurity (MariCybERA) at the Estonian Maritime Academy, Tallinn University of Technology (TalTech), expressed enthusiasm for international collaboration in maritime cybersecurity research and training.