Rakuten Symphony, Inc. has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS), a leading global classification society, to collaborate on maritime cybersecurity and support the secure digital transformation of the maritime industry through Rakuten Maritime, its maritime cybersecurity arm.
The agreement comes at a critical juncture as the global maritime industry, including shipping and vessel construction, faces increasing cyber threats amidst rapid technological shifts. By combining Rakuten Maritime’s cybersecurity capabilities with ABS’s expertise in maritime safety standards and the classification of ships and offshore assets, the two organizations aim to strengthen the maritime industry’s long-term cyber resilience.
Under this MoU, Rakuten Maritime and ABS will explore collaborative initiatives across maritime cybersecurity, digital transformation and capability building, including knowledge sharing and the exchange of best practices. The two organizations also aim to support the adoption of secure digital transformation in maritime operations, enhance talent development through joint training and technical workshops and explore opportunities for broader collaboration across the maritime ecosystem.
“This agreement with ABS marks an important milestone for Rakuten Maritime,” stated Ryan Son, President of Rakuten Symphony’s Internet Services Business Unit and Head of Rakuten Maritime. “By combining Rakuten Maritime’s cybersecurity expertise with ABS’s deep experience in classification and safety standards, we will jointly address increasingly sophisticated threats and tackle the complex challenges facing the maritime cybersecurity landscape.”
Matthew Mueller, Vice President of Business Development at ABS, commented, “ABS is committed to the safe evolution of digital shipping ecosystems. This agreement with Rakuten Maritime is a meaningful step toward building the frameworks and expertise the industry needs to operate securely in a digital world.”
Moving forward, both organizations will continue to explore opportunities to strengthen maritime cybersecurity and support the evolution of secure digital shipping ecosystems.
