Royal Wagenborg's Fleetwide Digital Upgrade

Royal Wagenborg has chosen De Boer Marine to implement a fleetwide digital upgrade programme. It is a multiyear project. It will cover connectivity, IT, and cybersecurity for approximately 160 general cargo vessels, both owned and managed. This upgrade is akin to how a football club might overhaul its entire squad to improve performance across the board.

The work aims to improve ship-to-shore communications. It will also enhance onboard digital systems and internet access for crews. De Boer Marine will provide an integrated digital package across the Wagenborg fleet.

Scope of the Fleet Upgrade

De Boer Marine's responsibilities will include onboard IT and network infrastructure. They also cover navigation and communication equipment, system upgrades, and installations. The programme includes connectivity, cybersecurity, and remote support. The company will use its LinQontrol platform. This platform monitors and visualises onboard communication data. It provides detailed operational stats for the fleet.

Wagenborg's vessels operate globally. This necessitates a variety of connectivity solutions. The new integrated setup will combine multiple systems. These include Starlink, OneWeb, Ku-band VSAT, Iridium Certus, and 5G.

Onboard network hardware will be upgraded as part of this programme. Theo Klimp is Fleet Director at Royal Wagenborg Shipping. He stated that digitalisation is a key enabler of the company's strategy. "Digitalisation is an important enabler of our strategy to provide reliable, safe and sustainable maritime services," he said. Klimp added that the integrated approach would help Wagenborg strengthen its fleet. This is vital as its digital requirements evolve. It ensures the company's competitive standings in the maritime industry.

Cybersecurity Integration

Strengthening cybersecurity across the fleet forms a key part of the rollout. Planned measures include firewalls, intrusion prevention systems, and web filtering. The programme will also introduce endpoint management. It will add secure remote access capabilities. De Boer Marine holds ISO 27001 certification for information security management.

Meindert-Jan de Boer is CEO of De Boer Marine. He described the scale of the project. "This is a substantial programme that brings connectivity, IT and cybersecurity together in one integrated approach," he said.

Implementation Plan

The company will execute the rollout in phases. This will take place over several years.