These vessels are North Star’s first additions to its renewables fleet, aiming to include 40 service operation vessels by 2040.
North Star has received the Cyber Resilience certification for its vessels from Lloyd’s Register (LR).
This certification meets the new International Association of Classification Societies (IACS) standards, required for all new vessels since 1 July 2024.
North Star’s commissioning service operation vessels (CSOVs), Grampian Kestrel and Grampian Eagle, are the first to receive formal approval from LR under the LR Rules implementing IACS standards UR E26 and UR E27, which focus on the cyber resilience of ships and onboard systems, respectively.
These vessels, designed and constructed at the Vard Langsten shipyard in Norway, mark North Star’s initial additions to its expanding renewables fleet, with plans to incorporate 40 service operation vessels by 2040.
LR technical directorate and digitalisation global head Duncan Duffy said: “The significant implementation of LR’s Cyber Resilience descriptive note is the culmination of a high level of collaboration between North Star, VARD and LR.”
This certification enhances the vessels’ capabilities to resist cyber threats, maintain operations during potential attacks, and recover rapidly from incidents, thereby safeguarding personnel and onboard systems while ensuring the continuity of critical offshore activities.
During the certification process, all critical systems on the CSOVs underwent thorough evaluation against Lloyd’s Register’s Cyber Resilience classification criteria.
This assessment included various technologies, such as dynamic positioning software and complex control systems linked to the Voith Schneider propulsion units, which are essential for operational safety and crew welfare.
Additionally, the vessels are equipped with Starlink communications systems to enhance onboard connectivity.
The Grampian Kestrel is scheduled to begin operations at Germany’s He Dreiht wind farm next month, while the Grampian Eagle is preparing for a contract in July.
North Star CEO Gitte Gard Talmo said: “Being the first to certify our newbuilds under these new IACS standards demonstrates our commitment to safe, smart, and sustainable offshore operations.
“Working in partnership with VARD and Lloyd’s Register has been instrumental to this process, and I’m very proud of North Star’s IT and special projects team’s drive to advance our CSOVs’ cyber resilience, positioning us ahead of the curve as the sector evolves.”
Last month, LR partnered with Microsoft to leverage generative AI via Azure OpenAI Service, aiming to improve nuclear technology regulation in the maritime sector.
