LNG tanker diverted due to suspected cyberattack in Mediterranean

A liquefied natural gas (LNG) tanker, the Vivit Africa, was forced to turn back after experiencing a suspected cyberattack in the Mediterranean Sea. The incident highlights ongoing concerns about cybersecurity in maritime operations and its potential impact on global energy supply chains.

Vessel and Incident Details

The Vivit Africa LNG, owned by South Korea’s H-Line Shipping Co., Ltd., was en route from the United States to Europe with a cargo of natural gas loaded at Louisiana’s Cameron LNG terminal. The ship was sailing through the Mediterranean and Adriatic Seas towards Italy when the crew reported losing access to some internal control systems, leading them to suspect a cyberattack.

According to a Bloomberg report, the incident occurred early this month (exact date not specified). The ship stopped off the coast of Italy without unloading its cargo and began sailing away from its intended destination of Rovigo. It headed towards Algeciras, Spain, near the entrance to the Mediterranean, where investigations are ongoing.

Vitol Group confirmed it has the ship under a long-term lease known as a time charter but did not provide further comments. Korean Register, which serves as the technical and safety adviser to the vessel, was informed of the incident early last week.

Technical Issues and Response

The crew reported the malfunction in the systems used to monitor cargo parameters, requiring intervention by the company’s technicians. The Italian Coast Guard assisted the vessel “after the master reported a malfunction in these critical monitoring systems,” Captain Roberto D’Arrigo stated in an emailed statement.

There are no indications of who might be responsible for the suspected attack. The incident follows similar incidents involving other tankers off the US coast, where the Coast Guard and Federal Bureau of Investigation were called to investigate potential cyberattacks. American officials are monitoring nearly 20 ships worldwide for such threats.

Impact on Operations

The diversion of the Vivit Africa LNG from Rovigo to Algeciras caused delays in its delivery schedule, affecting supply chain logistics and potentially impacting energy markets. The ship was carrying a cargo loaded at Louisiana’s Cameron LNG terminal and had sailed across the Atlantic before encountering technical issues.

The incident underscores the growing threat of cyberattacks on maritime infrastructure and operations. Cybersecurity measures are becoming increasingly crucial for shipping companies to protect their vessels, crew, and cargo from potential threats.

What this means for operators

This incident highlights the need for enhanced cybersecurity protocols in the maritime industry. Ship operators must invest in robust security systems and regular training for crews to prevent and respond effectively to cyberattacks. The increased scrutiny from authorities and heightened global monitoring suggest a more vigilant approach will be required to ensure safety and continuity of operations.