The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) has commissioned the Maritime Testbed of Shipboard Operational Technology (MariOT) system, the world’s first industrial-grade cyber physical platform designed to strengthen shipboard cybersecurity training and testing for technologies.
Supported by the Singapore Maritime Institute (SMI) and developed in collaboration with the Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD) and industry partners, the launch of the SUTD-based facility marks an important milestone in efforts to address cybersecurity challenges impacting shipboard operational technology systems.
MariOT’s industrial-grade design delivers high-fidelity simulations of key maritime systems, including navigation, propulsion, and power management systems. These realistic training scenarios enable trainees to gain hands-on practice and experience with potential cyber threats, bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world operational challenges.
MariOT strengthens the quality and rigor of cybersecurity training while reducing reliance on physical shipboard infrastructure. It fosters a collaborative environment where engineers, IT specialists, and maritime personnel can share expertise, refine best practices, and accelerate the testing of cybersecurity technologies and adoption of cybersecurity incident response protocols.
MPA plans to integrate MariOT training scenarios into academic curricula for maritime-related 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 specialization in maritime cybersecurity.
MPA and its partners will continue to expand MariOT’s capabilities to address evolving cyber threats and conduct regular training exercises. The facility will also play a key role in advancing research on maritime cybersecurity, with SMI leading the initiative.
Further collaborations with international partners will be explored to strengthen the facility’s simulation capabilities and support the development of global cybersecurity standards.
Over the next three years, it is expected that more than 300 students and professionals, including ship crew, cybersecurity professionals, and port operators, will benefit from this cutting-edge facility.
Photo credit: iStock/ Tomwang112
