Revolutionising Navigation with Robustel's ‘MG460’ Maritime-approved Gateway
Background:
Our customer, a globally renowned ECDIS (Electronic Chart Display and Information System) equipment manufacturer, provides cutting-edge navigation systems and route planning solutions to vessel owners across the world. As a leader in maritime technology, they are committed to delivering innovative and reliable solutions to ensure safe and efficient maritime operations.
Challenges:
- Manual Software Updates:The manufacturer faced significant challenges with manually updating their software across a global fleet. With ships visiting various ports worldwide, it was difficult to ensure timely updates, which led to potential discrepancies and operational inefficiencies.
- Business Model Transformation:In a bid to enhance their business model, the manufacturer aimed to transition from selling systems to offering them as a rental service. This shift necessitated a connected solution that would enable seamless software updates, fleet monitoring, and on-demand support. And Remote Service Support scheme is absolutely vital for MG460 as device is equipped with 4G LTE modem and installed worldwide coverage SIM with prepaid traffic provides ECDIS software updating in any port, where connection is available.
- Cybersecurity Compliance:With the IACS UR E26 & E27 becoming mandatory cybersecurity standards by 1st July 2024, ensuring robust protection for their systems became imperative. The manufacturer needed to prepare their solutions for compliance with these stringent standards.
Solution
The manufacturer adopted Robustel's Linux Based MG460 and RCMS Stack Marine to comprehensively address all challenges:
- Comprehensive Connectivity: The MG460 connects to their ECDIS system onboard and is interconnected with other onboard equipment through various interfaces. It provides 4G LTE network connectivity near shore and automatically switches to satellite communication when offshore.
- Secure Internal DMZ: The customer runs their software in the MG460's Internal DMZ, utilising its computing power to process data locally within a protected zone, secured by antivirus software.
- Remote Management and Monitoring: The manufacturer selected the Robustel’s Gateway / Router Management platform to facilitate remote updates to the gateway and connected equipment. RCMS (Robustel Cloud Management System) can connect via satellite, cellular, Wi-Fi or any other type of internet connection, providing comprehensive remote access and extensive diagnostics across the entire fleet.
- VPN-Based Direct Communication: The RCMS Stack Marine offers VPN-based Direct Communication between the MG460 and remotely connected service engineers. The VPN's connectivity can be easily controlled by the captain and crew via a physical switch for turning VPN on and off in compliance with the IEC 61162-460 requirement of being able to immediately terminate connection. To further minimise cybersecurity risks, the MG460 signals to the BAM system the moment VPN is switched on.
Solution Architecture
Solution Components
MG460 Maritime Cyber Security Gateway
As the world's first product to receive IEC61162-460 (Ed. 3) type approval from DNV as well as 460-Gateway and 460-Wiresless Gateway, the MG460 not only meets the highest cybersecurity standards for maritime navigation and wireless communication systems but also complies with IEC60945, meeting SOLAS vessel standards.
Device & Network Management Platform
Through RCMS Stack Marine, users can monitor the operational status and network connectivity of devices in real time, enabling timely problem identification and resolution. Furthermore, it provides VPN network services that comply with IEC61162-460 standards (direct communication mode), ensuring the security and integrity of data transmission.
Solution Benefits
- Streamlined Compliance and Market Readiness: The solution enabled the manufacturer to achieve IEC61162-460 ed.3 type approval from DNV and other societies without major modifications. This expedited delivery of a solution in accordance with UR E26 & E27 requirements to the market, saving time and R&D costs.
- Cost-Effective Edge Computing: The Internal DMZ allows the manufacturer to run software on the MG460's Docker, protected by antivirus software as specified in UR E27. This setup offers powerful edge computing capabilities without the need for a costly external Marine PC (460-Node) as an Application Server.
- Ongoing Support and Security Assurance: As an IEC62443-4-1 certified company, Robustel provides continuous support to the ECDIS manufacturer, addressing secure development lifecycle (SDLC) requirements in UR E26 & E27, ensuring ongoing security and reliability.
- Versatile Interface Support: The MG460 provides a wide list of necessary interfaces, including RS232, RS422, RS485, I/O, and Ethernet, to seamlessly connect onboard systems and equipment.
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