Inmarsat Maritime’s NexusWave has received Cyber Security Type Approval from Bureau Veritas Marine & Offshore, giving ship operators another independently assessed connectivity option that meets IACS Unified Requirement E27.
The approval covers NexusWave’s integrated connectivity architecture, including onboard ICT systems, network equipment, orchestration processes and managed service edge infrastructure. It also follows ClassNK’s Cyber Security Type Approval for the same service earlier this year.
The distinction matters to fleet managers because NexusWave is assessed as an integrated system rather than as a collection of individual components. Its architecture combines GEO, LEO, LTE and L-band connectivity, with network segmentation, encryption and centrally managed security controls.
As vessels rely on connectivity for business applications, crew services and operational systems, the network connecting those environments becomes part of the ship’s wider cyber risk picture. Class approval gives operators an external assessment against a recognised framework when evaluating connectivity infrastructure across fleets with different classification requirements.
Gert-Jan Panken, General Manager and Vice President, Inmarsat Maritime, said: “The maritime industry is becoming increasingly connected, and with that comes greater demand for cyber resilience across onboard operational and business environments.”
He added: “Beyond validating NexusWave against IACS UR E27 requirements, the approval demonstrates the strength and flexibility of our approach. By working with multiple classification societies, we can help ship operators navigate evolving cyber security requirements while deploying a reliable and consistent connectivity platform across diverse fleets worldwide.”
Christophe Chauviere, Marine & Offshore Technical & Operations Excellence Senior Vice-President at Bureau Veritas, said: “Our assessment of NexusWave considered the relevant onboard ICT architecture and associated components as an integrated system.”
The approval does not certify every vessel using NexusWave. Rather, it assesses the service architecture and security controls within the defined system scope against UR E27. That distinction will matter to operators as cyber requirements are applied alongside vessel-specific class and regulatory obligations.
For fleet IT and technical teams, the challenge is how connectivity, cybersecurity and class requirements can be managed together rather than treated as separate procurement decisions.
