SMT Shipping is demonstrating what forward-thinking maritime cyber risk management looks like, moving beyond reactive compliance to establish a proactive, evidence-based approach that delivers measurable business value.
Through partnership with CyberOwl, SMT has achieved formal cyber certification, reduced insurance costs, and positioned itself ahead of anticipated regulatory requirements. More importantly, the company has proven that proactive vessel cyber risk management can be a strategic differentiator, not just an operational necessity.
Real Business Impact
SMT’s approach has delivered concrete results:
• Formal cyber certification with an independent classification society, which included the review of SMT’s approach to vessel cyber risk monitoring, policy deviation, threat detection and response processes
• Cost-effective premiums by evidencing systematic control of cyber risks
• Enhanced insurer confidence through continuous monitoring data and recognised certifications
• Regulatory readiness for cyber requirements SMT expects to become mandatory in the near term
These outcomes stem from a fundamental shift in how SMT approaches vessel cybersecurity, treating it as a continuous discipline rather than a periodic exercise.
How SMT is Leading the Way
Continuous visibility, not snapshots
Rather than relying on point-in-time assessments that quickly become outdated, SMT uses CyberOwl’s Medulla platform for real-time vessel cyber monitoring. This provides ongoing visibility of risks and policy deviations, enabling faster response and demonstrable control.
Independent validation that matters
When the classification society conducted SMT’s cyber audit, they requested and reviewed live monitoring evidence directly from CyberOwl’s Medulla platform. This real-time data enabled formal certification, proving that continuous monitoring translates into recognised credentials.
Direct engagement with insurers
SMT is working with CyberOwl to facilitate insurer workshops that align technical capabilities with commercial objectives. By bringing all stakeholders (technical teams, insurers and internal governance) into the same conversation, SMT is building a shared understanding of cyber risk management across the value chain.
Strategic, not reactive positioning
SMT views cybersecurity as a strategic enabler rather than simply responding to recommendations from flags or insurers. The company recognises that proactive cyber risk management is becoming table stakes, and is positioning itself accordingly.
Partnership Beyond Technology
SMT’s collaboration with CyberOwl goes well beyond software deployment:
• Cyber workshops and stakeholder alignment help SMT articulate cyber maturity to insurers, auditors, and internal teams with clarity and confidence
• Crew cyber awareness programmes, including plans for targeted training and potential crew certification at SMT’s annual conference
• Hands-on operational support for crews, reducing resolution times and streamlining communication between ship, shore, and vendors
• Industry intelligence sharing on developments from class societies, insurers, and emerging maritime cyber trends
This partnership model recognises that effective cybersecurity requires people, process, and technology working in concert.
An Industry Opportunity
SMT Shipping’s approach and achievement of real business impact sets a good example for other peer shipowners to follow.
Russell Kempley, CEO of CyberOwl, said: “What stood out in SMT’s certification was that the classification society asked to see live monitoring data, not just policies on paper. That’s the direction the industry is moving in. Class and insurers want evidence that cyber risk is being controlled day to day. SMT got there early, and it’s already showing in their certification and their conversations with insurers.”
By establishing continuous monitoring, continuous cyber hygiene improvement, achieving independent certification, and engaging directly with insurers, SMT is demonstrating how defining a holistic cybersecurity programme and working with a strong partner to deliver on this translates into commercial advantage, through lower premiums, operational efficiency, and strategic positioning.
The benefits SMT has realised, insurance savings, certification, regulatory preparedness, are available to the wider maritime industry. The challenge isn’t technical capability; it’s mindset.
Shipowners who view cybersecurity as a strategic discipline rather than a compliance burden will find themselves better protected, better positioned with insurers, and better prepared for the regulatory environment ahead.
SMT Shipping is leading the way. The question for the rest of the industry is: who’s next?
