PANEL CYBERSECURITY AUTONOMOUS SHIPPING
Leder Rafał Cichocki
Head of the UMG Maritime Cyber Security Center
Technologies on the course: Autonomous Systems, Artificial Intelligence and Digital Resilience in the Maritime Economy – Opportunities or Threats?
This year's Cyber Security and Autonomous Shipping Panel is devoted to the role of artificial intelligence in shaping the future of the maritime economy. Special attention will be paid to its impact on the digital security of ship systems and the development of autonomous ships. In an era of dynamic technological change, AI is becoming not only a tool to support automation and process management, but also a key element in protecting maritime infrastructure from new types of threats.
As of July 2024, IACS UR E26 and UR E27 requirements came into force, requiring ship owners, manufacturers and shipyards to ensure an adequate level of cyber resilience of ship systems and standardization in the integration and security of electronic systems. The regulations are aimed at minimizing the risk of cyber attacks on ships, as well as creating a consistent framework for the development and certification of new technologies – including solutions based on artificial intelligence.
During the discussion, experts will examine the potential of autonomous systems and the new types of digital threats that accompany them. The panel will become a space for reflection on how to use technological innovations in the maritime sector wisely and safely. An important question also remains whether Polish shipyards are ready to implement and meet the requirements of UR E26 and UR E27, and thus – to face global competition in the area of cyber security and shipping of the future.
Panelists
- Honorata Hencel – Managing Director, Boeing in Poland and Ukraine
Responsible for integrating commercial and defense operations and maintaining government relations. With over 20 years of experience in aviation and technology, she previously led IT services for 8,000 employees across Europe. Co-founder of Aviation Hub Pomerania, Chair of Boeing Women Inspiring Leadership Europe, and recipient of the 2024 Distinguished Global Leader Award. - Thierry Coq – Senior Principal Consultant, Cyber Safety & Security, DNV Accelerator
Cybersecurity and critical systems specialist. Focuses on integrating safety into industrial system and software design, particularly in the maritime infrastructure sector. Has expertise in risk management, reliability, and cyber engineering. - Dr. Jarosław Cydejko – PhD Eng., Master Mariner, Maritime University in Gdynia
Assistant Professor at the Faculty of Navigation, Maritime University in Gdynia. Specializes in GPS signal interference and satellite navigation in the Baltic Sea region; conducts research on jamming and spoofing. Actively involved in identifying geolocation signal interference sources and analyzing their impact on maritime navigation and communication. - Grzegorz Trzeciak – SQUADRON Sp. z o.o., former Commander of the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Squadron
Former commander of a reconnaissance UAV squadron. At SQUADRON, he played a key role in the development of UAV technology and anti-drone systems, including as Director of the Unmanned Technologies Center. - Krzysztof Walczak – Head of Cybersecurity and IT Compliance Department, Acting Director of the Security Management Department
- Wojciech Zdanowicz – Director, Maritime Office in Szczecin
Graduate of the Maritime University of Szczecin and John Moores University in Liverpool, with a Master’s degree in navigation and maritime rescue. He has also completed postgraduate studies in computer science, project management, and MBA programs. Member of the SAR Council and Chairman of the Administrative Board of EMSA. - Anna Białkowska – Deputy Director of the Maritime Office in Gdynia for Maritime Inspections
Represents the Maritime Office in Gdynia in matters related to MASS systems and the development of autonomous ships. Coordinates maritime inspections and oversees the safety of ports, vessels, and Polish seafarers. Represents Poland at ILO and IMO sessions. A graduate of the Maritime University in Gdynia, she has been working in maritime administration for over 20 years. - Wojciech Kozyro – Head of the Technical Service Division, Ship Division, Polish Register of Shipping (PRS)
National Coordinator for Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS) and member of the IACS Safety Panel. Actively involved in the development of international regulations for autonomous shipping. As Head of the Technical Service Division of PRS, he is responsible for supervision of ship construction and operation. Represents Poland in the work of the IMO, EU RO MR Group, and other maritime regulatory bodies.
INFORMATION ABOUT THE PANEL LEADER
Rafał Cichocki, CISSP, CEH Head of the Center for Maritime Cyber Security at Gdynia Maritime University.
Cyber security specialist and practitioner with more than two decades of experience. Entrepreneur, university lecturer, certified trainer in Certified Ethical Hacker (CEI EC-COUNCIL), and Palo Alto Networks Cybersecurity Academy. Creator of lectures, labs and training courses on cyber security, including Cyber Range (networks, web applications, email security, OC security) and computer networks. Social activist for local communities.
