News

Writes Chris Dobson

 Working through a major developer which delivers high-profile infrastructure projects, Hart Door Systems has supplied 16 industrial doors, ranging from  Speedor Storms to insulated shutters for a major Waste Transfer Station.  

Hart’s chairman, Doug Hart says the scheme is billed as a step forward into a greener future and “we are delighted to be part of this significant project which demonstrates our broad range of industrial door products”.  

He adds: “Time and again clients tell us Speedor Storm is chosen because of its fast open and close operation. This in turn helps with environmental control and energy use reduction, essential for any major green project. Other Speedor Storm benefits include reliability and technologically advanced features which boost efficiency.”

Hart Door System’s wind-resistant, high-speed, industrial rolling door, Speedor Storm, is ready for business be it a factory, warehouse, storage facility or any kind of plant operation that has one or more large external openings which must be opened frequently for people and traffic.

With wind resistance available up to ‘wind class 5’, as defined by DIN EN 12424, in the closed position this high-speed door is ready for openings to a maximum 8 metres width or height subject to 48 square metres. This ability to withstand substantial wind pressure means major entrances open/close automatically so avoiding a less than optimal working environment and the escape of heated air.

Speedor Storm is designed specifically to help with several areas of business notably productivity, improving environment in which to work, delivering maintenance of temperature and environment by door preventing penetration by wind born debris.

Made at Hart’s Newcastle factory, from where its teams of engineers are available throughout the UK for installation and reliable servicing and maintenance thereafter.

The benefits of Speedor Storm come from its unique guide system in combination with other carefully designed features. Further Speedor Storm’s strength and wind resistance comes from its multi-layer PVC and textile, both long-lasting and tear-resistant and its inbuilt horizontal curtain braces and no external cumbersome and noisy external wind bars.

There is a colour choice as well as ‘a with or without vision panel ’ which combine to deliver a good appearance, operational effectiveness and a performance product.

Safety features include a state of the art safety light curtain, anti-fall protection and sensors to activate the door. There is a range of operating methods that include hands free, floor loops, radar, photo beam, radio operation, movement sensors, handheld or vehicle-mounted radio transmitters,  or simple push button and pull cords.

The automatic operation can be set to include or exclude pedestrians as desired. If warning lights or klaxons are required, these can be incorporated in a complete door system and control panel which are designed for any conceivable need including integration into a Building Management System if necessary. This is delivered via its unique guide system in combination with other carefully designed features.

Little wonder Speedor Storms are so highly regarded.

www.hartdoors.com

Through its Skelmersdale lab, Element’s new NRTL designation removes the need for multi-site testing and U.S. hand-offs, accelerating time-to-market for manufacturers targeting the U.S.

Element, one of the world’s leading providers of laboratory-based testing, inspection and certification services, today announced a major milestone in its global certification capability. Its Skelmersdale, UK, laboratory has been officially recognised by the United States government as a Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL) for Hazardous Locations. This recognition, a first for the UK, authorises Element Skelmersdale to conduct testing and issue NRTL certification for manufacturers seeking access to the U.S. market.

Representing a significant step forward for Element and its customers worldwide, this latest achievement strengthens the company’s ability to support manufacturers of equipment used in explosive and hazardous environments with faster, more streamlined access to critical U.S. certifications.

With this designation, Element Skelmersdale becomes the first and only UK‑based NRTL authorised to issue U.S. certification for hazardous locations directly from within the UK. It is also the first and only UK‑based NRTL able to carry out evaluation, testing, and certification for hazardous locations in a single location, removing the multi‑site process that is typically required across the industry. As a result, manufacturers benefit from a dramatically simplified certification pathway and accelerated routes to market for hazardous‑location products.

Element’s new NRTL status delivers clear and tangible benefits for customers. The laboratory now has full control of the certification process, enabling Element to issue NRTL certification independently without reliance on third‑party certification bodies in the United States. Certification can be issued directly from the UK, significantly reducing turnaround times by eliminating the need to transfer reports overseas for final approval. Greater efficiency and reduced dependency on external laboratories also support improved cost management for manufacturers.

Commenting on the achievement, Fabian Schober, SVP of Element’s Connected Technology & Mobility (CT&M) business unit, said: “Achievements like this underline our long‑term commitment to investing in capabilities that deliver real value for our customers. This recognition reflects the dedication, expertise, and collaboration of teams across our business and within our Skelmersdale laboratory.  I want to sincerely thank everyone who contributed.”

Further details on the designation are available via the official announcement in the U.S. Federal Register here.

Engineered for industrial power and quiet efficiency, the Heavy Duty Dry Vac™ System delivers fast, high‑volume dry material cleanup—moving more in less time than ordinary vacuums. Its expanded drum capacity reduces changeouts, keeping productivity high while its wear‑resistant, no‑motor design tackles abrasive materials like steel shot, garnet, metal chips, and sand with ease, yet remains versatile enough for everyday cleanup tasks.

Powered entirely by compressed air, it mounts to any 30, 55, or 110‑gallon open‑top drum and operates at an impressively low 82 dBA, bringing powerful performance without the noise. A high‑efficiency filter bag captures fine dust to maintain clean air, and with no motors or impellers to clog or fail, reliability comes built‑in—reinforced by a five‑year warranty.Each system arrives ready to work, complete with a lever‑lock drum lid, shutoff valve, reusable filter bag, static‑resistant hose, hanger, compressed air hose with swivel fittings, pressure gauge, and heavy‑duty aluminum chip wand. Deluxe Systems add a drum dolly, robust tools, and a tool holder, while Premium Systems include a full 30, 55, or 110‑gallon drum for maximum convenience.EXAIR is offering a special right now on all their Industrial Housekeeping Vacuums. Learn more at https://exair.co/190-vacpromo

As connected safety technologies continue to reshape how organisations manage risk, MSA Safety is broadening its portfolio with new innovations designed to give safety managers clearer visibility and greater control. One of the most significant additions is the ALTAIR io™ 6 Multigas Detector, which brings real-time data from a pumped multigas detector into the connected safety ecosystem for the first time. Here, Anthony Bafile, Global Senior Product Line Manager for MSA Safety's portable detection devices, gives us the latest insights…

How does MSA Safety’s work align with the current direction of industrial safety?

MSA is a mission-driven company with a single focus: helping to keep people safe at work. Everything we develop - whether it's connected gas detectors, head protection, fall protection or software - is designed to support that mission. The broader industry themes we’re seeing today around connected safety, digitisation, worker accountability and proactive risk prevention all align strongly with where MSA is heading and how our solutions are built.

What is the ALTAIR io 6, and why is it significant for safety professionals?

The ALTAIR io 6 is our newest portable multigas detector and the latest extension of the MSA Connected Work Platform. It’s a six-gas detector designed for confined space sampling, leak detection and general pumped applications where a pump is required - while also being small enough to wear as a personal monitor.

What makes the ALTAIR io 6 particularly significant is that it’s the first MSA pumped detector with built-in, out-of-the-box cellular connectivity. This means real-time data from pumped sampling applications becomes accessible through our MSA Grid cloud platform - something the market has been asking for.

It also uses our proven XCell® sensors, has a large high-visibility screen, a removable rechargeable external battery, and an interface that mirrors the ALTAIR io™ 4. That consistency makes training easier and speeds up adoption for safety teams.

How does the ALTAIR io 6 fit into the MSA Connected Work Platform?

The ALTAIR io 6 joins the ALTAIR io 4 on the Connected Work Platform. While the ALTAIR io 4 is primarily a personal, continuous monitoring device, the ALTAIR io 6 is designed for confined-space sampling, leak and spill detection, and emergency response- and is still small enough to wear as a personal monitor.

Both detectors share the same technology, user interface, and MSA Grid software, making it easy for safety managers to integrate them into a single fleet.

Together, they create a powerful Connected Work experience: MSA Grid delivers real-time device location and alerts, along with instant access to data from individual units or an entire fleet.

The devices are complementary, so you don’t need to have an ALTAIR io 4 to have an ALTAIR io 6 and vice versa. 

How does MSA define connected PPE, and what benefits does it bring to workers and safety leaders?

We look at connected PPE as solutions that can be relied on to provide data and insights to help improve worker and worksite safety. This can include facilitating adequate maintenance programs, keeping inspections and records up-to-date, and identifying issues before they pose a risk to workplace safety.

For workers in the field, it can be about having the ability to take action when seconds count. With connected devices, like wearable gas detectors, for a worker to be able to alert a crew on a worksite, or alert a safety supervisor onsite or offsite, to a potential danger within seconds, that’s a huge benefit. We see it as a way to empower organisations to leverage connected technology to help keep their workers and worksites safe.

What operational challenges do customers face when adopting connected detection, and how does the ALTAIR io 6 address them?

We’re happy to see that in today’s market, more and more companies are leveraging data to drive safety and operational decisions. But, there are those still trying to figure out how to implement and make a connected safety program work for them. That’s why we believe it’s important to meet customers where they are, whether it’s introducing a few connected devices and showing how the data can be impactful for their worksite or bringing in an entire fleet of connected devices and start generating reports from day one.

Otherwise, we hear a lot about the difficulty of accessing data easily in real time, especially with pumped gas detection. That is why the ALTAIR io 6 will hold a unique place in the detection market. By being a robust gas detector and having an integrated pump, and automatic cellular connectivity and integration with MSA Grid software all in one handheld device, it can ultimately help to address the real-time data challenge customers are facing.

How does MSA Safety balance the complexity of connected features with the need for reliability and ease of use in demanding environments?

We see connectivity as transforming hardware from traditional PPE to a technology-based, future-forward safety solution. For connected devices to have the impact and to provide the protection workers are expecting, the network is an important component to the device. The most advanced wearables feature built-in cellular connectivity and deploy right out of the box in seconds, which is what happens with the ALTAIR io 4 and will happen with the ALTAIR io 6. There is no waiting, and no IT required, making for a better ease of use experience.

For years, we’ve taken pride in setting the standard for ruggedness and durability with our portable detectors. These devices can go into some of the harshest environments, and that’s why our engineers test our instruments to the extremes. From cold environments, hot environments, humidity, dropping from heights, tumble tests, spraying and splashing, they go through all the rigorous tests that every MSA portable gas detector goes through. 

Which sectors are showing the strongest demand for connected PPE?

We’re seeing strong demand across construction, manufacturing, utilities, oil and gas and increasingly within the fire service. These sectors value real-time visibility, automatic data uploads, digital device assignment, improved accountability and simplified fleet maintenance.

One feature customers particularly appreciate is MSA ID tags. These support digital assignment, allowing safety managers to instantly see who is using what device and where it’s located. With the ALTAIR io 6 now able to upload pumped readings in real time, accountability and oversight become even stronger.

Customers also like the ability to identify maintenance needs - overdue bump tests, calibration requirements, sensor replacements - without downtime or manual checking.

Is MSA applying AI or data analytics to help organisations make better safety decisions?

We’re actively exploring how AI and advanced analytics can elevate safety programmes. There's huge potential in using the data already captured in MSA Grid to identify patterns, behaviours and opportunities for improved training or prevention.

For example, AI could help things like spotting recurring alarm trends, identifying improper device use and optimising fleet deployment. The focus is always on thoughtful, responsible innovation - making sure any use of AI truly supports worker protection.

Closing thoughts

The ALTAIR io 6 represents an important step forward in the evolution of connected detection. By combining robust pumped monitoring with instant cellular connectivity, a unified ecosystem and real-time insight, it gives organisations a new level of visibility and confidence in their safety programmes.

Success is not only the technology behind the ALTAIR io 6 but the broader shift toward proactive, connected, data-driven safety. As industries continue to evolve, tools like the ALTAIR io 6 are poised to play a crucial role in helping organisations protect their workers more effectively and with greater situational awareness.

www.msasafety.com

Ahead of Oceanology International 2026, Caroline Douglass from the Environment Agency previews a significant keynote speech which addresses the current challenges in coastal resilience and flood defence for the conference track ‘COASTAL RESILIENCE AND DEFENCE’ in the COAST Theatre

By Caroline Douglass, Executive Director of Flood and Coastal Risk Management, Environment Agency
 Australia is a country known for its golden sands and rolling surf and as an Australian I know first-hand how beloved the beaches and coasts are. 

Although the sun doesn’t shine so frequently, England’s coastline is equally valued. It is home to thriving communities, beautiful landscapes and vital infrastructure.

Our beaches and shorelines provide a variety of benefits and opportunities including tourism and recreation throughout the year. They also provide an important habitat for birds, other animals and plant species.

Our coast is changing

Coastlines naturally change over time, but rising sea levels and more frequent storms are accelerating erosion. In some parts of the east coast, erosion rates can be up to 4 metres per year.

During the early part of 2026 we have already seen accelerated erosion in East Suffolk due to Storm Goretti. Sadly, this required the demolition of several homes at Thorpeness.

Around 3,500 homes could be at risk of erosion by 2055 with today’s coastal defences in place. By 2100, nearly 20,000 properties may face erosion risk.

Protecting our coastal communities

Coastal defence projects receive funding in areas where they will deliver the most benefit and value for money. Where we deliver these projects, they often realise wider benefits such as enhanced biodiversity and improved public spaces. The Southsea Coastal project is one such example, where the defences have enhanced historic monuments, created safe and attractive public spaces whilst protecting more than 10,000 residential properties.

This cannot be achieved on all of England’s coastline. Whilst we are unable to protect every home from the effects of coastal erosion, our work to significantly improve National Coastal Erosion Risk Mapping (NCERM) data enables coastal authorities to plan for the future and inform communities.   

Each section of our coast has a Shoreline Management Plan which set out approaches and actions. In parts of the coast that cannot be defended we are supporting local authorities and communities through the Coastal Transition Accelerator Programme (CTAP) which helps them to adapt and transition away from areas as risk.

The future of our coast

As we adapt to a changing climate, we need to work in partnership with others and a collaborative approach is needed to manage our coastline and protect communities and habitats.

I am pleased to see numerous examples of where this is working well across England including at the Cockett Wick seawall improvement scheme, which opened on the vulnerable Essex coastline in 2025.  The key objective of the project was to provide an adaptive approach to meeting challenges from climate change. The new wall is designed to account for sea-level rise and climate change; it can be raised again in 50 years if required.

Our next 3 year Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management Programme begins in April 2026, with areas across England benefitting from £4.2bn of Government investment. Alongside this, the Coastal Adaptation Pilots scheme will be supported by up to £30 million of government funding over the same period.

I am confident that delivery of the programme will assist in protecting these valuable and unique areas and will ensure that these coastal areas can continue to be enjoyed and contribute a range of multiple benefits to local communities for years to come.

Environment Agency at Oi26

Rachael Hill MBE, Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Strategy Manager, Environment Agency, will deliver a keynote presentation ‘Addressing the current challenges in coastal resilience and flood defence’ for the Oi26 conference track COASTAL RESILIENCE AND DEFENCE in the COAST Theatre on Wednesday 11^th March at from 11am to 12.30pm.

With a new COAST exhibition focus and conference track for 2026, the largest ever Oi takes place from 10th to 12th March at Excel London, hosting over 450+ exhibiting companies from over 30 countries.

Oceanology International 2026 visitor registration is open via the Oi26 website.

in recognition of International Women’s Day, Thorne & Derrick International is highlighting the growing contribution of women across its business and reaffirming its commitment to developing talent within traditionally male-dominated sectors. Women now represent 40% of the company’s workforce, with their work going beyond product supply, supporting engineered, certified solutions for customers operating in hazardous and high-voltage environments where failure isn’t an option, contributing to decision-making, and delivering steadfast outcomes on critical infrastructure projects.

The organisation’s focus on investing in people is reflected through hands-on development opportunities, mentorship, and support for professionals at different career stages — from apprentices building technical knowledge to experienced employees strengthening credibility in customer-facing roles and individuals returning to work after career breaks.

Chloe Johnston, the company’s first female Apprentice Sales Engineer, is CompEx F trained, bringing safety-critical competence into customer-facing technical decisions. Having progressed into a Sales Engineer role Chloe celebrates three years with the business in July and now mentors apprentice Elisa Thompson, supporting the next generation entering the industry.

Laura McCabe transitioned from an administrative role into engineering sales, completing her CompEx F training to become the organisation’s first female Sales Engineer and reaches ten years of service this year. Her experience reflects industry progress alongside ongoing challenges, including PPE historically not designed with women in mind and assumptions sometimes encountered on site, reinforcing the importance of continued awareness and inclusion.

Sarah Henderson joined the organisation seven years ago following a decade-long career break raising children. Through technical development and support, she built expertise and confidence in her role and believes diverse perspectives strengthen both problem-solving and customer engagement.

As part of ongoing development, Sarah and Chloe are scheduled to complete Nexans high-voltage tooling training in March, strengthening their capability to support complex HV projects.

Together, these professionals represent a growing presence of women in heavy industrial sectors underpinning critical infrastructure. Their work supports projects where reliable heating, lighting, and power are non-negotiable — particularly in hazardous and high-voltage environments — demonstrating the value of inclusive talent in delivering resilient outcomes.

This International Women’s Day, Thorne & Derrick International truly demonstrates this year’s ‘Give To Gain’ theme in practice: giving people training and exposure to produce stronger capability and more reliable outcomes for customers.

The campaign highlights the scale of the problem and the fact that most cases are avoidable. Work-related skin disease can lead to pain, discomfort and time away from work and in serious cases, people may be forced to change jobs. It also results in millions of pounds in compensation and costs industry millions more in absence and retraining.

Dermatitis accounts for more than 70 percent of work-related skin disease cases. Hands are most at risk, although other parts of the body can also be affected.

The updated campaign guide sets out clear advice for employers and employees. It explains how to recognise early signs of dermatitis, including redness, swelling, cracking, itching and blistering of the skin. It also outlines legal duties under COSHH and other health and safety regulations, reminding employers that hazardous substances must be assessed and controlled before work begins.

A central message of the campaign is the need to reduce skin contact with hazardous substances and wet work. The guide promotes the principle of Safe Working Distance, encouraging businesses to avoid skin contact where possible, substitute harmful substances, introduce engineering controls and improve working practices before relying on personal protective equipment.

Where protective gloves and clothing are needed, the campaign stresses that selection must match the task, the substance and the wearer. An “any gloves will do” approach can increase the risk of dermatitis rather than reduce it.

The guidance also covers the importance of skin care recommending suitable pre-work creams, mild skin cleansers and after-work moisturisers to help maintain the skin’s natural barrier Regular skin checks are encouraged to support early detection and prevent more serious cases developing.

Outdoor workers are reminded of the risk of skin cancer from long-term exposure to the sun. The campaign advises the use of shade, protective clothing and a minimum SPF 30 sunscreen to protect exposed skin.

Commenting on the launch, John Hooker, Chief Executive Officer of the BSIF said: “It’s in your hands builds on the strong foundations laid by the original campaign and the progress made across industry over the past two decades. We have seen encouraging signs that awareness and reporting have improved, but work-related skin disease remains far too common.

“Skin health should not be treated as an afterthought or only discussed when something goes wrong. It needs to be part of everyday health and safety management. Simple measures such as proper risk assessment, selecting the right gloves, reducing direct contact with harmful substances and encouraging early reporting can prevent long-term harm.

“This refreshed campaign is a reminder that prevention is practical and achievable. Employers and workers both have a role to play. By making skin protection routine, we can reduce avoidable illness, cut costs for business and protect people’s livelihoods.”

The updated guide includes sector-specific advice for industries ranging from manufacturing and construction to food service and personal care. It urges organisations of all sizes to share the campaign materials, review their risk assessments and make sure workers have access to suitable washing facilities, protective equipment and skin care products. 

BSIF is encouraging businesses across the UK to download and use the refreshed materials and to make prevention of skin disease a routine part of workplace health management. Visit: https://bsif.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Its-in-your-hands.pdf

Filtermist Limited will be showcasing three brand-new products on stand 418 in Hall 19 at MACH from 20th-24th April – all designed to help UK manufacturers ensure the air in their production facilities is clean and safe to breathe.

Graeme Bell, Filtermist’s Global Commercial Director, elaborates, “As part of the global Absolent Air Care Group, Filtermist has access to an ever-expanding product portfolio which is continually evolving. We are widely known for our UK manufactured oil mist filters and aftermarket services, but we also manufacture Dustcheck and Kerstar branded dust collectors, process filters and industrial vacuum cleaners, and we distribute and support industrial filtration products from our sister company Absolent AB.

“Everything we do focuses on clean workplace air – our customers in the UK and around the world count on us to ensure their people are protected from exposure to harmful airborne particles, and their bottom line is healthy.

“Our global product development team is constantly listening to customers to establish what will add the most value to their operations – reducing energy consumption, utilising smaller footprints and offering higher filtration performance at a lower cost are all key topics which our latest products help to tackle.”

F Save – energy saving for Filtermist oil mist filters

The first new product, F Save, has been developed to reduce energy consumption on Filtermist’s centrifugal oil mist filters. Filtermist MD, René Joppi elaborates; “Our research and our customers’ feedback showed that some machines are only operational for around 30% of the working day. If the Filtermist unit is kept running the whole time the machine is switched on, whether it’s needed or not, this means energy is being used unnecessarily. Not only does this waste valuable resources and contribute to the customer’s carbon footprint, it also costs money!

“We’ve developed a smart system that involves attaching a sensor to the machine’s coolant pump which sends a signal to the F Save ‘Hub’. The Hub then switches the Filtermist unit off if the pump isn’t running. Our data shows that with this new smart system customers can reduce their energy usage by up to 70%! In these cases, payback can be achieved in as little as just over three months.

“F Save does not require any electrical interfacing with the machine tool which makes it extremely simple to set up. It also prevents machine operators from accidentally overriding the mist extraction, meaning people are always protected from exposure to harmful airborne oil mist particles.”

AW oil mist filters

Filtermist will also be introducing a brand-new oil mist filter developed in conjunction with Absolent AB. The new ‘AW’ units have been specifically designed to effectively capture large volumes of submicron particles generated in applications that use neat oil.

“The AW series combines over 80 years of oil mist filtration expertise from Absolent and Filtermist, packaged in a compact, lightweight, energy efficient, plug and play unit which is designed to be machine-mounted,” comments Graeme. “This is a very interesting addition to the Group’s product offering, and we are excited to be showing it to a UK audience for the first time on our MACH stand.”

AD dust and fume extraction units

The third new product on show will be an AD dust and fume extraction unit from Absolent AB. Initially launched last year, the AD range is being extended to offer ATEX rated options for use in potentially explosive atmospheres which must comply with DSEAR requirements.

The AD range maximises ‘True Downflow’ technology to provide dust extraction units which are compact, easy to maintain, and deliver optimised filtration density. Designed using input from hundreds of real customer use cases, the AD range provides a truly modular, fully ‘customer centric’ product line that is now available to UK manufacturers that undertake abrasive metal processes including welding, laser cutting, grinding and many more.

True Downflow combines vertical filter elements with a top to bottom air flow. This unique combination optimises the effect of gravity and ensures that the dust coming out of the filter elements during pulse jet cleaning is forced down to the disposal solution in the hopper.

Another unique aspect of the new range is the ’CleanChange™’ filter change clamping mechanism. The filter elements are linked together and, as the operator pulls the first element out, the next one is pulled to the front. No tool is needed, and engineers do not have to enter the dust filled unit to replace blinded filter cartridges.

This latest addition marks a pivotal moment in the Absolent Air Care Group’s product portfolio, as Graeme explains, “Dust extraction markets offer huge growth potential for our global businesses. AD units can be used on a huge range of fume and dust extraction applications and we’re very excited to be showing one in the UK for the first time.”

Visit www.filtermist.co.uk to find out more about all of the products and services Filtermist offers to UK customers.

The  speed with which the global maritime industry is adopting AI technology to optimise operations, recruitment and maintenance is leaving the sector open to a swift, autonomous cyber-attack that is almost impossible to detect before it’s too late.

New data shows that up to 60% of all newly disclosed software vulnerabilities on ship, onshore and offshore are being weaponised within 48 hours as hackers also begin to use AI to accelerate attacks.

In 2018, the average time from new software vulnerabilities being published to an actual  attack was 63 days; by 2024, it had fallen to five days. Today, AI-driven tools have reduced the hacking window to less than 48 hours, with many systems being targeted within just 15 minutes of a system flaw being detected.

Tetsuji Madarame, a distinguished maritime and logistics expert and former Head of Digital Transformation and Innovation at NYK Line, says that as AI moves rapidly from a generative to agentic and physical model, expanding capabilities into autonomous navigation and optimal fleet operations, “protecting AI-related assets must be a top priority.”

Findings from a Cydome security research paper published this week indicates that  87% of organisations now view AI-related vulnerabilities as the fastest-growing risk, highlighting a dangerous collapse in the traditional security response window. While the technology streamlines operations, it also enables the nefarious to carry out “flawless deception”.

Theofano Somaripa, Group CIO with dry bulk operator Newport S.A, says that cyber-attacks in 2026 will be defined by a “shift in focus from digitalisation to the radical restructuring of business models through AI”.

The report notes that 83% of phishing emails already use AI to target multi-national crews in their native language, and in a way that instantly establishes trust. This has led to a 1600% surge in voice phishing (vishing), where AI clones the speech pattern  of C-suite executives to authorise fraudulent transactions.

In a one incident, this type of AI-based skullduggery was used to fleece a European energy major out of US$25 million, when attackers used a deepfake audio clone of the company's CFO to instruct staff to carry out an urgent wire transfer. The voice was so precise in tone, dialect and cadence that the money was gone in a flash.

In a different incident, a US$200,000 crew compensation payment was diverted using an AI-based email interceptor to a criminal’s own account rather than to the family of the deceased seafarer.

And further illustrative of the 195% increase in AI-driven identity fraud, a firm unknowingly hired an operative who used an AI-enhanced photograph and a stolen identity to pass four separate video interviews. Bypassing standard captcha-style verification processes, the fraudster used a "laptop farm" to mask their true location while attempting to infiltrate the company's internal servers.

This mirrors a broader identity crisis where 82 autonomous AI agents now operate on the internet for every one human identity.

Shipping companies are deploying AI faster than they are defining cyber accountability," warns Katerina Raptaki, IT Manager at Greek shipping company Navios, in the report. "In 2026, the question after an incident won't be was the AI wrong?' but why was it trusted?”

Data suggests that system trust is also being eroded with the proliferation of edge network devices, such as routers, firewalls, and VPNs. According to Cydome this “digital gateway” was routinely exploited, with attacks increasing in 2025 by 800%, of which 20% targeted firewalls and VPNs directly.

The report reveals that it was in fact the wiping of “the network edge” that allowed Lab Dookhtegan hacktivists to disconnect a fleet of 116 tankers from the internet and the outside world.

By compromising the infrastructure of the connectivity provider, VSAT partitions on the ships hard drive were completely wiped. This resulted in a total loss of connectivity, substantial operational and safety risks, and compliance and legal issues. Hackers seized control of all ship-to-shore VOIP services.

“In 2026, the most significant cybersecurity risk will come from inside the perimeter,” says Øystein Brekke-Sanderud, Head of Maritime OT/ICS Security at NORMA Cyber. “As organisations become more digitally integrated, insider risk, whether malicious, compromised, or accidental,  will be one of the hardest challenges to detect and manage. Resilience will increasingly depend on how well we detect subtle signals early, not just how well we defend the edge."

Panagiotis Anastasiou, Cyber Security Strategy Leader with Bureau Veritas Marine & Offshore furthers: “Attacks are inevitable and, as an incidents analysis indicates, are becoming more sophisticated; the differentiator will be how quickly and safely a shipping company can detect, respond, and continue operations.”

The full report is available at https://cydome.io/cydome-maritime-trends-report-2026/