Dutch Seaports and FERM Launch National Cybersecurity Platform

On 10 December, 2024, a significant step forward in enhancing cybersecurity within the Dutch maritime sector was taken with the establishment of a national cybersecurity platform for the Dutch seaports. The FERM Foundation, which has been active in the ports of Rotterdam and Moerdijk, will be transformed into this national platform, covering all Dutch seaports united within the Dutch Port Organization (BOZ). This initiative is the result of a collaboration between BOZ, the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management (I&W), and the National Coordinator for Security and Counterterrorism (NCTV), aimed at addressing the growing digital risks to the logistics operations at the Dutch ports.

Dutch seaports unite against cyber threats

The digital threat to ports is growing every day. Cyber incidents impact the entire logistics chain due to the close connections of the various stakeholders. To better withstand these risks, port authorities under the Dutch Port Organization (BOZ), including Groningen Seaports, North Sea Port, Port of Rotterdam, Port of Moerdijk, and Port of Amsterdam, are joining forces with businesses in their regions to make the port ecosystem more digitally resilient. In order to achieve this, the activities of FERM will be expanded and extended to other Dutch seaports.

Boudewijn Siemons, Chairman of BOZ and CEO of the Port of Rotterdam: "Cybersecurity is crucial to the continuity and safety of our ports. As digital threats become more sophisticated, we must act proactively and collaboratively to protect our infrastructure and operations. Only by working together we can strengthen the resilience of our ports and prepare for future challenges. It's great that the seaports have come together on this issue and that we all recognize its immense importance."

A joint and national approach

In the coming months, Evelien Bras, the current director of FERM, will hand over the reins to Marijn van Schoote as of 1 January, 2025. Marijn is currently the CISO (Chief Information Security Officer) at Havenbedrijf Rotterdam. Van Schoote will lead the national cyber collaboration between the Dutch seaports. FERM will play a central role in enhancing the cyber resilience of the Dutch ports by facilitating the exchange of threat intelligence, sharing knowledge, and providing vital training for companies within the port ecosystem.

For more information (in Dutch) click here.