The new research partnership aims to help the industry move beyond fragmented approaches to digitalisation.

Lloyd’s Register has entered a research collaboration with connectivity and cyber security specialist Marlink to examine how the maritime industry can better manage the growing complexity of digital systems on board ships.

The partnership sees Marlink join LR’s Digital Transformation Research Programme and will focus on practical challenges linked to connectivity, cyber security and the integration of digital systems as vessels become more data‑driven and increasingly connected.

Initial research will concentrate on cyber security and connectivity, identified by LR as critical enablers of digital adoption across the sector. The work will explore how responsibilities are shared between shipowners, system integrators and class, and how those roles are evolving as regulatory expectations and operational models change.

The research will also draw on real‑world experience from a leading shipowner engaged in a newbuilding programme, ensuring the findings reflect how digital requirements are being specified, implemented and managed in practice, from design and construction through to vessel operation and recycling.

The collaboration builds on insights from LR’s Digital Maturity Index (DMI), an initiative designed to assess the industry’s progress in digital adoption and now with assessments from over 50 shipping companies. Findings to date show that connectivity and cyber security are among the more mature areas of digital development, while also highlighting significant gaps between ambition and execution.

Mark Warner, Client Marketing Director at Lloyd’s Register, said: “The initial findings from our Digital Maturity Index highlight that cyber security and connectivity are gaining ground, supporting maritime’s digital journey, yet their full potential is still untapped. Marlink, with its extensive experience in maritime communication and cybersecurity, is an ideal partner to support our research programme and build on the findings of the Digital Maturity Index. By working together, we can deliver valuable insights that help shipowners and operators navigate the complexities of digital transformation more effectively and securely.”

Tore Morten Olsen, President, Maritime at Marlink, said: “As vessels become increasingly software-defined and connected, the maritime industry faces growing challenges across often highly fragmented digital ecosystems. Through this collaboration with Lloyd’s Register, Marlink brings decades of practical insight from managing complex maritime IT, network, and cyber environments at scale. Together, we aim to help the industry move towards a more integrated, resilient, and operationally effective approach to maritime digitalisation.”