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LNG Tanker Carrying US Cargo To Europe Turns Back After Crew Reports Suspected Cyberattack
Marine Insight • • business
Key Points:
- The LNG tanker Vivit Africa, carrying U.S. natural gas to Europe, experienced a systems failure suspected to be caused by a cyberattack while approaching Italy, disrupting its voyage and preventing cargo unloading.
- The vessel, owned by a South Korean company and leased by Vitol Group, was assisted by the Italian Coast Guard and later redirected to Algeciras, Spain, as investigations into the incident continue.
- The malfunction affected internal control systems used to monitor cargo parameters, with no confirmed cause or responsible party identified, and technical experts are involved in resolving the issue.
- The incident occurs amid heightened U.S. monitoring of nearly 20 ships for cyber threats and follows recent cyber-related security actions involving other oil and gas tankers off the U.S. coast.
- Equipment suppliers like Kongsberg Maritime are aware of the situation but have not yet determined the cause or security implications of the malfunction.
