Rakuten Group Inc.

04/03/2025 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 04/02/2025 20:27

Rakuten Maritime Receives Innovation Endorsement from ClassNK, a Japan-based Leader in Maritime Classification and Certification

April 3, 2025
  • Rakuten Symphony, Inc.

Rakuten Maritime Receives Innovation Endorsement from ClassNK, a Japan-based Leader in Maritime Classification and Certification

Tokyo, April 3, 2025 - Rakuten Symphony today announced that, alongside its partner company CYTUR, it has obtained an Innovation Endorsement for Products & Solutions from ClassNK, a Japan-based leader in maritime certifications, for its maritime cybersecurity service Rakuten Maritime.

Ryan Son (center), President of Rakuten Symphony's Internet Services Business Unit, receiving Rakuten Maritime's Innovation Endorsement for Products & Solutions certification from ClassNK at Sea Asia Singapore.

Launched in December 2024, Rakuten Maritime provides comprehensive cybersecurity solutions that safeguard vessels across their entire lifecycle. Rakuten Symphony partnered with CYTUR, a South Korean cybersecurity startup, to develop Rakuten Maritime.

The endorsements were awarded to CYTUR TM and CYTUR SC-P, two key components of Rakuten Maritime. CYTUR TM is software that analyzes and visualizes cyber threats to ocean-going vessels through threat-modeling techniques during the design phase. CYTUR SC-P is a combination of hardware and software that identifies and classifies equipment automatically by scanning onboard network systems.

ClassNK supports the deployment of products and services by providing this third-party certification for equipment and software technology with innovative functions. This certification also signifies recognition of Rakuten Maritime's cybersecurity technology within the international shipping and shipbuilding industries.

This certification holds even greater significance as the International Association of Classification Societies (IACS) has enforced cyber resilience requirements for shipbuilding contracts signed after July 2024. Rakuten Maritime continues to enhance its cybersecurity capabilities through ongoing research and development.

Ryan Son, President of Rakuten Symphony's Internet Services Business Unit, who oversees Rakuten Maritime, commented, "As demonstrated by recent cyberattacks on global shipping companies, cyber threats targeting the maritime industry are increasing both in frequency and sophistication. With this ClassNK Innovation Endorsement, Rakuten Maritime is better positioned than ever to drive innovation in smart ship development and maritime cybersecurity."

Naoki Saito, General Manager of Management Systems and Maritime Training Certification Department of ClassNK, commented, "As the digital transformation of the maritime industry accelerates, the importance of cybersecurity continues to grow. ClassNK is committed to supporting the advancement of maritime cybersecurity technologies, and innovative solutions like Rakuten Maritime play a crucial role in improving safety and reliability across the global maritime industry."

Established in 1899, ClassNK is a leading classification society dedicated to safety and environmental protection through third-party certification. ClassNK conducts diverse technical services including surveys and classifications of ships and marine structures based on its own rules, international conventions, ISO-based management system certifications, and other industry standards. For more details see ClassNK's official site.

Moving forward, Rakuten Maritime will continue to develop technology based on international regulations, while actively supporting the digital transformation of the maritime industry. Through these efforts, the company aims to establish safer and more efficient vessel operations while leading the way in setting new global cybersecurity standards for the maritime sector.

About Rakuten Symphony
Rakuten Symphony is reimagining telecom, changing supply chain norms and disrupting outmoded thinking that threatens the industry's pursuit of rapid innovation and growth. Based on proven modern infrastructure practices, its open interface platforms make it possible to launch and operate advanced mobile services in a fraction of the time and cost of conventional approaches, with no compromise to network quality or security. Rakuten Symphony has operations in Japan, the United States, Singapore, South Korea, India, Europe and the Middle East Africa region. For more information, visit: https://symphony.rakuten.com