The Norwegian Marlink Group is once again announcing the completion of the expansion of its cyber security portfolio: the Dutch company Port-IT is being acquired.
Marlink is acquiring 100% of the shares in the Rhoon-based company, as has now been announced. Port-IT brings “the unique combination of a state-of-the-art portfolio of cyber security solutions with many years of experience in the maritime industry”, according to the statement. The acquisition follows the acquisition of Diverto, which also recently joined the Marlink Group, and complements its capabilities in cyber security and managed services.
Thanks to its location, Port-IT has good connections to the major ports of Amsterdam, Rotterdam and Antwerp. The company offers its customer base of 7,000 ships 24/7 support from its Security Operations Centres (SOCs) in Rhoon and Bangkok.
The Marlink Group says it aims to deepen its partnership with the maritime industry, which is increasingly focused on cyber security as threats continue to grow and governance moves from voluntary and industry-specific schemes to mandatory global and regional rules.
Marlink establishes new unit
By combining the capabilities of Port-IT, Diverto and its own cyber security activities, it will create a dedicated cyber security unit comprising 130 experts with recognised cyber security certifications and years of experience in the shipping, energy, humanitarian aid and critical infrastructure sectors, as well as four Security Operations Centres (SOCs) in Europe, Asia and the Americas.
“We welcome Port-IT and its employees as the demand for expertise and resources to meet the increasing IT and OT cyber security needs of our global customer base is growing rapidly. The acquisition of Port-IT fits perfectly with our ambition to distinguish ourselves as a trusted cybersecurity partner for customers in remote locations,” said Erik Ceuppens, CEO of Marlink Group.
“Joining Marlink Group is a great opportunity for Port-IT’s customers to benefit from the scale and strength of an industry leader with strong expertise in managed ICT services in the global shipping markets,” said Youri Hart, CEO of Port-IT. “The experience and skills we bring to the company will help shipowners navigate an increasingly challenging cyber security landscape.
