Janus Assurance Re launches new marine cyber insurance programme

Janus Assurance Re, a specialty insurer offering reinsurance solutions, has launched its Marine Cyber Insurance programme, a specialty risk transfer solution for shipowners, vessel managers, charterers, terminal operators, and maritime logistics firms.

According to the insurer, the launch responds to converging governance signals across the maritime sector.

Additionally, the programme aims to address the growing exposure created by cyber threats to the integrated operational and information technology systems that modern vessels and port infrastructure depend on.

The launch also corresponds with the International Maritime Organisation’s updated cyber risk management guidance, the International Association of Classification Societies’ advanced Unified Requirements UR E26 and UR E27 for newbuild cyber resilience, and the U.S. Coast Guard’s final rule establishing minimum cybersecurity requirements for the Marine Transportation System.

The programme combines first-party protection, including incident response costs, business interruption, and dependent business interruption for critical vendors and an independent third-party liability coverage part for claims tied to operational disruption, cargo handling, and contractual cybersecurity obligations.

The insurer explained that coverage is designed with explicit cyber language and coordinated endorsements to complement traditional hull, cargo, and liability placements.

Meanwhile, the underwriting is anchored in the NIST Cybersecurity Framework 2.0 and the Guidelines on Cyber Security Onboard Ships, evaluating asset inventories, network segmentation, remote access controls, and incident response readiness.

The programme also emphasises pre-loss risk engineering and rapid post-loss response coordination to reduce downtime and prevent secondary safety events.

C. Constantin Poindexter of Janus Assurance Re commented, “This is not a generic cyber policy applied to a vessel. It is structured to align with maritime operations, regulatory expectations, and the unique causation patterns that arise when cyber incidents affect safety-critical systems and ship-port interfaces. Given what we are observing in the Middle East and the effectiveness of offensive cyber operations, I think that this specialty product is timely and relevant.”