Classification society DNV is to acquire Amsterdam-based industrial cyber security specialist company Applied Risk.
DNV said the two companies aim to build the world's largest industrial cyber security practice to defend critical infrastructure against emergent cyber threats.
No price has been disclosed for the acquisition.
DNV said the cyber threat to maritime is growing. It said there had been a 400% increase in attempted cyber attacks reported in the sector between February and June 2020.
"Maritime assets are now at higher risk of new forms of cyber attacks, as their control systems become increasingly connected. Life, property and the environment are at stake," said DNV chief executive Remi Eriksen.
"By joining forces with Applied Risk, we aim to build an industrial cyber security powerhouse to support the sector in managing these emerging risks," he added.
In January 2021 the International Maritime Organization introduced cyber security guidelines to be included in ship safety management systems.
Applied Risk and DNV will market the merged cyber security service under the DNV brand. A combined leadership team from both companies will be established to scale up the merged cyber security business and has set ambitious growth targets for the end of 2025.
Significant investment
Applied Risk chief executive Jalal Bouhdada said: "We will combine the strengths of Applied Risk and DNV with significant investments in security research and innovation to build and grow a cutting-edge industrial cyber security business that helps our customers outpace new threats posed by cyber criminals."
