SETU partners with Iarnród Éireann to deliver cybersecurity training for offshore wind and maritime sect

South East Technological University (SETU) and Iarnród Éireann, both members of the South East Offshore Wind Partnership, come together to host a cybersecurity workshop to support the port, marine, and offshore energy sectors.

Today’s dedicated workshop at Rosslare Europort entitled, ‘Charting the Course for NIS2: Maritime Cyber Resilience’, will feature talks from academic and industry experts on navigating the shift from traditional security approaches to modern digital resilience.

The initiative is in response to upcoming cybersecurity legislation under Ireland’s national Cyber Security Act. The partnership brings together industry, infrastructure, and education leaders at a critical moment for offshore wind development in the southeast.

Recognising this challenge, SETU and Iarnród Éireann have come together to host this workshop to educate and inform industry of the new regulatory regime and means of compliance SETU has developed programmes specifically tailored to the sectors, including a master’s programme in cybersecurity and critical infrastructure and a related certificate course. Both have been adapted with a strong maritime and offshore focus, ensuring relevance to real-world operational environments.

Captain Phil Murphy, Project Manager for Offshore Wind at SETU, explains, “As offshore wind and associated port activity expands, organisations operating in the maritime and energy sectors are facing increasingly complex cybersecurity requirements. The EU Network and Information Security (NIS2) Directive, which will be transposed into Irish law through the Cyber Security Act, introduces enhanced obligations for the protection of critical infrastructure. Ensuring compliance while maintaining operational resilience is now a priority for ports, transport operators, and offshore energy developers alike.”

“At SETU, we are engaging continually with stakeholders to develop further programmes that respond to emerging skills needs and compliance requirements. The Cybersecurity Programmes launched today illustrate SETU’s strategic development of education offerings in the maritime space and the tangible benefits of the South East Offshore Wind Partnership,” Capt. Murphy added.

Glenn Carr, Director Commercial Business Units, at Iarnród Éireann commented, “Rosslare Europort, a critical piece of national infrastructure, has been fully digitised in recent years. Cyber security has never been more important to ensure our systems are safe. Keeping our systems safe ensures we can protect and maintain services in and out of the port. As the port grows so too do the cybersecurity requirements and working with our colleagues at SETU ensures that we have the skills to support the port, marine, and offshore energy sectors in Ireland over the coming years.”

Iarnród Éireann is advancing plans to develop Rosslare Europort as Ireland’s Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) Hub. A €220 million planning application has been submitted for the State’s largest purpose-built ORE facility, expected to create 2,000 jobs and support the installation of up to 1GW of offshore wind capacity annually.

Together, this initiative reflects a coordinated regional approach, linking infrastructure investment, education and industry collaboration, to ensure the southeast is fully equipped to support and sustain Ireland’s offshore wind ambitions.

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