Background: Why Electronic Logbooks Matter
As maritime operations embrace digital transformation, electronic logbooks (elogs) are rapidly replacing paper-based records across global fleets. Elogs deliver more than convenience — they enhance the quality, consistency, and traceability of onboard records, especially in critical compliance areas like:
- MARPOL Oil Record Books (ORB)
- Ballast Water Record Books (BWRB)
- Crew watchkeeping, bridge entries, and voyage planning
By digitizing logkeeping, operators benefit from faster reporting, better data quality, and seamless integration with shore systems — a key step in aligning with international regulatory frameworks and decarbonization efforts.
Yet, as official legal records, logbooks must be handled with the same operational, legal, and cyber rigor as other safety-critical systems onboard.
The Challenge: Securing the Crossroads of IT and OT
Elogs don’t operate in isolation. A typical system must integrate with:
- Onboard IT networks for crew access
- Internet or VPN uplinks for remote synchronization
- Operational Technology (OT) systems like VDRs, GNSS, AIS, and bridge navigation tools
These connections are increasingly required to meet complex international standards, including:
- IMO Resolution MSC.333(90) and ISO 21745:2019 for VDR logging
- IMO MEPC.312(74) and MEPC.372(80) for pollution and emission control
- IACS UR E26/E27 for cyber risk management in ship systems
This makes the elog system a potential cybersecurity chokepoint — it must connect critical systems without exposing them to risk.
“Elogs live at the intersection of navigation, compliance, and connectivity. We needed a platform that could handle this complexity — securely and simply.” - Capt. Henrik Ramm-Schmidt, CEO & Founder, nauticAI
Solution Architecture
The Solution: Robustel MG460 + nauticAi elog Platform
To solve this challenge, nauticAi selected Robustel’s MG460 as the secure edge platform for its IMO-compliant electronic logbook solution.
The MG460 is not just a cellular router — it’s a DNV-approved, Docker-ready cybersecurity gateway, certified for use in maritime environments (IEC 61162-450/460). It enables nauticAi’s elog software to run directly at the network edge, while maintaining strict segmentation and encryption between systems.
Why the MG460 Was the Right Fit:
- Plug-and-Play Deployment
Ship-specific configurations are preloaded before shipment. Crews can deploy the MG460 without needing specialized IT skills, reducing downtime, costs, and emissions. - Containerized elog Server
Supports Docker, allowing nauticAi’s elog server and database to run securely onboard — no external PC needed. - Multi-Protocol, Multi-Interface Integration
- RS232/RS422/RS485 and IEC 61162-450 ports integrate with GNSS, AIS, and VDRs
- Built-in GNSS provides redundant location input
- Relay and digital inputs enable trigger-based logging or system event capture
- Redundant WAN Access
Includes built-in LTE modem for backup internet in case Starlink or ship broadband fails. - Secure Remote Operations
Supports encrypted VPN tunnels and fleet-wide remote management via Robustel’s RCMS platform — crucial for monitoring, patching, and compliance auditing.
“The MG460 is designed for secure edge applications where failure is not an option — and that includes the ship’s legal logbook. We’re proud to partner with nauticAi to deliver this level of resilience to the maritime world.” – Desmond Kuang, General Manager of IoT BU, Robustel
Cybersecurity by Design
MG460 enables elog systems to act as a secure DMZ, strictly separating IT and OT networks while permitting only defined traffic per IEC-61162-460.
A dedicated firewall engine and per-port configuration prevent lateral threats and enforce digital hygiene even on mixed-protocol vessels — ideal for fleet-wide deployments or retrofits on legacy ships.
Results: Resilient, Compliant Logging at the Edge
With Robustel’s MG460 at its core, nauticAi’s elog platform offers:
- IMO and ISO 21745 compliance
- Seamless integration with VDR and automation systems
- Cyber-secure remote management
- Fast, low-touch deployment — even on small ships
- Future-ready architecture for connected fleets
Together, Robustel and nauticAi deliver a secure, resilient, and scalable foundation for the next generation of maritime logkeeping.
Solution Components
MG460 Gateway
As the world's first product to receive IEC61162-460 (Ed. 3) type approval from DNV as well as 460-Gateway and 460-Wireless Gateway, the MG460 Gateway not only meets the highest cybersecurity standards for maritime navigation and wireless communication systems but also complies with IEC60945, meeting SOLAS vessel standards.
nauticAi Log
nauticAi Log is an ISO 21745:2019 and IMO MEPC.312(74), MEPC.372(80) and Res. A.916(22) compliant fully featured 21st century electronic logbook solution, with best-in-class features, functions, flexibility and interfaces. EU eIDAS QES signature options are available, as required by some flag states.
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