Cybersecurity threat looms as Chinese crane giant eyes US ports

TLDR:

• Chinese company dominating global market share of ship-to-shore port cranes poses significant cybersecurity threat to US ports.
• Shanghai Zhenhua Heavy Industries, the Chinese state-owned company, provides nearly 80% of all STS cranes in the American market.

In a recent congressional report, the Chinese company Shanghai Zhenhua Heavy Industries, also known as ZPMC, has been identified as a significant cybersecurity threat to US ports due to its dominance in the global market share of ship-to-shore port cranes. ZPMC provides nearly 80% of all STS cranes in the American market and is a wholly owned subsidiary of a Chinese firm with ties to militarizing the South China Sea. The report warns that Beijing could potentially use ZPMC to disrupt or manipulate US maritime supply chains during a future dispute over Taiwan. The report details how the People’s Republic of China strategically invests in the US maritime industry through ZPMC, partnering with Microsoft to develop “smart” port infrastructure. The report highlights the cybersecurity risks associated with China’s involvement in US ports and urges immediate actions to mitigate these risks.