Shanghai Zhenhua Heavy Industries (ZPMC) has vehemently denied allegations of potential cybersecurity risks associated with its cranes, following scrutiny from US congressional committees. The Chinese state-owned company refuted claims and emphasized its adherence to international standards and relevant regulations, as reported by Reuters.

ZPMC highlighted that its cranes have been extensively deployed in ports worldwide, including those across the United States. The House of Representatives security panels specifically examined ZPMC’s installation of Swiss engineering group ABB’s equipment onto US-bound ship-to-shore cranes. ABB executives were summoned to public hearings in January to address concerns about their collaboration with ZPMC.

In response, ABB clarified that it had supplied equipment to various crane manufacturers, including Chinese firms, who then directly sold the cranes to US ports. ZPMC addressed the concerns raised by the Homeland Security and Strategic Competition committees, emphasizing that their cranes do not pose any cybersecurity risk to ports.

The issue of cyberattacks and industrial espionage between the US and China, two of the world’s largest economies, is not uncommon. However, ZPMC dismissed the allegations, asserting its commitment to compliance and transparency in its operations.

ZPMC, listed on the Shanghai Stock Exchange, boasts a significant presence in the global market, with a fleet of more than 20 transportation vessels, solidifying its position as one of the world’s leading port machinery manufacturers. Meanwhile, ABB, which derives a considerable portion of its sales from China, stands as a key player in the engineering industry, with the US market being its primary source of revenue.

In light of recent concerns, the Biden Administration has announced plans to issue an Executive Order aimed at enhancing port cybersecurity in the United States, underscoring the importance of safeguarding critical infrastructure against potential threats.