SITA Launches SmartSea To Entertain Into Maritime Sector

SITA, the global leader in air transport technology, has launched SmartSea through an initial agreement with Columbia Shipmanagement (CSM), a top-tier ship manager and maritime service provider. SmartSea is poised to revolutionize the maritime sector by bringing the advanced technology that has transformed air transport to this new arena. With this partnership, CSM becomes the first client to significantly enhance its operations using SmartSea's cutting-edge solutions. This strategic move marks SITA's entry into the maritime industry, aiming to simplify processes and enhance efficiency and profitability across the entire value chain.

With 75 years of experience, SITA serves 95% of international air travel destinations, working with over 2,500 airlines, airports, ground handlers, and governments. Trusted by more than 70 governments, including all G20 nations, SITA's solutions benefit 85% of international air passengers through digital border solutions. SITA's proven impact on the air industry demonstrates the potential value it can bring to maritime operations. SITA's expansion into the maritime sector highlights its commitment to driving digital innovation. Both maritime and aviation industries face complex, regulated environments, are capital-intensive, and rely heavily on data and communication, while also meeting similar sustainability requirements. Ports and ship terminals face challenges akin to those of airports, including vessel turnaround, maintenance, and the management of crew, passengers, baggage, and freight within budget constraints.

“SITA is taking a bold step into the maritime sector, where our longstanding leadership in aviation can serve to overcome economic and capacity challenges, enhance security and unlock new revenue streams for companies across the industry,” said David Lavorel, SITA CEO. “The global maritime industry plays a vital role in fostering economic growth, human development and global connectivity. By facilitating international trade, creating jobs and driving technological innovation, the industry contributes to better living standards and economic prosperity around the world. By using valuable cross-industry synergies and our international reach, we are collaborating with companies such as Columbia Ship Management to elevate their operations to the next level. This is a significant step for us and demonstrates our ability to revolutionize end-to-end travel, regardless of the mode of transport.”

SmartSea is uniquely positioned to transform the maritime digital ecosystem, offering comprehensive technology solutions and aspiring to become the leader in maritime technology by leveraging SITA's trusted solutions.

SmartSea CEO Julian Panter said, “SITA's launch of SmartSea and our first agreement with CSM mark a strategic turning point for both SITA and the digitalization of the maritime industry. The sector is taking important steps towards catching up with the automotive and aerospace industries from a technology perspective. The inclusion of SITA in that effort will exponentially fast-track this objective. SmartSea will be the platform that will bring the latest technology from aviation (SITA) to the maritime industry. I am massively passionate about this.”

Columbia Group CEO Mark O’Neil said: “I am thrilled to be working with SmartSea as it brings its extensive experience and innovative aviation technology to the maritime industry. Through working with SmartSea, we will be able to offer maritime stakeholders a complete onshore and vessel-based IT systems solution that will dramatically improve efficiency, safety and sustainability. Utilizing this technology will revolutionize the industry and drive forward digitization, bringing us in line with other technologically advanced industries.”

SITA envisions implementing technologies that enhance seamless travel experiences for air passengers to similarly benefit maritime operations. Drawing from the advancements in aviation, SmartSea will harness SITA's expertise and CSM’s industry leadership to drive innovation, efficiency, and sustainability in the maritime sector.