Aviation technology company SITA is making a move into the maritime sector, following an initial agreement with Columbia Shipmanagement (CSM) as it launches its SmartSea integrated maritime management platform.
“I am thrilled to be working with SmartSea as it brings its extensive experience and innovative aviation technology to the maritime industry,” said CEO of Columbia Group, Mark O’Neil.
“Through working with SmartSea, we will be able to offer maritime stakeholders a complete onshore and vessel-based IT systems solution, which will dramatically improve efficiency, safety, and sustainability.”
“Utilising this technology will revolutionise the industry and drive forward digitisation and bring us in line with other technologically advanced industries.”
SmartSea, which will act as an independent company based in Cyprus, will provide access to a range of IT services for onshore and offshore requirements, built on data-driven methodologies already applied in the aviation industry.
Modules in its iMMS system will cover areas including crew management, planned maintenance, insurance and inspections.
“SITA’s launch of SmartSea and our first agreement with CSM marks a strategic step both in terms of SITA’s wider growth strategy as well as the digitalisation of the maritime industry,” said CEO of SmartSea, Julian Panter.
“Alongside myself, I am delighted to have the talent and knowledge of our COO, Marinos Yiangou, who has worked with CSM for 15 years and Drew Griffiths, our CTO who has joined us from SITA, having held the position of Senior Vice President.”
“The maritime industry has been working hard to elevate itself to the levels of the automotive and aviation industries, from a technology perspective, and the inclusion of SITA to that effort will dramatically fast track the industry enabling maritime to catch up with these sectors. SmartSea will be the platform that will bring the latest technology from aviation to the maritime industry, which I am massively passionate about.”
