SITA enters the maritime sector by launching smartsea

With the support of SITA and CSM, SmartSea will bring proven, globally trusted transportation technology and innovation to the maritime sector

GENEVA – May 28, 2024 – SITA, a global technology leader for the air transportation industry, launches SmartSea under an initial agreement with Columbia Shipmanagement (CSM), a world-class ship manager and maritime services provider. SmartSea is the first company in the industry with the ability to transform the maritime sector by making it easier to access the same advanced technology that has already transformed the air transport industry. At the same time, CSM becomes the first SmartSea customer to exponentially scale its operations with this cutting-edge technology.

With this strategic move, SITA is building its transformational footprint into the maritime industry, pushing boundaries and simplifying processes to enable more efficient and profitable operations across the value chain.

With 75 years of experience, SITA serves 95% of international destinations in the air travel industry, and over 2,500 airlines, airports, ground handlers and governments work closely with the company. More than 70 governments and all G20 countries trust SITA solutions, and 85% of international airline passengers worldwide use SITA digital border solutions. SITA’s undeniable role in transforming and shaping the aviation industry into what it is today is the strongest evidence of the value SITA can bring to the maritime sector.

SITA’s expansion into the maritime market is a clear demonstration of its ambition and ability to drive digital innovation in a sector that, faced with similar challenges, could be significantly improved by solutions for the air transport industry, estimated to be 10-15 years ahead in terms of technology adoption. Both the maritime and aviation sectors operate in a complex and highly regulated global ecosystem, are capital-intensive and highly dependent on data and communications, while facing very similar sustainability requirements. Moreover, ports and ship terminals face the same challenges and opportunities; ships require repairs and maintenance, just like airplanes, and both need to manage crew, passengers, baggage and cargo efficiently within limited budgets.

“SITA is taking a bold step into the maritime sector, where our long-standing leadership in aviation can help overcome economic and performance challenges, increase safety and unlock new revenue streams for companies across the industry,” said David Lavorel, CEO of SITA. “The global maritime industry plays a key role in supporting economic growth, social development and global connectivity. By facilitating international trade, creating jobs and driving technological innovation, the industry contributes to improving living standards and economic prosperity around the world. Leveraging valuable cross-industry synergies and our international footprint, we partner with companies like Columbia Ship Management to take their businesses to the next level. This is a significant step for us and shows that we can revolutionize end-to-end travel, regardless of the mode of transport.”

SmartSea is in a privileged position to revolutionize the maritime digital ecosystem by providing end-to-end maritime technology solutions and becoming a leader in the maritime technology market by implementing solutions trusted by the vast majority of the global air travel industry.

SmartSea CEO Julian Panter said: “SITA’s launch of SmartSea and our first agreement with CSM represent 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 technologically. Including SITA in this effort will exponentially accelerate the achievement of this goal. SmartSea will be a platform that will bring the latest aerospace technology (SITA) to the maritime industry. I am extremely passionate about this.”

Columbia Group CEO Mark O’Neil said: “I am excited to partner with SmartSea as it brings its extensive experience and innovative aerospace technology to the maritime industry. By working with SmartSea, we will be able to offer maritime stakeholders a complete onshore and shipboard IT systems solution that will dramatically improve efficiency, safety and sustainability. The use of this technology will revolutionize the industry and accelerate digitalization, bringing us closer to other technologically advanced industries.”

SITA sees an opportunity to implement technologies that are already helping airlines, airports and governments offer seamless travel to passengers around the world, while improving operations. Drawing from aviation’s evolutionary journey, SmartSea will leverage SITA’s expertise and CSM industry leadership to support innovation, efficiency and sustainability in maritime operations.