SITA enters the maritime sector with the launch of SmartSea

SITA, a global technology leader for the air transportation industry, has launched SmartSea under an initial agreement with maritime services provider Columbia Ship Management (CSM).

“SmartSea is the first company in the industry with the potential 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 customer of SmartSea, which thus exponentially increases the scale of its operations with the latest technology,” we read in the official SITA announcement.

David Lavorel, CEO of SITA, says: “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. 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.”

Julian Panter, CEO of SmartSea, adds: “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 from a technology standpoint, including SITA in this effort will exponentially accelerate achieving this goal. SmartSea will be a platform that will bring the latest aerospace technology (SITA) to the maritime industry. I’m extremely passionate about this.

Mark O’Neil, Group CEO of Columbia Group, says: “I am excited to partner with SmartSea as they bring their 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.”