Aviation IT specialist SITA enters the maritime sector with SmartSea

Mumbai: SITA, an IT solutions provider to the air transport industry, has launched SmartSea under an initial agreement with Columbia Shipmanagement (CSM), a world-class ship manager and maritime services provider.

SmartSea is believed to be 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 became the first SmartSea customer to exponentially scale its operations with this cutting-edge technology.

According to a press statement issued in Mumbai on Wednesday, with this strategic move, SITA is building its transformational footprint into the maritime industry, pushing boundaries and simplifying processes to ensure more efficient and profitable operations across the value chain.

With 75 years of experience, SITA serves 95 percent of international destinations in the air travel industry, and more than 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 percent of international airline passengers around the world 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.