Air transportation technology provider SITA has launched SmartSea, through an initial agreement with maritime service provider Columbia Shipmanagement (CSM).
Columbia Shipmanagement partnership
SmartSea is intended to provide a one-stop shop for maritime technology solutions. CSM has become the first SmartSea client to upscale its operations through its technology.
Julian Panter, CEO of SmartSea, 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 toward 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.”
Mark O’Neil, CEO of Columbia Group, added, “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’s diversification rationale
According to the company, the maritime sector and the aviation industry are facing similar challenges. For example, vessels require turnaround and maintenance, the same as aircraft, and both need to manage crew, passengers, baggage and freight efficiently and with constrained budgets. SITA also highlighted that both the maritime and aviation sectors operate in a complex and highly regulated ecosystem globally, and are capital intensive and heavily reliant on data and communication while also facing very similar sustainability requirements.
“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,” commented David Lavorel, CEO of SITA.
“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 Shipmanagement 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.”
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