Aviation tech leader SITA teams up with CSM to launch IT solution for maritime industry

World-leading aviation technology provider SITA has teamed up with Limassol-based Columbia Shipmanagement (CSM) to kick off the launch of SmartSea, revolutionary aviation IT solution for the maritime industry.

“SITA, the global leader in technology solutions for the air transport industry, disembarks in the maritime industry bringing globally trusted transport technology and innovation to the maritime sector to revolutionise and drive it forward just as they do in the air transport sector,” SITA said in a press release. “An initial agreement with Columbia Shipmanagement (CSM), a world-class ship manager and maritime service provider, will kick-off this journey to accelerate digitalisation across the whole value chain.”

SmartSea, powered by SITA, has set out to digitise the maritime industry by transforming the maritime digital ecosystem through the development of a state-of-the-art integrated maritime management platform (CMP) and the establishment of a broad portfolio of services both onboard and ashore. “With over 75 years’ experience in the air travel industry, SITA’s entry into the market will accelerate the implementation of technology within the sector helping businesses to streamline their processes and establish more efficient operations,” it said.

CSM said it is delighted to be one of the first clients of SmartSea as it enters the maritime market, enabling it to uniquely access end-to-end IT services across the full suite of onshore and offshore technology requirements.

CEO of SmartSea, Julian Panter, said: “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. Alongside myself, I am delighted to have the talent and knowledge of our COO, Marinos Y., 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.”

CEO of Columbia Group, Mark O'Neil said: “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, 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.”

SITA serves 95% of international destinations in the air travel industry, and over 2,500 airlines, airports, ground handlers and governments all working closely with the company. More than 70 governments and all G20 nations trust SITA solutions, and 85% of international air passengers globally benefit from SITA digital border solutions. SITA’s undeniable role in transforming the air industry and shaping it into what it is now is the strongest proof of the value SITA can provide to the maritime sector through SmartSea.