SITA Sets Sail with New SmartSea Business

SITA is entering uncharted waters, bringing its digital transformation technology into the maritime sector. To that end, the company has launched “SmartSea”, a new subsidiary firm that will get its sea legs—and it’s already sailing ahead with its first partnership, with Columbia Ship Management (CSM).

SITA is a prominent player in the field of air transport technology, with significant involvement in biometric and digital identity solutions. The firm’s Smart Path biometric systems are being deployed in various airports worldwide to streamline passenger processing. For example, SITA has laid the groundwork for a biometric passenger processing system at Geneva Airport, and delivered biometric kiosks to Frankfurt Airport.

SITA is also actively involved in digital identity initiatives. The company has invested in and partnered with Indicio to develop Digital Travel Credentials, which are designed to let travelers use digital versions of their passports on smartphones.

Other technology solutions offered by SITA extend its presence across the air travel sector more broadly, with the company laying claim to a presence in 95 percent of all international destinations.

Whether its biometric and digital travel credential technologies will play an immediate role in SmartSea’s efforts isn’t yet clear. CSM, a ship manager and maritime service provider, has not revealed the specific solutions that have been implemented, with CEO Mark O’Neill referring generally to “a complete onshore and vessel-based IT systems solution that will dramatically improve efficiency, safety and sustainability.”

But SITA is clearly signalling that its most innovative tech will play a role in SmartSea’s efforts. In a statement, the company pointed out that the maritime sector is estimated to be roughly 10 to 15 years behind air transport in terms of technology adoption, and noted that ports and ship terminals, like their counterparts in air travel, “experience the same challenges and opportunities,” including the need “to manage crew, passengers, baggage and freight efficiently and with constrained budgets.”

In an online post, SITA CEO David Lavorel added that by using “data, digitization, and cutting-edge tech,” SmartSea would help to reinvent the maritime industry. “Together we’re going to unlock safe and enjoyable travel for every passenger across the entire travel industry,” he said.

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May 28, 2024 – by Alex Perala