SmartSea, powered by SITA, the global leader in technology solutions for the air transport industry, has underlined the critical need for standardisation and interoperability across maritime IT systems, arguing that embedding these principles within regulations is essential to creating a safer and more unified industry.

The maritime sector has long been described as fragmented, plagued by multiple uncoordinated IT systems and lacking robust support or guidance from regulatory bodies to ensure a consistent, interoperable IT infrastructure.

SmartSea is at the forefront of efforts to drive change, advocating for a more standardised approach that would bring the maritime industry in line with aviation. Simon Fotakis, Director of Technology Sales at SmartSea, emphasised, “Maritime is really missing direction from regulatory bodies. I would like to see them defining and mandating uniform data formats, communication protocols, and interoperability requirements for systems used in safety, navigation, and emergency response. Some of these requirements should be baked into regulations so that they are strictly adhered to. They can also endorse systems through certification to ensure compliance.”

According to SmartSea, the current fragmented IT infrastructure not only impacts operational efficiency but also poses serious risks to crew safety. Working across disjointed systems can lead to delayed decision-making, poor situational awareness, and inefficient crisis management.

Fotakis added, “Delayed or misinterpreted information during a maritime emergency can severely compromise crew safety and response times. When critical data is not received or understood promptly, crews may hesitate, act on wrong assumptions, or miss the window for effective containment. This confusion can escalate minor issues into life-threatening situations, delay coordination with shore teams or rescue services, and reduce overall situational awareness. In high-stress environments, even small delays or miscommunications can mean the difference between control and catastrophe. With a shared situational picture, decisions can be made more confidently and actions prioritised effectively, ultimately enhancing safety and minimising the impact of the emergency.”

SmartSea also highlighted how varying IT standards between ships, ports and authorities impede real-time coordination, slow data exchange, and contribute to miscommunication during emergencies and day-to-day operations.

“This fragmentation hinders real-time coordination, delays decision-making, creates logistics inefficiencies and forces crews to adapt to different systems with each voyage. This is in stark contrast to aviation, which operates on globally standardised systems, enabling seamless communication and coordination across aircraft, airports, and control centres,” Fotakis noted.

Leveraging SITA’s extensive experience in aviation, SmartSea is championing the development of a ‘single maritime voice’, working towards a future where ships, ports, and authorities operate through standardised, integrated, and interoperable IT systems.