Insight & Columbia Group forge digital partnership for maritime

Insight and Columbia Group have formed a strategic partnership to provide information technology (IT) and operational technology (OT) solutions to the global maritime sector.

This collaboration merges the technological offerings of Insight with more than four decades of maritime industry expertise from Columbia Group, and will make use of SmartSea as the primary provider of digital transformation services to maritime clients.

The partnership's scope covers a range of services including cloud infrastructure, cybersecurity, data and artificial intelligence (AI) solutions, and digital workplace technologies tailored for both shipboard and shore-based maritime operations.

New service model

Both companies will integrate their capabilities within SmartSea Limited, which will oversee the implementation of these digital initiatives for clients operating at sea and on land. The collective objective is to meet the specific requirements of maritime businesses, addressing operational efficiency and resilience through digital technologies.

Adrian Gregory, President EMEA at Insight, remarked on the partnership's significance for the industry:

"This partnership marks a significant milestone in our transformation journey. By combining Insight's technological leadership with Columbia Group's maritime legacy and SmartSea's vision for the digitalisation of the maritime industry, we can now access scalable, secure, and maritime-specific AI and digital services that improve operational efficiency and resilience. This is more than a business agreement - it's a shared vision for the future of maritime in a digital-first world."

Columbia Group, with over 45 years in the maritime sector, brings substantial experience in ship management, crew management, and operational services. The group operates a network of more than 40 offices and agencies globally.

Market opportunities

Mark O'Neil, President of Columbia Group, outlined how the partnership is intended to enhance service standards within the sector.

"We are excited to join forces with Insight to bring next-generation IT and OT solutions onboard our managed fleet and the wider maritime industry. This partnership will enable us to provide unparalleled services to our clients and drive innovation in the sector."

The IT and OT services to be delivered encompass digital solutions designed to address the evolving regulatory, safety, and operational needs of maritime fleets, with an emphasis on customisation and sector-specific demands.

Kris Vedat, CEO of SmartSea, pointed to the new opportunities arising from the collaboration. "We are excited by the opportunities the transformative partnership between Insight and Columbia Group will bring. This collaboration will drive innovation and deliver significant value to our clients."

Focus on digital transformation

The partnership will place a focus on transparency, shared value, and continuity of operations, aiming to provide global maritime clients with long-term digital services. The partners intend for their collaboration to help close the gap between traditional maritime activities and contemporary digital practices.

The maritime industry is undergoing increasing digitalisation as it adapts to new regulatory requirements and looks for improved ways to manage data, operations, and fleet communication. By leveraging IT and OT services, ship operators and owners aim to enhance both efficiency and compliance across their operations.

SmartSea will use its platform as the central mechanism to deliver collaborative digital services through the alliance, working with ship owners, operators, and support agencies to ensure effective technology integration. Its approach includes creating a unified digital environment to facilitate communication between vessels, shore offices, ports, and other stakeholders, further aligning with trends towards sector-wide interoperability.