Columbia Group and Insight Launch Strategic Alliance to Drive Maritime Digital Transformation

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  • Columbia Group has partnered with Insight to accelerate digital innovation across the maritime industry through a joint venture model.
  • SmartSea Limited will be the dedicated platform delivering cloud, cybersecurity, AI, and digital workplace solutions tailored for maritime operations.
  • The collaboration combines Columbia’s maritime heritage with Insight’s technology expertise to offer scalable, secure, and sector-specific digital services.

In a significant move toward maritime digitalisation, Columbia Group has announced a strategic partnership with global technology solutions provider Insight. This alliance aims to modernise and future-proof the maritime sector by merging Columbia’s four decades of operational expertise with Insight’s technological prowess.

The collaboration will be executed through SmartSea Limited, a newly established platform tasked with delivering next-generation digital services to maritime clients. The suite of offerings will include customised solutions in cloud infrastructure, data analytics, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and digital workplace technologies—specifically tailored for the operational needs of both shipboard and onshore maritime environments.

A Shared Vision for the Future of Maritime

Adrian Gregory, President EMEA at Insight, described the partnership as a pivotal step in redefining maritime operations. “This is more than just a business agreement—it’s a unified vision for the future,” he said. “By integrating Insight’s digital innovation with Columbia’s industry legacy and SmartSea’s transformative approach, we can deliver scalable, secure, and maritime-specific digital solutions that enhance operational efficiency and resilience.”

Mark O’Neil, President of Columbia Group, echoed this sentiment, noting that the partnership will empower both Columbia’s managed fleet and the wider maritime ecosystem with cutting-edge IT and OT capabilities. “Joining forces with Insight allows us to bring exceptional value to our clients through advanced, future-ready services,” he stated.

SmartSea as a Catalyst for Transformation

Kris Vedat, CEO of SmartSea Limited, highlighted the transformative impact of the new partnership. “This collaboration unlocks new possibilities for maritime digitalisation. We’re confident that SmartSea will become a key driver of value and innovation for our clients worldwide,” he said.

Immediate Implementation and Long-Term Impact

The partnership is effective immediately, with a focus on transparency, long-term value, and continuous operational support. Designed to ensure seamless integration into existing maritime frameworks, the new digital service model aims to provide enduring benefits for global maritime stakeholders navigating an increasingly digital-first world.

With this alliance, Columbia Group, Insight, and SmartSea are poised to set a new benchmark for digital transformation across the maritime industry.

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Source: Columbia Group