SmartSea has secured a strategic IT outsourcing (ITO) contract with the Maritime Company for Navigation (MACNA), Saudi Arabia’s leading marine mobility operator, assuming full responsibility for its IT infrastructure across both shore and vessel operations.
This builds on SmartSea’s delivery of MACNA’s recent digital transformation programme, including migration from Google Mail to Microsoft Office 365 and the implementation of Microsoft Dynamics 365 Finance. With these core platforms now live, SmartSea will now provide a fully managed services role, overseeing networks and desktop support.
As part of the new mandate, SmartSea will manage end-to-end IT operations, from proactive network monitoring and cybersecurity to vessel connectivity and user support, ensuring resilient, secure and scalable systems to support fleet growth.
The appointment reflects a growing trend among maritime operators in the region to outsource critical IT functions to specialist providers with sector-specific expertise.
Commenting on the ITO contract, Alan Rowan, CEO at MACNA, said:
“Appointing SmartSea to manage our full IT infrastructure is a strategic step that enhances our operational resilience and technology capability. With expert oversight of our networks, user environments and Dynamics 365 platform, we can concentrate on delivering safe, reliable marine transport services while maintaining a secure, high-performing digital foundation.”
Kris Vedat, CEO at SmartSea, added:
“This is a significant investment that demonstrates MACNA’s confidence in our maritime IT expertise. By taking responsibility for their entire IT ecosystem, we are ensuring consistent performance, stronger security and a future-ready infrastructure that supports both day-to-day operations and long-term strategic ambitions.”
The partnership further strengthens SmartSea’s position as a trusted ITO provider to maritime and offshore operators across the region, delivering structured IT governance, enhanced cybersecurity, and optimised enterprise platforms.
SmartSea is set to revolutionise the maritime industry by seamlessly integrating it with the broader logistics world. Our mission is to create a robust digital platform that spans the entire value chain, fostering unprecedented efficiency and connectivity. SmartSea will transform maritime operations by introducing a unified common digital language that all stakeholders across the value chain can understand. This will ensure that communication between vessels, ports, shipyards, classification societies, government import/export authorities, immigration, and shore-based support offices is efficient, fluid, and agile. Whether it is creating baggage solutions for sea ports, custom vessel project management or 24/7 vessel IT support, our aim is for every entity of the maritime ecosystem to be interconnected. This vision mirrors advancements seen in the aviation sector, where SITA has spent eight decades developing sophisticated software and building partnerships with airlines, airports, logistics providers, and government authorities. Our commitment is to bring this same level of transformation to the maritime industry, ensuring that it not only keeps pace with but leads the future of global logistics.
Find out more: https://smart-sea.com
