OrbitMI, a leading provider of maritime software-as-a-service (SaaS), has solidified its commitment to advancing digital transformation and standardisation across the global shipping industry by joining the Smart Maritime Council. This collaboration highlights the company’s dedication to fostering interoperability, shared technology standards, and enhanced data exchange within the maritime ecosystem.
Recognising that true digital transformation extends beyond individual innovation, OrbitMI’s CEO, Ali Riaz, emphasised the importance of breaking down silos in maritime data to create connected workflows. Speaking to Forwarder Magazine, Riaz pointed out that “decisions aren’t made in the dark” when systems—from weather to performance analytics—communicate seamlessly. The integration of these workflows not only facilitates automation of compliance and optimisation of fuel use but also delivers a unified “version of the truth” to users, driving tangible operational improvements.
The Smart Maritime Council, an invite-only group within the Smart Maritime Network launched in 2019, serves as a collaborative platform for maritime stakeholders—owners, operators, software vendors, OEMs, and industry bodies—to shape best practices and frameworks that support data-driven decision-making. Rob O’Dwyer, chairman of the Council, welcomed OrbitMI’s participation, noting the company’s progress in integrating its digital platform with established members to streamline data flows, which aligns perfectly with the Council’s aim to reduce barriers to digitalisation in shipping.
OrbitMI’s role in pushing forward maritime digitalisation has been recognised industry-wide. The company was recently named among the top 50 innovative small and medium enterprises in the Thetius 150 ranking for 2024, distinguishing it as a key player in applying advanced AI analytics to reduce costs, increase productivity, and cut emissions in ship operations. Furthermore, Ali Riaz retained his position among the top 10 technology leaders in shipping in Lloyd’s List Intelligence’s 2024 rankings, underscoring OrbitMI’s influence as a pure SaaS innovator in the maritime sector.
Beyond digital transformation, OrbitMI is actively involved in environmental compliance and decarbonisation efforts. The company has integrated its maritime intelligence platform with Bureau Veritas’s VeriSTAR Green emissions compliance tool to enhance automated collection, verification, and reporting of emissions data. This collaboration supports shipowners and operators in meeting stringent regulatory requirements such as the International Maritime Organization’s Data Collection System and the FuelEU Maritime regulation, marking a significant step in leveraging technology to meet environmental challenges.
Bureau Veritas itself has invested in OrbitMI, recognising the synergy in advancing data-driven solutions that address both digital transformation and decarbonisation mandates. Together, their collaboration aims to help clients navigate complex regulatory landscapes including the Carbon Intensity Indicator, EU Emissions Trading System, and other emerging standards.
In practical deployment, OrbitMI’s compliance solutions have been adopted by fleet operators such as Istanbul-based Statu Shipping, enabling real-time monitoring of compliance and emissions across its 20 bulk carriers. This partnership allows for early intervention when deviations in speed, fuel consumption, or estimated time of arrival occur, optimising fuel efficiency and reducing emissions.
OrbitMI’s recent membership in the Smart Maritime Council complements the broader industry movement towards cohesive digital ecosystems, as exemplified by Bureau Veritas’s own membership in the Smart Maritime Network. Both companies contribute expertise in regulatory compliance, safety, and technical assurance, reinforcing an industry-wide drive for increased connectivity, transparency, and sustainability.
As the industry grapples with escalating regulatory pressures and operational complexities, collaborative initiatives like the Smart Maritime Council and integrated solutions spearheaded by innovators such as OrbitMI represent crucial steps toward realising a more intelligent, interoperable, and sustainable maritime future.
Source: Noah Wire Services
Subscribe to Industry Updates
