About Solent Maritime Connect
Since 2015, we've been transforming how ports, terminals, and logistics operators manage their operations. Our technology doesn't just connect systems — it creates intelligent maritime ecosystems that adapt, learn, and optimise in real-time.
Our Story
What started as a conversation between two maritime engineers has evolved into something much bigger. Back in 2015, we noticed something troubling: ports were drowning in data but starving for insight. Systems that couldn't talk to each other. Manual processes that ate up valuable time. Decisions made on gut feeling rather than real intelligence.
We asked ourselves a simple question — why should moving cargo through a port be this complicated?
From our Dover headquarters, we began developing solutions that would bridge this gap. Not just another software platform, but an intelligent system that could understand maritime operations at their core. Our first project involved connecting three separate terminal systems at Portsmouth. The results? A 23% reduction in vessel turnaround time within six months.
That early success taught us something crucial: maritime technology isn't about replacing human expertise — it's about amplifying it. Our systems don't make decisions for port operators; they provide the intelligence needed to make better decisions faster.
Today, our technology processes over 1.2 million cargo movements annually across UK ports. We've helped terminals reduce customs clearance times by up to 67% and improved berth utilisation rates by an average of 34%. But those numbers tell only part of our story.
Leadership Team
Sarah Chen
Chief Executive Officer with 15 years in maritime logistics. Former port operations director at Felixstowe. Led digital transformation initiatives that increased throughput by 40%.
Marcus Thompson
Chief Technology Officer specialising in IoT and real-time data processing. Previously led digital twin development at major European ports. PhD in Maritime Engineering from Southampton.
James Rodriguez
Chief Operations Officer with deep expertise in customs automation and regulatory compliance. Former HM Revenue & Customs senior analyst. Masters in International Trade Law.
Our leadership team brings together decades of maritime industry experience with cutting-edge technology expertise. They've worked in port operations, customs enforcement, and maritime engineering — giving them unique insight into the challenges our clients face daily.
But leadership at Solent Maritime Connect goes beyond the C-suite. Our project managers average 12 years of port operations experience. Our developers have maritime engineering backgrounds. Our support team includes former customs officers and terminal supervisors.
This isn't coincidence — it's intentional. When you're solving complex maritime challenges, domain expertise matters as much as technical skill.
Technical Expertise
Our technical foundation spans multiple disciplines. Real-time data processing handles cargo movements, vessel tracking, and environmental monitoring simultaneously. Machine learning algorithms predict berth availability, optimise container placement, and identify potential bottlenecks before they occur.
Digital twin technology creates virtual replicas of port operations. These aren't static models — they're dynamic systems that mirror real-world conditions in real-time. Port managers can test scenarios, evaluate changes, and optimise workflows without disrupting actual operations.
- IoT sensor integration for equipment monitoring
- Blockchain-based cargo tracking and documentation
- AI-powered predictive maintenance systems
- Cloud-native architecture for scalability
- API-first design for system integration
- Advanced analytics and reporting dashboards
Security remains paramount in our designs. Maritime infrastructure represents critical national assets, and our systems reflect this responsibility. End-to-end encryption, multi-factor authentication, and regular security audits ensure data protection and system integrity.
Our development methodology emphasises continuous improvement. Regular client feedback loops inform feature development. Performance metrics drive optimisation efforts. User experience research guides interface design. This isn't just about building software — it's about creating tools that maritime professionals actually want to use.
Certifications & Standards
ISO 27001
Information Security Management certification ensuring robust data protection and system security protocols.
Cyber Essentials Plus
UK government-backed cybersecurity certification demonstrating protection against common online threats.
IMO Compliance
International Maritime Organization standards compliance for vessel tracking and port security systems.
GDPR Compliant
Full compliance with European data protection regulations for handling sensitive maritime and logistics data.
These certifications aren't just badges on our website — they represent our commitment to operational excellence and regulatory compliance. Maritime operations involve complex international regulations, and our systems are designed to support compliance rather than complicate it.
Regular third-party audits ensure our systems maintain these standards. Our quality management processes include continuous monitoring, incident response procedures, and regular staff training on security and compliance requirements.
Strategic Partnerships
Port Authorities
Direct partnerships with major UK port authorities including Portsmouth International, Plymouth, and Bristol. Collaborative development ensures solutions meet real operational needs.
Technology Vendors
Integration partnerships with leading maritime technology providers. Our platform connects with existing port management systems, crane control software, and logistics platforms.
Academic Institutions
Research collaborations with Southampton University Maritime Engineering department and Plymouth Marine Laboratory. Joint research projects advance maritime technology innovation.
These partnerships extend our capabilities beyond what any single company could achieve alone. Port authorities provide operational insight and real-world testing environments. Technology vendors enable integration with existing systems. Academic partnerships drive innovation and help us stay ahead of industry trends.
Our partnership approach emphasises mutual benefit rather than simple vendor relationships. We work closely with partners to understand their challenges, share our expertise, and develop solutions that benefit the entire maritime ecosystem.
Ready to Transform Your Maritime Operations?
Whether you're managing a small terminal or operating a major port facility, our team has the expertise and technology to help you optimise operations, reduce costs, and improve efficiency.