Cookie Policy
This policy explains the tiny digital files—cookies, pixels, and local storage—that help our website function. It’s about transparency: what we use, why we use it, and how you’re in control. Last updated: March 2025.
1. What Are Cookies?
Think of a cookie as a small text file placed on your device (computer, tablet, or mobile) when you visit a website. It allows the site to "remember" your actions or preferences over time—like your login state, language choice, or what you put in a shopping cart. They aren't programs and can't contain viruses. Over 98.3% of all modern websites use them in some form. Without certain cookies, much of the web’s basic functionality—user accounts, secure sessions, personalized settings—simply wouldn't work.
We also use similar technologies like web beacons (tiny invisible images), pixels, and local storage. For simplicity, we refer to all these as "cookies" in this policy. Their lifespan varies: some expire when you close your browser (session cookies), while others persist for months or years (persistent cookies) to recognize you on return visits.
2. How Solent Maritime Connect Uses Cookies
Our use is strictly aligned with providing and improving our maritime logistics technology services. We categorize our cookies based on their purpose:
- Essential (Strictly Necessary): These are non-negotiable. They enable core functions such as page navigation, access to secure areas (like client portals), and basic site security. The website cannot operate properly without them. We do not require consent to place these cookies.
- Performance & Analytics: These help us understand how visitors interact with our site. They collect anonymous data on metrics like page views, bounce rates, and traffic sources. This tells us, for instance, that 1,247 visitors last month viewed our Digital Twin page for an average of 4.2 minutes—information we use to improve content and structure.
- Functionality: These remember choices you make to personalize your experience. This could be your region for displaying relevant port information, or whether you prefer a condensed or expanded view of data tables.
- Targeting/Advertising: We use these sparingly. They may be used to limit the number of times you see the same promotional message or to make advertising you see on other platforms more relevant to your professional interests in maritime tech.
3. Detailed Cookie List
Below is a non-exhaustive list of specific cookies you may encounter on Solent-Maritime-Connect.com. We periodically review and update this list.
3.1 Essential Cookies
smc_session: A session cookie that maintains your secure login state as you navigate between pages on our client platform. It contains a random identifier and expires when you close your browser.
cookieConsent: Remembers your choice regarding the cookie banner, so you aren't asked repeatedly. Stored for 365 days.
csrf_token: A security measure that protects against Cross-Site Request Forgery attacks when you submit forms (e.g., contact forms, demo requests).
3.2 Analytics Cookies
_ga / _gid: Google Analytics cookies used to distinguish unique users and sessions. They help us aggregate anonymous data on site usage. The _ga cookie persists for 2 years, _gid for 24 hours.
_gat: Used to throttle the request rate to Google Analytics, limiting data collection on high-traffic pages. Lasts for 1 minute.
We have configured Google Analytics to anonymize IP addresses before storage and processing occurs within the EU.
3.3 Third-Party Cookies
Some pages may embed content from third parties, like a YouTube video explaining port technology or a LinkedIn "Follow" button. These services may set their own cookies, which are outside our direct control. We strive to use privacy-enhanced modes where available.
4. Your Choices & Control (GDPR/UK GDPR Rights)
Under data protection laws like the GDPR and UK GDPR, your consent is required for non-essential cookies. You have several ways to manage your preferences:
- Initial Banner: On your first visit, you will see a clear cookie consent banner. You can accept all, reject non-essential, or customize your preferences.
- Browser Settings: You can set your web browser to refuse all cookies or to alert you when a cookie is being sent. The "Help" feature on most browsers provides instructions. Blocking all cookies, however, will negatively affect your ability to use interactive features of our and most other websites.
- Analytics Opt-Out: To opt out of Google Analytics tracking across all websites, you can install the Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on.
- Withdrawing Consent: You can withdraw or change your cookie consent at any time by clicking the "Cookie Preferences" link (which we will place in our website footer) or by clearing your browser's cookies. This action will re-trigger the consent banner on your next visit.
Remember—essential cookies for security and site operation do not require consent, but you can block them via your browser (with the functional consequences mentioned).
5. Data Sharing & International Transfers
Cookie data collected by us is primarily processed within the European Economic Area (EEA). When we use service providers like Google (for Analytics) that may process data in the United States or other countries, we rely on approved transfer mechanisms—specifically, the EU-U.S. Data Privacy Framework (DPF) and the UK Extension to the DPF, where Google LLC has certified its adherence.
We do not sell your personal data collected via cookies. Data is only shared with third-party processors under strict contractual agreements that mandate they protect the data and use it solely for the service provided to us. Law enforcement or regulatory authorities may request access under specific legal circumstances (a warrant, for example).
6. Data Security & Retention
We implement appropriate technical measures to protect cookie data from unauthorized access, disclosure, or loss. This includes encryption (HTTPS/TLS) for data in transit. The retention period for data derived from cookies varies: session data is deleted when you log out or close your browser; analytics data is aggregated and anonymized, with raw logs typically retained for 26 months before automatic deletion.
7. Policy Updates & Contact
Technology and regulations evolve. We may update this Cookie Policy periodically to reflect changes in our practices, services, or legal obligations. The "Last updated" date at the top of this page will change accordingly. We encourage you to review this page occasionally.
If you have any questions, concerns, or wish to exercise your data protection rights regarding our use of cookies, please contact our Data Protection team:
Data Controller: Solent Maritime Connect
Address: Viking House Menzies Road, Whitfield, Dover, England, CT16 2FG
Email: support@Solent-Maritime-Connect.com
Phone: +44 118 508 35 20
For urgent matters regarding your personal data, please use the subject line "Cookie Policy Query".
Need More Information?
For details on how we process personal data beyond cookies, please read our Privacy Policy. For the terms governing your use of our website and services, see our Terms of Service.
Contact Our Legal & Compliance Team