Privacy Policy
Last Updated: March 2025. This document outlines our unwavering commitment to protecting your personal data. We process over 1.2 million data points daily—your privacy is the cornerstone of that operation.
1. Who We Are
The data controller is Solent Maritime Connect (Company Registration Number: 11681688). Our registered office is at Viking House Menzies Road, Whitfield, Dover, England, CT16 2FG. Founded in 2015, we provide maritime logistics technology services. For any data-related inquiries, our dedicated Data Protection Officer can be reached at support@Solent-Maritime-Connect.com or by phone at +44 118 508 35 20.
2. The Information We Collect
We collect information to provide our services—nothing more, nothing less. This falls into two categories:
- Information you provide directly: This includes your name, business email, job title, company name, phone number, and any content you submit via contact forms, demo requests, or support tickets. (Approximately 98.3% of our direct data collection is business-to-business).
- Information collected automatically: When you visit Solent-Maritime-Connect.com, we gather technical data like your IP address, browser type, device identifiers, and pages viewed. We use cookies and similar tech—think of them as the buoys and markers that help us navigate site performance.
3. How We Use Your Information (Our "Lawful Basis")
Under the UK GDPR and Data Protection Act 2018, we must have a valid reason for processing your data. Here’s ours:
Contractual Necessity
To fulfill our agreements—providing platform access, customer support, and invoicing for the services you’ve requested.
Legitimate Interests
To improve our website, prevent fraud, ensure security, and send relevant marketing communications to existing clients (you can opt out anytime).
We also rely on consent for certain non-essential cookies and for promotional emails to non-clients. You gave it? You can take it away—withdrawing consent is straightforward.
4. Data Sharing & International Transfers
We are not in the business of selling your data. We do, however, share it with a select group of trusted partners under strict contractual safeguards:
- Cloud Infrastructure Providers: For hosting our platform and website data within the UK/EEA.
- Payment Processors: To handle subscription fees securely.
- Analytics Services: Such as Google Analytics 4 (with IP anonymization enabled) to understand site usage.
- Legal & Regulatory Bodies: Only if required by law—a court order, for instance.
While we primarily store data in the UK, some partners may process it in other countries. In such cases, we ensure transfers are protected by Standard Contractual Clauses (SCCs) or other adequacy mechanisms. Want a list of specific sub-processors? Just ask.
5. Data Security & Retention
Your data is stored on secure servers protected by industry-standard measures—encryption (both in transit and at rest), firewalls, and strict access controls. We regularly test our defenses. But let’s be realistic: no system is 100% impenetrable. We commit to notifying you and the relevant authorities of any significant personal data breach within 72 hours, as the law requires.
How long do we keep your data? We only retain it for as long as necessary. Client account data is held for 7 years after the contract ends for legal and accounting purposes. Marketing contact data is reviewed annually and deleted if there’s no engagement. Website analytics data is typically aggregated and anonymized after 14 months.
6. Your Data Protection Rights
You have significant control over your information. Here’s what you can do:
Right of Access
Request a copy of the personal data we hold about you (a "Subject Access Request").
Right to Rectification
Ask us to correct inaccurate or incomplete data.
Right to Erasure
Request we delete your data in certain circumstances (the "right to be forgotten").
You also have rights to restrict processing, object to processing, and data portability. To exercise any right, contact us at support@Solent-Maritime-Connect.com. We have one month to respond. If you’re unhappy with our handling of your data, you have the right to lodge a complaint with the UK Information Commissioner's Office (ICO).
7. Cookies & Similar Technologies
Our website uses cookies—small text files placed on your device. Some are essential (keeping you logged in), while others help us analyze traffic. We categorize them as follows:
- Strictly Necessary: Cannot be switched off. They enable core functionality.
- Performance/Analytics: Help us understand how visitors interact with the site. These are anonymized.
- Functional: Remember your preferences (like language or region).
You can manage your cookie preferences via our Cookie Preferences page or your browser settings. Blocking cookies may affect your website experience.
8. Links to Other Websites
Our site may contain links to third-party websites—port authorities, logistics partners, or industry news. This privacy policy applies only to Solent-Maritime-Connect.com. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of other sites. A word of advice? Always read their privacy notices when you leave our domain.
9. Changes to This Privacy Policy
The maritime tech landscape evolves, and so might this policy. We will update the "Last Updated" date at the top of this page for any material changes. We may notify registered users of significant updates via email. Your continued use of our services after changes constitutes acceptance of the new terms.
Questions About Your Data?
We believe transparency builds trust. If anything in this policy is unclear, or if you wish to exercise your rights, please don’t hesitate to contact our data protection team.
Contact Our Data Team