Digital systems are mission critical in today’s maritime landscape. Shipowners are navigating a complex environment shaped by increasing automation, tightening regulations, and growing cybersecurity threats. With vessels becoming smarter and more interconnected, the risk of cyberattacks has never been greater, and the cost of downtime or compromised control systems can be devastating, both financially and reputationally.
At the same time, regulatory bodies like the IMO are demanding clearer cyber risk management, while the shipping industry is rapidly advancing toward higher degrees of autonomy. In this shifting environment, shipowners need automation platforms that are powerful, reliable, and built with elevated cybersecurity measures.
This is precisely the challenge SEAM’s e‑SEAMatic® automation platform is built to address.
The e‑SEAMatic® system is SEAM’s flagship Integrated Automation System (IAS), seamlessly combining control and monitoring functions across propulsion, power management, auxiliary systems, and safety, all within a single intuitive interface. Its modular and scalable architecture, built on open COTS hardware and standardized protocols, allows shipowners to customize, upgrade, or retrofit without vendor lock‑in, ensuring long‑term value and flexibility.
SEAM’s cybersecurity strategy is engineered into every layer of e‑SEAMatic®:
- DMZ‐segmented edge devices ensure isolation of critical operations
- Strict separation of IT and OT networks reduces attack surfaces
- Robust firewall protection safeguards internal communications
These measures reflect cybersecurity best practices in maritime operational technology (OT), mirroring guidelines that emphasize segmented defense, network hygiene, and rigorous risk management.
Downtime at sea can be costly and dangerous. e‑SEAMatic® addresses this with a multi-layered resilience strategy:
- Redundancy in controllers, networks, operator stations, and power supplies—customizable to vessel-class requirements
- Self‑diagnostics and runtime software recovery, enabling real-time fault detection and seamless continuation
Together, these features ensure mission‑critical systems stay online under all conditions.
The maritime industry is sailing toward automation and autonomy. SEAM is ahead of this curve:
- Scalable data and integration capacity support an expanding ecosystem with Cronolog data logging, OTA updates, remote services, and fleet analytics
- Composable architecture readies ships for advanced autonomy scenarios—sensor fusion, AI, remote operation, and more
From the first e‑SEAMatic® in 2008 to the modern 2024 version with web UI, tag‑based controllers, and enhanced cyber defenses, SEAM continues to reinforce its platform for next‑generation vessels.
A quick look at the e‑SEAMatic® features coupled with the benefits:
SEAM’s e‑SEAMatic® IAS embodies the fusion of automation, integration, and cybersecurity in maritime operations. Designed with shipowners in mind, it combines an intuitive, modular interface with rigorous cyber defense and operational resilience, all while preparing vessels for the next wave of autonomy and digital transformation.
