Awake.AI’s emissions monitoring software will be made available in combination with Tidalis’ vessel traffic services and port management systems used by ports, coastguards and maritime authorities worldwide. Shipping companies and ports are facing increasing reporting obligations linked to FuelEU Maritime, EU ETS and the IMO’s decarbonisation targets.

Under the agreement, Awake.AI’s Emission Monitor will be combined with operational data from Tidalis systems to turn port-call, vessel, fueling, cargo handling, shore power and gate-event data into automated Scope 1–3 emissions reporting. The system enables ports, terminals and shipping companies to monitor and manage emissions data across port and vessel operations. The aim is to reduce manual reporting processes and improve emissions transparency for ports, terminals and vessel operators.

“Ports already manage large amounts of operational vessel data every day,” said Karno Tenovuo, CEO of Awake.AI. “You cannot decarbonise what you cannot measure. The challenge is turning that data into reliable and auditable emissions reporting that supports both compliance and operational decision-making. The deployments are starting in European ports already this year to meet the CSRD requirements.”

Tidalis CEO Geert-Jan den Besten said ports are increasingly looking for practical ways to improve emissions transparency while maintaining efficient vessel operations. “We are proud to partner with Awake.AI. Their expertise is a valuable addition to Tidalis’s global network and the trust our clients place in us every day,” he said.

The companies said the rollout will initially focus on ports and maritime authorities in Europe, followed by projects in Asia-Pacific, the Middle East and the Americas during 2026 and 2027.

Shipping accounts for around 3% of global greenhouse gas emissions, while more than 80% of world trade is transported by sea. Growing regulatory pressure, including the expansion of EU ETS coverage for shipping emissions and the IMO’s decarbonisation targets, is increasing the need for more transparent emissions reporting across the maritime sector.

Tidalis supports maritime traffic operations for ports and authorities globally, while Awake.AI develops port call optimisation and emissions reporting technology for shipping and port operations.

Tidalis and UFA, Inc., two pioneering technology companies operating at the forefront of transportation intelligence and simulation, today announced the signing of a Letter of Intent (LOI) formalising their commitment to a strategic long-term partnership. The agreement follows the successful completion of a joint Proof of Concept (PoC) project.

The Proof of Concept demonstrated the transformative potential of combining Tidalis’s deep maritime data intelligence and surveillance capabilities with UFA’s world-class speech recognition technology for operational communications. The first phase was completed and delivered measurable results, validating the technical feasibility and operational value of the combined solutions.

A shared mission

The LOI marks the beginning of a new chapter in maritime innovation. Under the agreement, Tidalis and UFA will jointly develop and commercialise smart solutions that leverage connected, intelligent data to make ports, waterways, and maritime operations safer, more secure, more efficient, and more sustainable. Together, the two organisations bring decades of combined expertise and a shared belief that the future of maritime operations lies in the intelligent integration of real-time data, advanced analytics, and purpose-built simulation environments.

The Proof of Concept served as a rigorous real-world testbed, exposing the solution to the full complexity of modern port operations from vessel traffic management and safety monitoring to situational awareness and operational decision support. The outcome has given both parties the confidence and conviction to move to the next phase of collaboration, focusing on scalability, commercialisation, and broader deployment across the APAC region and beyond.

What comes next

With the LOI in place, Tidalis and UFA will now move into a structured joint programme covering advanced product integration, go-to-market strategy for the APAC region, and the co-development of next-generation maritime intelligence solutions. The partnership will focus on three key pillars: safety and security intelligence, operational efficiency through data-driven decision support, and sustainability through smarter, greener port operations.

Both organisations are in active dialogue with port authorities, maritime authorities, and shipping operators across the region and globally, and anticipate announcing commercial deployments in the coming months.

With these appointments, Tidalis reinforces its commitment to innovation in the maritime industry and making the maritime world safer, more secure, and more efficient through the delivery of next-generation vessel traffic management and port management solutions.

Geert-Jan den Besten is a seasoned leader, highly respected for his extensive experience in growing and transforming organisations that deliver business-critical solutions. He has held leadership positions at, among others, HP, KPN, Detron, Treetop, and ECI Software Solutions. These experiences have taught him that sustainable growth is achieved when strategy is firmly anchored in close collaboration with clients, partners, and the wider market.

“Since I started as CEO of Tidalis two and a half years ago, we’ve made significant strides in achieving our strategic goals. There is still much more potential for our innovative solutions. I will continue to focus on the business growth of Tidalis, in close collaboration with Geert-Jan, the Board and the rest of the leadership team.” – Ivo-Paul Tummers, Advisor to the Board

“I am very pleased to welcome Geert-Jan den Besten as CEO. Under his leadership and with the continued support of Ivo-Paul Tummers, who has successfully led the establishment of Tidalis as a standalone business, we are well positioned for the next phase of growth. I would like to thank Ivo-Paul Tummers for his successful leadership, and I look forward to continuing to work together.” – Ralf Timmer, Chairman of the Board

Geert-Jan den Besten officially assumed his role on 17 November 2025. This leadership transition ensures continuity and stability while positioning Tidalis for long-term growth and innovation. All ongoing projects and partnerships will continue to be fully supported, and our customers can expect the same strong commitment to quality, reliability, and collaborative partnership that they have always experienced.

We thank all our clients, partners and stakeholders for their continued support and trust in Tidalis as we embark on this exciting new chapter.

What’s inside?

• Integration & Innovation: Discover how Tidalis and Made Smart Group are transforming maritime safety and efficiency through real-time data collaboration.
• Decarbonisation & Compliance: The IMO Net-Zero Framework is here, and it’s a game-changer.
• Customer Spotlight – Peel Ports Group: Hear directly from Mark Hesketh, Assistant Group Harbour Master, on how Peel Ports is leveraging Tidalis MaritimeControl Software to centralize operations, enhance resilience, and prepare for the future with in-house VTS simulation.
• MARASI at Sohar Port: A benchmark in a digital transformation, MARASI has processed over 900,000 vessel movements and 500,000 pilotage operations. Find out how this Tidalis-powered platform is driving sustainability, efficiency, and smart decision-making in Oman.
• Security in troubled waters: This issue explores how ports are countering these risks with AI-powered surveillance, enhanced vetting, and international collaboration—plus practical steps you can take today.
• The Mariner’s Journey: A fascinating look at the evolution of maritime technology—from ancient navigation tools to AI-driven systems. This historical perspective offers valuable context for today’s innovations.
• AI in Maritime – Promise & Pitfalls: Artificial intelligence is revolutionising port operations—but it’s not infallible. We explore the strengths and limitations of predictive tools.

Whether you’re navigating regulatory change, enhancing operational safety, or planning for the future, the issue of Tidalis Currents offers the insights and tools to help you lead with confidence.

Read the full newsletter now and discover how Tidalis is helping ports and maritime authorities stay ahead of the curve.

This significant digital transformation project centralizes operations across a massive network of 9 UK ports, including key locations in the Forth Estuary, the Tay Estuary, and London (Port of Tilbury and Tilbury 2).

The new, extensive system empowers Forth Ports with enhanced capabilities for:

• End-to-end vessel management
• Marine pilot and tugboat coordination
• Advanced lock scheduling for optimized resource planning
• Streamlined handling of complex, multi-port billing.

Reflecting on the project, Craig Mcleod, Head of Group Operational Systems at Forth Ports, shared:

“From the outset of this project, the solution and capabilities provided by the Tidalis team have been exemplary in realising efficiencies and business benefits in our marine and billing operations. Faced with a complex set of requirements and variations across our portfolio of ports on the Forth, Tay and Thames, and an extensive range of functionalities utilised, we found that the PortControl software was the best solution on the market to meet our needs. From both the Chief Harbour Master and the IT Leadership we want to express our thanks to the entire Tidalis team for their partnership in delivering this solution, their collaboration in streamlining our processes, and we look forward to continuing to work closely together.”

A huge congratulations to the entire team at Forth Ports on this successful launch! We are proud to be your technology partner in driving efficiency and innovation in port operations.

Managing the allocation of harbour pilots to vessel traffic is no small feat. Smart, configurable tools simplify these complex processes to support safety, efficiency, and seamless communication. With PilotControl, NQBP’s Marine Pilot team will gain real-time access to critical information, whether in the office or en-route to their next job.

Key features include:

• A powerful web-based dispatch dashboard
• A pilot-friendly mobile app
• Integration with Maritime Safety Queensland’s QSHIPS Port Community System
• Full 24/7 support from the Tidalis team

This project marks a significant step forward for both NQBP and Tidalis. As CEO of Tidalis, Ivo-Paul Tummers puts it: “By connecting directly with Queensland’s QSHIPS platform, this project shows what is possible when systems truly talk to each other. It is a great example of ports leading with integration to deliver real-time value to pilots and port stakeholders alike.

Currently, the Port of Hueneme relies on decentralized and mainly manual data entry, management and reporting. To address these limitations, the Port of Hueneme together with Tidalis will be implementing PortControl, a single point of truth system, enhanced with tailored configurations and workflows to provide automation and improve the efficiency of port personnel.

Pavel Skournik, Managing Director of Tidalis: “We are excited to welcome the Port of Hueneme to our family of PortControl customer around the world, and to the cohort of 4 leading California ports, along with the Ports of Stockton and Los Angeles, and the recently announced Port of San Diego. We value all these partnerships deeply.”

Aaron Valance, IT Services Manager at the Port of Hueneme highlights, “The project will create a robust IT infrastructure to enable seamless data exchange across the port community, supporting plans for future integration with external stakeholders. By creating a unified, port-wide data system, the initiative will enhance supply chain interoperability, improve cloud readiness, and foster data-driven decision-making. This collaborative approach strengthens supply chain resilience, reduces emissions, and promotes long-term economic growth.”

This strategic move brings together two innovators in the field, set to transform the way maritime stakeholders manage and optimize their operations. MSG supports highly demanding customers in offshore construction, salvage, tug, pilot, shipping and hull-insurance industries, as well as surveillance authorities. The company excels with innovative data science technologies, supplying customers with a wealth of products including nautical charts, bathymetry, weather, oceanographic, tide, currents, vessel positions and tracks. These products support, among others, fleet management and passage planning. The company also specializes in helping customers made wider and easier use of their Geographic Information Systems.

Tidalis and MSG have complementary offerings, in some cases serving the same customers. The combination of Tidalis’ cutting-edge software and MSG’s rich data and technology portfolio creates unparalleled synergies. Together the companies can accelerate their contribution to the increasing demand for sustainability, safety and security in the maritime industry.

MSG’s founders and management team will continue to lead the company under the new ownership.

Ivo-Paul Tummers, CEO at Tidalis: “This acquisition is not just about merging capabilities. It marks a powerful new chapter for the maritime industry. By uniting our strengths, we are positioned to drive the future of maritime technology and operations, strengthening our market leadership and accelerating innovation across the maritime and port sectors.”

Luuth van der Scheer, Director at MSG: “Joining forces with Tidalis, while maintaining our customer orientation in a business-unit structure, supports our rapid growth in the best way possible. Clear organizational synergies contribute to the highest level of cybersecurity, compliance, sustainability and control with an efficient and robust joint core. I am sure this merger serves the interest of our customers who will benefit from accelerated innovation.”

The PMIS will play a critical role in supporting port and terminal operations, from arranging vessel visits, associated services, and billing, to a Common Operating Picture (an integrated GIS solution for situational awareness, incident management, berth planning and putting a visual to any data). Having a single platform across the port will ensure one source of truth, leading to streamlined processes and enhanced information sharing for the entire port community.

“This platform will be an important foundation for maritime data collection, centralizing maritime operations systems functionality, advancing our Port data collaboration goals, and providing future operational efficiencies in support of our maritime services at the Port,” says Michael LaFleur, Port of San Diego Vice President of Maritime.

What’s inside?

• Maritime Picture: The future platform for monitoring the busiest sea in the world – Interview with Margo Andrea.
• Embracing technology for resilience
• Customer Success Stories: Port of Melbourne
• Beyond the Price Tag: How superior performance wins complex contracts
• Khimji Ramda’s Special Project Division partners with Port of Duqm
• Changing demographics: The evolving interface
• The AIS2025 project

Welcome again to our Tidalis Currents community. Happy reading!