SRT Marine Systems PLC
SRT Marine Systems PLC is a global leader in developing and supplying marine domain awareness technologies. For over 30 years, it has been the go-to company for businesses worldwide that require maritime monitoring, management, and surveillance expertise.
SRT creates truly innovative products for the marine sector and has built a reputation for excellence. They challenge convention through visionary leadership and demand high standards from their partners, and New Icon was more than willing to rise to the challenge.
In 2022, New Icon was approached by SRT Marine through The Product Partnership (TPP), of which New Icon are a part, with a vision to revolutionise communication and safety standards within the maritime sector, after struggling to make progress with their previous software partner due to the complexities of the project.
The challenge was to encapsulate advanced technological functionalities into an intuitive mobile and smartwatch application accessible to users worldwide. The project aimed to set new benchmarks in the industry by merging sophisticated technology with user-friendly interfaces to dramatically enhance maritime operations. Spearheading their drive to take on competitors such as Garmin with a product that will be the only product in the market with a companion application that also features Man Over Board functionality - something that competitors are shying away from due to how complex it is to deliver in a digital product.
The primary objective of this ambitious project was to transform traditional marine communication and domain awareness systems, which have predominantly relied on analogue radio technologies, into a comprehensive digital solution. Historically, maritime operations such as communication between ships, crews, and the Coast Guard—as well as domain awareness activities like weather monitoring and marine traffic control—were facilitated by technologies like VHF radios, Automatic Identification Systems (AIS), and Digital Selective Calling (DSC) systems.
These features still exist and are, in fact, a legal requirement in this industry. The difference with the approach New Icon and SRT have taken is that you can now have this essential functionality via an app, as well as in the base unit radio.
SRT Marine Systems sought to consolidate these functionalities into a single, integrated digital application. This initiative aimed to leverage existing radio technologies while enhancing them with smart, adaptable, and user-friendly digital interfaces. Key features of the application included:
• Visual Maritime Mapping: Real-time graphical displays of nearby vessels, enhancing situational awareness.
• Selective Communication Interfaces: Enabling users to communicate directly with other vessels or individuals.
• Collision and Impact Warning System: Proactive alerts to prevent potential maritime accidents.
• Man Overboard Detection: Immediate alerts and visual location tracking for rapid emergency response.
• Crew Management: Allowing the captain to monitor crew presence and facilitate direct communication.
The app wasn’t just about improving efficiency and safety onboard; it was about pushing the boundaries of what’s technologically possible in maritime operations. By deploying the app on both Android and iOS mobile phones and smartwatches (which comes with its complexities, with variations in SDKs and requiring native bridge code), the solution offered unprecedented flexibility and accessibility, ensuring crew members could stay connected in the most suitable format for their environment.
This app development marks a significant step forward in modernising marine communication and safety protocols. It has the potential to move the industry away from its reliance on outdated analogue systems and position SRT Marine Systems as a leader in the digital evolution of maritime technology. This project is not just a technological upgrade but a pivotal move towards a safer, more connected, and efficient maritime future.
As the world relies more and more on digital technology it made sense to create this complementary offering that sits alongside the analogue - making digital work in tandem and bridging the gap between the analogue base unit and the refined onboard experience for passengers through apps.
When New Icon joined the project, SRT Marine Systems were seeking a fresh approach after earlier efforts came to a halt due to complexities in delivering the project.
Recognising the need for a practical yet transformative solution, New Icon immediately began a process that challenged existing assumptions with a constructive and innovative mindset. This approach involved a comprehensive analysis of the specific needs and challenges within the maritime industry—a sector traditionally constrained by established methods but ready for technological innovation.
The New Icon design team embarked on an intensive learning journey to fully grasp the nuances of maritime operations. Leveraging this newfound understanding, they excelled in developing user-centric designs that were intuitive yet tailored to the complex workflows of maritime communication and safety. This process involved detailed UX planning, user flow journeys, and the creation of wireframes and final screen designs with consideration for light and dark viewing modes.
This comprehensive design phase was quickly recognised for its depth, as the team successfully addressed complex challenges that had previously stumped others, achieving in weeks what had previously taken months.
The technical strategy involved constructing a robust, cross-platform native web application using Capacitor. Following this, development in Swift, Kotlin, and Java ensured the app was not only functional but also secure, stable, and seamless across devices.
The collaboration between New Icon and SRT Marine Systems culminated in the successful launch of both a mobile and smartwatch application that exceeded user expectations. This project set a new benchmark in maritime digital solutions, combining innovative design with advanced technical execution.
Throughout the project, New Icon demonstrated its ability to address complex challenges within specialised, traditionally analogue sectors, showcasing its capacity for delivering cutting-edge, secure, and user-centric technology solutions. Their design-led strategy, paired with effective problem-solving, was crucial to the project’s success.
The development process adhered to Agile methodologies, with consistent communication and meticulous project management ensuring smooth and efficient project delivery. As the applications prepare for their market launch, this app represents a significant advancement in maritime communication and safety, and New Icon is proud to have contributed to this innovative development.
New Icon aligned product and UI to complement the work of fellow TPP group member Realise on the product design: a true end-to-end product solution underpinned by cutting-edge technology and a joined-up user experience.
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