By Philip Cherian, CEO, Maritronics, subsidiary of Centena Group
Navigating the open seas can be challenging, especially within the busy and high-traffic waters. Although reliable, traditional compasses come with several disadvantages. They are affected by weather, electromagnetic fields, and ship structure, all of which can cause navigational errors. These difficulties are particularly problematic in crowded port facilities or when conducting operations offshore, where accuracy is essential to productivity, safety, and efficiency.
The Growing Maritime Sector in Middle East
Today, the Middle East is at the forefront of global maritime trade, thanks to its strategic location, which allows goods, energy resources, and maritime operations to move freely across major international waterways. Due to rising investments in port infrastructure, offshore projects, and cutting-edge vessel technologies, the maritime sector continues to expand quickly.
The Middle East’s offshore support vessels market is expected to grow from USD 27.25 billion in 2025 to USD 37.34 billion by 2030, while the freight and logistics sector is projected to surpass USD 235 billion. As a global maritime powerhouse, the UAE is a major player in this booming industry. With ports like Jebel Ali, Khalifa Port, and Fujairah processing millions of containers and tonnes of cargo every year, the UAE has cemented its status as a major hub for trade and logistics.
Navigational Precision Challenges
However, the need for accurate navigation and optimisation of vessel performance has never been higher due to the increase in maritime activity. The maritime industry faces significant navigational precision challenges, especially in areas with high traffic. Traditional magnetic
compasses struggle to keep up with the rapidly shifting maritime landscape and are highly susceptible to interference from external factors such as electromagnetic fields, ship structures, and weather conditions. Navigational errors caused by such interference frequently result in fuel inefficiencies, increased operating expenses, and safety issues.