Moroccan Merchant Marine Information System (SIMM)
Client
Directorate of Merchant Marine
Assignment
Study, design, and implementation of the Merchant Marine Information System of Morocco (SIMM).
Context and challenges
In 2004, the Moroccan Merchant Marine launched a major modernization initiative of its information system to address increasing requirements related to maritime management, safety, and compliance with international conventions. At that time, many business processes were largely manual, leading to administrative delays, data duplication, and operational risks.
The main objective was to digitize core maritime processes and centralize strategic data related to vessels, seafarers, maritime safety, and ship mortgages within a secure, web-based, and interoperable platform.
Shared System was selected to conduct the study, design, and implementation of the Merchant Marine Information System (SIMM).
Delivered solution
SIMM was designed as a modular and scalable platform, structured around five core business modules :
Ship Registry
- Management of all categories of ships: IMO Conventional Ships engaged
- on international voyages, leisure, supply, port service and fishing vessels;
- Ship owners’ management ;
- Ship’s registry ;
- Managing change (sale, engines change, etc.);
- Ship’s deletion from its registry;
- Sailing license management, crew list and circulation permit;
- Checking the validity of certificates and other authorizations granted;
- Fees and taxation;
Seafarer Management
- Seafarers inscriptions management ;
- Compliance with the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC 2006)
- Maritime vocational training ;
- Qualifications and certificates;
- Boarding/landing of sailors and seaman’s book;
- Radiation, activation and suspension ;
- Disciplinary and penal system (infractions, fines and penalties).
Navigation and Maritime Safety Management
- Management of safety inspections and audits (ISM, ISPS)
- Alerts and maritime incident management
Maritime Transport Management
- Management of licenses and authorizations for shipping companies
- Statistics and reporting for maritime authorities
Maritime Mortgages Management
- Registration of maritime liens and mortgages
- Secure legal publication and consultation
- Interfaces with courts and financial institutions
Methodological approach
The project was delivered using a participatory approach, actively involving Merchant Marine professionals throughout all project phases. From the initial analysis stage, collaborative workshops were conducted with business teams to capture operational needs and real-world constraints.
Iterative prototypes were continuously validated with end users during design and testing phases. This co-creation approach ensured strong alignment between the information system and daily operational practices, while fostering user adoption and long-term sustainability.
Results and impact
The implementation of SIMM delivered tangible operational and strategic benefits, including :
- Centralized and unified maritime data repository
- Elimination of data duplication and improved data quality
- Full traceability of vessel and seafarer histories
- Significant reduction in administrative processing times
- Automatic generation of regulatory documents and certificates
- Enhanced audit, inspection, and reporting capabilities
- Comprehensive logging and traceability of user actions
Conclusion
This project enabled the Moroccan Merchant Marine to deploy an integrated and robust information system, significantly improving operational efficiency, transparency, and regulatory compliance. It highlights Shared System’s expertise in supporting maritime administrations through digital transformation initiatives driven by structured methodology and close collaboration with business stakeholders.