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Innovating Connectivity with Intent-based Fulfillment | Incognito

Written by Matt Mariani | 10/07/25 4:16 PM

The maritime industry stands at a critical juncture. While 90% of global trade flows through shipping networks, maritime operators face an unprecedented intersection of challenges: soaring connectivity costs, escalating cybersecurity threats, and mounting pressure for environmental compliance. Incognito's 2025 TM Forum B2Sea Catalyst Project emerges as a transformative solution, leveraging intent-based service fulfillment across converged access networks to address these complex connectivity demands.

This comprehensive initiative tackles one of the most formidable challenges in maritime operations: delivering secure, high-availability B2B and enterprise telecom services across mobile, satellite, and fiber networks. By introducing dynamic network slicing and intent-driven automation, B2Sea promises to revolutionize how service providers deliver connectivity solutions to the maritime sector and beyond.

Maritime Connectivity: A Perfect Storm of Challenges

The maritime industry operates within a complex ecosystem where connectivity failures can cascade into significant operational and financial consequences. Understanding these challenges reveals why innovative solutions like B2Sea are essential for the sector's future.

  • Skyrocketing connectivity costs: The top five cargo fleets operate an average of 621 ships each. With hybrid connectivity—spanning satellite, mobile, and fiber—each vessel incurs an upfront cost of $9.3 million and an annual operating cost of $108,000. This translates to a staggering $67.1 million in annual connectivity costs per fleet
  • Cybersecurity threats on the rise: Since February 2020, cyberattacks targeting maritime systems have surged by 400%. High-profile incidents like the Maersk NotPetya attack (2017), COSCO ransomware breach (2018), and Norsk Hydro's global network compromise (2019) have exposed the vulnerabilities of maritime IT and OT systems
  • Operational complexity: Modern vessels depend on a web of interconnected systems—bridge control, propulsion, navigation, and safety—all of which require real-time data to function efficiently. Yet, low bandwidth, latency, and unreliable links continue to hinder performance and safety
  • Environmental impact: Rerouting container ships from the Suez Canal to the Cape of Good Hope increases greenhouse gas emissions by 70%. With the International Maritime Organization (IMO) targeting a 20% reduction in sulphur dioxide emissions and net-zero emissions by 2050, the industry must adopt smarter, greener technologies
  • Crew welfare and predictive maintenance: Crew turnover and abandonment are rising due to poor connectivity and working conditions. At the same time, machine failure remains the leading cause of maritime incidents, making predictive maintenance and remote diagnostics essential.

B2Sea Catalyst: Converged Access Meets Intent-Driven Automation

The B2Sea Catalyst Project addresses these multifaceted challenges through a holistic approach that combines advanced networking technologies with intelligent automation. The solution delivers dynamic, intent-based connectivity across converged access networks, enabling secure, high-availability services anywhere in the world.

  • Dynamic network slicing: Tailors connectivity based on intent, Service Level Agreements (SLAs), and location-specific requirements.
  • Telco network APIs: integrates with industry-standard APIs, including CAMARA, GSMA Open Gateway, and TM Forum ODA, to enable seamless service orchestration across multiple operators and access networks.
  • Service orchestration and device monitoring: Incognito's Service Activation Center (SAC) and Device Experience (DX) solutions enable real-time visibility, zero-touch provisioning, and management of services and devices across the maritime connectivity ecosystem.
  • Network inventory management: Digitata Networks powers the network inventory management component, providing real-time visibility and control over connectivity assets across multiple access networks and geographic regions.
  • Omni-channel marketplace: Enabled by Binom, allowing service providers to scale their partner ecosystems and offer bundled services.

Intent-Driven Automation: The Foundation of Future Networks

Intent-driven automation represents a paradigm shift in network management, moving from manual configuration to intelligent, goal-oriented automation. This approach enables operators to define high-level objectives while allowing the network to determine the optimal implementation strategy.

Intent-based service fulfillment transforms how B2C, B2B, and enterprise connectivity is managed. Instead of manually configuring network parameters, operators can specify desired outcomes. For example, an operator might request "secure high-speed connectivity for all ships entering the port of Copenhagen." The network then automatically allocates bandwidth, applies security policies, and adjusts network resources without manual intervention. This approach reduces complexity, minimizes human error, and accelerates service deployment.

The evolution toward autonomous networks represents the ultimate realization of intent-driven automation. These networks can self-configure, self-optimize, and self-heal without human intervention. For maritime operators, autonomous networks promise unprecedented reliability, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness.

Business Value for Service Providers

For service providers, the benefits of the B2Sea Catalyst project extend far beyond the ocean:

  • Accelerate time-to-market: Rapidly deploy new B2B2X offerings, customize services for specific customer requirements, and expand into adjacent markets.
  • Cut costs through automation: Automation eliminates manual configuration tasks, reduces human error, and optimizes resource utilization.
  • Enable SLA-based services: Deliver secure, high-speed connectivity tailored to specific SLA requirements.
  • Unlock new revenues: Provide customers with comprehensive, integrated solutions that address their complete connectivity requirements.

Incognito's Critical Role in the Project

Incognito plays a critical role in this project by delivering converged device and service orchestration across multi-access networks. Our expertise in real-time device monitoring and management, as well as zero-touch provisioning, empowers service providers to deliver consistent, high-quality connectivity. With an intent-based approach, operators can orchestrate and manage network services globally, across any access, supporting next-gen maritime operations while dramatically reducing costs.

Final Thoughts

As digital transformation reaches the high seas, connectivity is no longer a luxury—it's a necessity. The TM Forum B2Sea Catalyst proves that with the right architecture, tools, and partners, service providers can deliver borderless, secure, high-availability services across converged access networks, all while reducing costs and unlocking new value.

Want to simplify service delivery with intent-driven automation? Contact our team to get started.