Tidalis and UFA Announce Strategic Partnership at Singapore Maritime Week 2026

Following a strong collaboration for the Maritime Industry in linking Vessel Traffic Management and VHF speech recognition, two innovators commit to a strategic solution cooperation for a safer, more secure and sustainable maritime operations across the APAC region and beyond. 

SINGAPORE, April 23, 2026  -  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) formalizing 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 commercialize 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 organizations 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 we achieved together in the Proof of Concept exceeded our expectations. The integration of our maritime intelligence platform with UFA’s operational speech recognition expertise delivered a level of situational awareness and operational insight that simply did not exist before. This Letter of Intent is not only a signature on paper, but also a dedicating to shared belief and commitment. We are committed to building solutions that are not only technically superior, but that genuinely make maritime operations safer and our ports more sustainable.” - Geert-Jan den Besten, CEO, Tidalis

“The Proof of Concept demonstrated something we have long believed: that advanced speech recognition technology, when combined with real-time connected data, is a game changer for maritime safety and operational performance. UFA has spent over four decades building trusted solutions for the most demanding operational environments in aviation, and we are thrilled to bring that same rigor and expertise to the maritime sector through this partnership with Tidalis. Together, we are building the intelligent infrastructure that the maritime industry needs for the challenges ahead.” -  David Wolff, CEO, UFA, Inc.

What comes next

With the LOI in place, Tidalis and UFA will now move into a structured joint program 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 organizations 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.

About Tidalis

Tidalis delivers a wide range of integrated solutions to maritime users around the world. These solutions enable customers to run efficient ports, terminals, and pilotage operations; manage the safety and efficiency of traffic on waterways; protect the environment; support law enforcement and coast guard operations; and safeguard critical infrastructure at sea.

Tidalis employs approximately 200 people representing 26 nationalities, working from offices in Canada, Hong Kong, the Netherlands, and Sweden. The company is backed by funds advised by Agilitas Private Equity LLC.

About UFA Inc.

UFA Inc. (ufainc.com) is the world’s premier developer of simulation and speech recognition systems for Air Traffic Control and airport operations and training. With over 40 years of experience and offices in the United States, Canada, Germany, and Singapore, UFA provides versatile training, research, and operational tools to leading air navigation service providers, military organisations, universities, and airports. UFA’s technology is trusted by some of the most demanding operational environments in the world.