CHIEF COMMERCIAL OFFICER PRISMA ELECTRONICS SA
In an era where the maritime industry is shifting from skeptical observation to active digital adoption, PRISMA electronics has established its LAROS platform as a benchmark for the “smart ship”. this document details how the platform addresses critical operational gaps by moving beyond simple data collection toward the integration, interpretation, and strategic utilization of information.
Central to this evolution is the deployment of the MICE-1 nanosatellite, a landmark achievement for the greek space ecosystem that enhances maritime IOT connectivity and prepares the industry for the next generation of data exchange. by leveraging “dual-use” technology derived from high-stakes defense and space sectors, LAROS provides shipowners with a certified, cyber-resilient infrastructure.
As the industry faces mounting pressure from ESG mandates and the eu emissions trading system (eu ets), the document outlines a vision for the next five years: a transition from basic monitoring to predictive optimization and digital twins, ensuring that digital transparency becomes a measurable financial and operational advantage.
Q: The LAROS system has now become a reference point for the monitoring of the “smart” vessel. What critical operational gaps does the platform address today, and how does the utilization of PRISMA ELECTRONICS’ MICE-1 nanosatellite change the landscape?
In today’s environment, there is no shortage of data generated onboard vessels. Ship systems and sensors continuously produce vast volumes of information. The real operational gap is not data collection, but rather the integration, interpretation and effective use of that data for decision-making.
LAROS addresses three critical gaps.
First, the gap between vessel and shore office. Information is no longer confined to fragmented reports but is transformed into a continuous, structured and comparable view of the vessel’s actual performance.
Second, the gap between technical measurements and operational strategy. Data is converted into unified performance indicators that can be used not only by technical departments but also by executive and commercial management.
Third, the gap between different data sources. With the introduction of the PHAROS platform, we combined high-frequency data streams with structured noon report information, bridging the divide between continuous technical monitoring and daily operational reporting. The result is a coherent and comprehensive picture of a vessel’s real performance.
The value of this unified architecture is directly reflected in decision-making, whether related to fuel consumption, engine performance or environmental compliance, enhancing situational awareness, transparency and overall fleet performance control.
Regarding the MICE-1 (Marine Identification and Communication systEm) nanosatellite, this initiative goes far beyond strengthening data transmission. It represents a strategic step toward shaping the next generation of maritime digital infrastructure.
First, at the level of satellite connectivity and data utilization:
MICE-1 enables the expansion of the range of data that can be collected, tested and operationally exploited through AIS-type systems. Beyond basic positioning data, it creates the capability to enrich information flows with additional dynamic and operational parameters, strengthening the overall operational picture of the vessel. This approach prepares the platform for the transition to the next generation of maritime data exchange systems that are gradually emerging internationally, ensuring technological readiness and future compatibility.
Second, at the level of IoT communication for safer navigation:
The LAROS–MICE-1 integration creates a testbed for advanced IoT communication architectures capable of supporting the exchange of critical operational and navigational data with increased resilience and reduced reliance on conventional satellite channels. This development enhances navigational safety by enabling more reliable and timely exchange of information between vessel and shore.
Third, at the level of energy transition and electrification:
MICE-1 and its satellite support provide the capability to test and monitor data related to battery performance and behavior, a key factor in the future electrification of vessels. Continuous collection and analysis of charging patterns, temperature behavior, lifecycle cycles and energy efficiency establish the foundation for safer and more efficient integration of hybrid and electric propulsion systems.
Within this framework, PRISMA ELECTRONICS positions itself strategically ahead of developments, leveraging MICE-1 not merely as a transmission medium but as a technological acceleration platform for LAROS. This integration creates new services, increased data resilience and expanded operational and energy analytics capabilities.
Q: The shipping industry has traditionally viewed new digital technologies particularly those combining IoT and satellite data with skepticism. What were the main challenges you faced in the commercial and technological maturation of LAROS, and how has industry perception evolved?
Shipping is, rightly, an industry built on reliability rather than innovation enthusiasm. The greatest challenge during LAROS’ early phase was not technological, it was a matter of trust.
From a technological perspective, we had to demonstrate that an IoT system could operate seamlessly in a highly demanding environment, integrating heterogeneous systems from different manufacturers under connectivity constraints. Data integration from multiple sources, quality assurance and operational reliability were critical maturation milestones.
From a commercial standpoint, the challenge was even greater. Shipping companies do not invest in “technology”; they invest in performance, risk reduction and measurable results. We therefore had to prove that LAROS was not simply another technological innovation, but a tool for decision-optimization and operational efficiency.
Today, the mindset has fundamentally shifted. The pressure for measurable efficiency, demonstrable regulatory compliance and environmental transparency have accelerated digital maturity across the sector. Companies no longer ask whether they need a digital platform; they ask which platform offers reliability, scalability and long-term strategic resilience.
Q: In an era where data is central to decision-making in shipping, how do you ensure that LAROS data is reliable, consistent and operationally meaningful?
Data reliability is rooted in how information is collected, processed and managed.
In LAROS, quality assurance is ensured at three levels. First, at the data collection level. Integration with onboard systems follows industrial standards and a non-intrusive philosophy to avoid signal degradation or data distortion. At this stage, edge computing principles are applied with the support of artificial intelligence. Critical preprocessing, quality control and initial analytics are performed locally onboard, reducing noise, latency and dependency on connectivity.
Second, at the processing level. Filtering, normalization and cross-validation mechanisms are applied. The abundance of signals from different sources is not presented raw; instead, it is transformed into unified, consistent information with clear operational meaning.
Third, at the operational interpretation level. Data is not displayed merely as measurements, but as performance indicators, historical benchmarks and actionable insights directly linked to decisions on fuel consumption, performance, maintenance or compliance. Advanced AI technologies and machine learning models support the analysis; however, interpretation is not exclusively algorithmic. It is reinforced by a specialized team of data analysts, naval architects and marine engineers, ensuring technical depth and operational validity.
In an era where decisions increasingly rely on automation, we believe that even the most advanced technology must operate in synergy with human expertise. True operational value derives from combining advanced algorithms with deep maritime know-how.
LAROS’ reliability is further validated through recognized certifications. The system holds all necessary Type Approvals for onboard use, complying with cybersecurity, cyber-resilience and environmental robustness regulations. It has also been evaluated under specialized schemes such as SMART and DATA-INFRA, relating to digital infrastructure and energy/operational data management. For shipowners and fleet managers, this means decisions are based on technically tested and certified infrastructure.
Q: How do you envision LAROS evolving over the next five years under increasing ESG, energy efficiency and regulatory demands?
Our vision is for LAROS to evolve from a monitoring system into a fundamental operational infrastructure at the core of decision-making, environmental strategy and regulatory compliance.
From Monitoring to Prediction
The next phase focuses on predictive optimization. Leveraging specialized machine learning and narrow AI models, including physics-informed modeling, the system will support fuel consumption and emissions forecasting prior to voyage commencement, factoring weather, cargo, operational profile and technical condition.
Dynamic ESG Scoring will enable continuous environmental performance assessment, potentially supporting financial evaluations under frameworks such as the Poseidon Principles and improved insurance terms.
Integration into the Green Fuels Ecosystem
As ammonia, methanol and hydrogen introduce new complexity, LAROS will evolve to monitor alternative fuel performance in real time, ensuring measurable returns on green investments. Automated carbon accounting under the EU ETS will facilitate transparent allocation between owner and charterer.
LAROS as a Digital Twin
The LAROS Digital Twin will represent the vessel’s operational, energy and environmental behavior dynamically, enabling remote surveying and condition-based maintenance. This reduces OPEX, increases availability and optimizes lifecycle management.
From Compliance Pressure to Strategic Value
Digitalization is no longer optional. LAROS will transform compliance pressure into strategic advantage moving from monitoring to prediction, from compliance to optimization, and from reporting to governance.
Q: MICE-1 is one of the few examples of Greek presence in nanosatellites. What does this signify?
MICE-1 is not merely a technological achievement; it demonstrates that Greece can develop and operate critical space infrastructure serving real operational needs.
It marks a transition from theoretical research to applied space technology with commercial impact, strengthens expertise in cybersecurity, satellite communications and critical data management, and enables meaningful participation in international missions.
MICE-1 is not a standalone project but the first step in a broader space integration strategy. In a world where connectivity is strategic capital, domestic space capability transforms Greece from a technology user into an active technology contributor.
Q: Beyond commercial shipping, PRISMA ELECTRONICS maintains a strong presence in defense and security. How does this reinforce your credibility?
PRISMA ELECTRONICS has long operated in defense and security, with significant acceleration during the Greek financial crisis, when we invested strategically in space technology and human capital.
Today, we participate in electronic circuit production for Belharra-class frigates in cooperation with Naval Group, and projects for specialized equipment for MBDA and Thales Group. We also participate in five European Defence Fund research projects, bridging commercial and defense innovation.
Our dual-use philosophy ensures technologies developed for demanding defense and space environments, under strict resilience, cybersecurity and operational availability standards, are transferred to commercial maritime applications. Conversely, maritime experience informs high-strategic-value projects.
MICE-1, fully operational in orbit since 28 November 2025, exemplifies this technological maturity. Our operational space infrastructure enables participation in European Union Space Programme initiatives, including GovSat and SAR applications.
This engagement in mission-critical environments is not parallel activity, it is a core credibility driver, enhancing the quality, robustness and strategic maturity of all our solutions.
