Successful Cloud Migration at Sea: How a Maritime Company Transformed Its IT

For many companies, cloud migration in 2025 will be a matter of “lift-and-shift.” But what if your data is located hundreds of kilometers from the mainland? This was exactly the case for a large maritime contracting company that struggled with poor connectivity at sea, making a migration to the cloud seem technically nearly impossible. This company, which specializes in installing offshore platforms, is known for its impressive crane ships and innovative, sustainable solutions.

Thanks to the internet capabilities of the Starlink satellite network, the company gained the necessary bandwidth, and with Macaw’s expertise, not only was the cloud migration successfully completed, but the IT environment was also transformed. The result: a more efficient, future-proof IT infrastructure that significantly improved the client’s business operations.

From data at sea to data in the cloud

The client was struggling with an inefficient IT environment driven by outdated systems and limited connectivity. With a global network of on-premises data centers and separate data centers on ships, the company was burdened by duplicate systems and time-consuming management. This came at the expense of innovation and efficiency.

The need to solve this problem was further exacerbated by connectivity challenges at sea. Without a stable connection, employees on ships could not collaborate in real time, and data was not always up to date. This limited efficiency and posed risks to decision-making.

The client decided to implement Starlink, a satellite network that provides broadband internet in remote locations, to improve connectivity, which presented a unique opportunity to make the transition to the cloud. Macaw was chosen as a strategic partner due to its clear approach and proven expertise in both strategic and technical areas.

Maximizing Cloud Impact Beyond Migration

Our cloud experts identified opportunities not only to modernize the IT infrastructure but also to optimize the application landscape for maximum value. Instead of simply performing a “lift-and-shift” migration, we took a holistic approach: first, we identified which processes could be optimized and where outdated systems needed to be replaced. This allowed us not only to improve the IT infrastructure but also to make daily work processes more efficient.

In our view, true digital transformation goes beyond technology alone. Implementing the right tools is just one aspect; success lies in adoption within the organization. That’s why we focused not only on the technical migration but also on engaging employees in the change process. We ensured that they were not only well-prepared but also enthusiastic about the new way of working. We achieved this through a user-centric approach, applyingthe ADKAR® model to facilitate a smooth transition at both the individual and organizational levels. This resulted in rapid adoption and a smooth transition to the new technologies.

What makes our approach unique is that we looked beyond the client’s original request. Instead of a mere “lift-and-shift” migration, we recommended strategic improvements, such as Azure Virtual Desktop for flexible and scalable workspaces and Azure DevOps for automated workflows. These solutions not only delivered technical benefits but also improved day-to-day workflows, enabling the client to operate more efficiently and cost-effectively. By extensively sharing knowledge in advance through workshops and actively involving them in the process, we ensured a smooth and manageable transformation.

Using a dual-track Agile approach, we migrated incrementally by location or user group. This minimized disruption and ensured a smooth transition, during which we continuously adjusted our approach based on feedback. As a result, the client was able to immediately benefit from the cloud, while employees gradually became accustomed to the new work environment.

Blueprint for Future Growth

We developed a holistic yet pragmatic transformation strategy for the client. The focus was not merely on a technical migration, but rather on creating a blueprint for future-proofing and growth. With our approach, we achieved a streamlined IT environment centered around a single Azure tenant and a unified Microsoft 365 environment. This was enhanced with Azure Virtual Desktop and Microsoft Intune, enabling employees anywhere in the world—whether on a dredger or in a land-based office—to collaborate securely and efficiently within the same cloud environment.

In doing so, we not only modernized the IT landscape but also transformed the way the company works. This ultimately resulted in lower operational costs for the client and more efficient workflows, equipping employees with smart tools that take their productivity and collaboration to the next level.