A smarter way to manage Australia’s busiest waters.
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Port Authority of NSW is one of Australia’s most critical maritime organisations, overseeing operations across Sydney, Newcastle and other key ports.
They approached us with a complex challenge: to unify multiple ports under a cohesive digital experience. The solution also needed to streamline maritime operations, maintain enterprise-grade security and serve audiences ranging from international shipping companies to cruise passengers and local communities.
We responded with a scalable platform built on District (Drupal 10) that simplifies access to vital information, supports real-time operations, and sets a new benchmark for digital government infrastructure in the maritime sector.
The Challenge
Managing Australia’s busiest maritime facilities demands a platform that can support complex operations, real-time data access and diverse user needs. Port Authority NSW required a solution that could bring together multiple systems into a cohesive digital experience.
- Shipping companies needed real-time vessel tracking and environmental data
- Cruise passengers expected intuitive access to terminals, parking and local attractions
- Internal teams required security and information governance
- Each port needed localised content within a unified organisational structure
The platform also had to comply with critical infrastructure security protocols while remaining fully accessible to the public.
Our Approach
We combined considered technical architecture with human-centred design, beginning with in-depth stakeholder research. We interviewed maritime operators, cruise passengers, venue hire coordinators and internal teams to understand needs across all user groups.
Our process included:
- A deep technical audit of existing systems, including the Port Management Information System
- Co-design workshops with operational and technical stakeholders
- UX testing, card-sorting and tree-testing to refine structure and navigation
- Iterative development cycles to align technical delivery with real-world use
This ensured the platform was both technically sound and grounded in the day-to-day needs of one of Australia’s most complex operational environments.
The solution
We delivered a comprehensive digital transformation using our enterprise-grade District Content Management System (Drupal 10), supporting critical real-time maritime operations and public engagement at scale.
These included:
- Real-time vessel movement data via XML integration with the Port Management Information System
- Embedded weather and tide data from official maritime authorities
- Secure APIs and enterprise authentication aligned with critical infrastructure requirements
- Flexible content architecture to support individual port identities and workflows
- WCAG 2.1 AA compliance and responsive design across desktop and mobile
The result is a single, unified platform that supports operational needs while providing a consistent and intuitive experience for users.
Infrastructure and Reliability
The platform runs on our fully managed District SaaS infrastructure, optimised for government and critical infrastructure clients.
Hosted on AWS across multiple availability zones, the platform includes:
- Automatic scaling for peak periods such as the cruise season
- Web Application Firewalls and PCI DSS compliance
- Fast content delivery through Fastly CDN
- Continuous monitoring, automated backups and disaster recovery protocols
This setup eliminates internal technical overhead while ensuring reliability, performance and security.
The Outcome
Since launch, the platform has delivered measurable improvements across key areas:
- Improved access to operational data for maritime professionals
- Simplified venue hire experience for external organisations
- Increased task completion and engagement across user groups
- Reduced communication overhead through live system integration
- Positive feedback from cruise passengers and industry stakeholders
The platform also recorded improved site health scores, faster performance (especially on mobile), and reduced errors. It continues to evolve through ongoing support and monitoring, enabling Port Authority of NSW to focus on core maritime operations with confidence.
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