IDEMIA Public Security (IPS), a division of IDEMIA Group and a global leader in biometric solutions, has announced a strategic partnership with Nevetal to develop digital identity solutions for the cruise industry, targeting more secure and seamless passenger journeys from terminal check-in through to border processing.

The collaboration combines IDEMIA Public Security’s expertise in biometrics, identity management and trusted traveller solutions with Nevetal’s capabilities in cruise and port operations. Together, the companies aim to streamline key stages of the guest journey, including embarkation, disembarkation and border clearance.

Addressing congestion and compliance in cruise operations

The partnership targets a growing pain point in the cruise sector: as passenger volumes increase, ports, cruise operators and border agencies face mounting pressure to process travellers efficiently without compromising security or regulatory compliance. The joint solutions are designed to be scalable and interoperable, reducing congestion and delivering a frictionless passenger experience while meeting the standards required by border authorities.

The cruise industry has seen rapid expansion in Asia Pacific, with ports across the region investing in next-generation passenger processing infrastructure. Identity verification and biometric-enabled boarding represent a significant operational upgrade for the sector, reducing manual processing times and integration overhead for cruise lines and port operators.

Biometrics expanding beyond airports

While biometric identity verification has become standard in aviation and land border crossings, the cruise sector has lagged in adoption. The IDEMIA-Nevetal partnership signals growing momentum to extend trusted traveller frameworks to maritime passenger operations, an area with significant room for modernisation across Southeast Asia’s busy cruise terminals.