<![CDATA[The global maritime industry currently faces immense financial pressure due to stringent international regulatory mandates, such as MARPOL and STCW. Traditionally, investments for such compliance are viewed by management merely as cost centers that burden corporate profitability without clear return on investment. This study aims to critically investigate how Class 1 shipping and port companies in Indonesia transform these mandatory technology investments into strategic assets through corporate communication mechanisms. Employing a double descriptive qualitative case study design, this research applies rigorous data triangulation by combining the analysis of financial reports, sustainability reports, and in-depth interviews with six financial unit team coordinators as key informants. The analysis reveals that companies with superior financial performance do not separate technical compliance functions from commercial strategies. Instead, they proactively integrate strategic communication and digital marketing into their technology budget planning from the outset. This strategy allows companies to "frame" regulatory compliance—such as green shipping initiatives—as a high-value competitive advantage and market new digital services as proof of operational reliability. This study concludes that strategic communication functions as a crucial mediating mechanism that capitalizes on compliance investments, converting regulatory burdens into strong brand reputation and optimal financial performance, while simultaneously filling the literature gap regarding the role of non-technical managerial functions in the maritime sector.]]>
