Maritime IT: Standardization and business integration (1/2)

Every shipping company understands the essential need of saving as much fuel and operating cost as possible. However, so far, little has been done for means of organizational improvements despite slow steaming, optimized routing and hull design.

Regardless of fuel, the administrative costs of vessel operation are the highest and technological progress and sophisticated change management is needed to make a difference. Key-part plays the maritime IT and it has many faces, which is exactly the problem. Missing IT standards (software, hardware, data) are the main cost driver for ICT.

ICT is about making every ship and every crew member a part of the company. However, making the crew feel supported and cutting the costs of bureaucracy requires not having the ships transfer the same information repeatedly via sat. The integration of ships into the corporate network is expected to bring information in time, supporting decision-making and management performance.

Maritime IT has many faces, which is exactly the problem. Missing standards are the main cost driver for ICT.

A high Price

This comes with high costs, but one should be willing to pay them especially as this all aims for something much bigger than just better connectivity. Maritime IT offers the cost advantage needed to ensure company survival and superiority in the long run – if it is standardized.

That said, one should be aware that without a solid foundation, all struggles are in vain. In relation to Maritime IT, this foundation is always the transfer of data; large amounts of data, which then still need to be reviewed, adjusted, amended and put in use. Today, communication through satellite links is one of the main pillars of all further processes for the efficient management of a vessel and too often it is gagged. Should not we unleash the data?

In rough times and in fierce competition, shipping companies need to drill and optimize all processes, regardless of being on- or offshore. Efficiency in operations also includes the retention of the crew, recruitment, training and monitoring of the vessels’ assets. Additionally the efficient administration must be ensured by maintaining its pillars.

> Read part two

 

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