The control room, manned 24/7, is set to optimise vessel safety, crew rotation and training, performance (speed, consumption, delay, weather routing), disaster avoidance, maintenance (including preventive maintenance through sensor and camera technology), and contractual compliance.
The web-based function means information can be easily uploaded to other Columbia offices and clients’ offices allowing remote monitoring.
The control room is also acting as a management hub, connecting to technical, marine, crew and commercial management departments and functions.
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“Centralising our operations will give us the ability to better deal with fast-changing scenarios and developments as they happen. With 24/7/365 support, our goal is to have even faster decision-making and greater visibility by using modern technology to achieve cost-efficient vessel operations,” said Captain Pankaj Sharma, manager of the control room.
Columbia’s president Mark O’Neil commented: “It is a visible and tangible example of how digitalisation and technology can be harnessed for optimisation of vessel operation and management. Not only will it make us more attractive to our clients and potential clients, it will also make our clients more attractive to the market through optimised operation.”
Cyprus deputy minister of shipping Natasa Pilides, who attended the opening of the control room, said: “This new addition to the company’s advanced technological systems will enable efficient monitoring of the company’s fleet and prompt rectification in case performance issues arise. The growth of Columbia and the quality of its operations is a result of the excellent culture, the extremely high caliber and the hard work of its people.”
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