Turbocharging data-led decision makingTurbocharging data-led decision making

Fleet management software is driving substantial changes in how the shipping industry operates as it streamlines the complex logistics of managing multiple vessels, vessel fuel consumption, maintenance and regulatory compliance. A key driver for using FMS for a lot of ship operators is the energy saving solutions that can be achieved using the data outputs to track and manage emissions, adopt greener routes and optimise fuel use. For instance, at Manta Marine Technologies, we have a specific solution called FuelOpt which optimises fuel efficiency through real-time automated adjustments to a vessel’s propulsion.

Dedicated fleet performance platforms like ours can also provide specific reports to ensure companies comply with the increasing mandatory regulatory requirements such as the Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII), Energy Efficiency Existing Ship Index (EEXI) and European Union Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) etc., making operations more efficient. Before the arrival of fleet management technologies, seafarers would have been expected to produce reports manually which is a huge administrative burden, as well as manually and frequently adjusting vessel operational parameters to efficiently carry out voyage instructions. All of these human interventions bring a large margin of human error to factor into the equation.

By consolidating operational data into one platform, shipping companies can enhance decision-making, mitigate risks, and reduce costs. For example detailed post voyage analysis reports can be produced to determine how well a vessel has followed its voyage instructions and whether any lessons can be learned from this to improve upcoming voyage plans.

As a result, it has become a critical investment for ship operators looking to remain competitive in a global market where efficiency and sustainability are paramount.

However, the collection of data from vessel equipment is only part of the story. Data analysis has a huge part to play in optimising vessel operations. Many small operators are not equipped to make the most of this data as it requires hiring in staff with data skills and also licensing software, which can be expensive.

Those larger operators that can afford to hire in expertise will make better use of the data but will still be restricted to benchmarking against their own vessels in the fleet or against publicly available information. These users may benefit from a consultation with their FMS supplier’s fleet performance department to capitalise on their experience of working on other fleets or with a wider variety of vessels, giving a more rounded perspective.

Their industry knowledge and expertise will also help the decision-making process so that ship operators get the most value out of their data outputs. This cannot be overstated as not all FMS providers have staff who really understand the shipping industry. At Manta Marine Technologies, we have captains and performance engineers on staff ready to turn vessel data into meaningful action. Their invaluable knowledge is available to either support in-house teams or, if the client does not have specific personnel for this, they can step in and act as an external fleet performance department.

Another aspect, which is often overlooked, is using the software platform as a tool to evaluate the usefulness of different technologies used by a fleet to establish their effectiveness before making an investment commitment. For instance, FMS can monitor the use of different air lubrication systems to compare and contrast their effectiveness across different hull types in the fleet.

Some FMS suppliers do sell the concept of using fleet management software to monitor a vessel’s maintenance requirements. This can help engineers review their maintenance schedules to aid in planning the most appropriate time for key jobs such as having a vessel’s hull cleaned or maintaining its propellers and predicting potential issues with machinery and equipment before they lead to costly failures.

Another consideration in choosing the right FMS partner is how they interact with a client’s shoreside and sea-based personnel. These days this involves talking to a lot of different departments within the client’s organisation from performance, and operational through to technical departments and even third-party stakeholders like charterers.

Training is absolutely essential here so that each department understands how the use of a fleet management system can help them make evidence-based decisions, respond quickly to emerging issues, and set strategic goals for efficiency improvements. Many of the conversations are often about making behavioural changes rather than discussions on technical issues. It helps if the FMS supplier has ex-seafaring staff on their team, as in our case, as they will better understand the issues being faced.

Ultimately, a fleet software management system is a tool to help seafarers and shore-based personnel. They are still using their own experience but have the addition of analysed data to make more informed decisions based on real-time information. In our company’s experience, while there may be a bit of reluctance initially from crew when using the system for the first time, generally they realise that using the data helps with operational decisions and frees them up to focus on more important tasks.

Getting the data collection and analysis right is key to freeing up crews’ time and should not be downplayed. Experience in the collection, sorting and filtering of data is an essential ingredient when it comes to choosing the right partner. Without having reliable data sets as the foundation, then the whole decision-making process will be fallible and unreliable when crucial operational decisions need to be made.

Data ownership should remain the property of the ship operator with full access made available to them at all times. At Manta Marine Technologies, we can even create an application programming interface (API) for clients that request it so they can have a direct connection with their own data sets. In this way they have the choice to form their own opinions on what the data is showing them or they can still choose to call on our team’s expertise to interpret the data using our extensive knowledge and experience.

Fleet management software is set to become even more integral to the shipping industry as advancements in digital technologies continue. Increased regulatory pressure for environmental responsibility and the demand for cost-efficiency are likely to drive further innovation in the future.

The increased use of FMS represents a significant advancement in shipping, equipping companies with tools to optimise efficiency, reduce costs, enhance compliance, and minimise environmental impact. With the continued development of digital technologies, FMS is expected to evolve and become an indispensable asset for the maritime industry. As the shipping industry shifts toward more data-driven, sustainable practices, fleet management software will play a crucial role in setting a new standard for operational excellence.