The maritime industry encompasses millions of vessels, seafarers, specialists and supply chains. It is the world’s largest global transport infrastructure and is responsible for over 90% of imports and exports.
Its modern structure and management features some of the leading advances in science, technology and innovation yet its origins are ancient. The evolution of seafaring and ocean-going trade is some of the best known and recorded in human history, alongside the development of language and culture, which sea travel and exploration by boat are also intrinsically linked with.
In this article we’ll explore current examples of successful ship management, examine opportunities for development and the potential for movement towards better, more sustainable practices. We’ll look at innovative strategies that key stakeholder and ocean-going enterprises are employing to create a more efficient, cost effective and streamlined system of global ship management, with the aim of navigating towards greater success in the modern era.
Understanding Ship Management Strategies
In broad terms ship management includes the operation and efficient running of any sea-going vessel or offshore setting.
Specialist ship management companies are often employed to deliver these diverse and specialist services and they can be contracted to individual ship owners or organisations who own and run multiple vessels across the globe.
Ship management can include all the tasks and requirements of successfully operating and maintaining a vessel, and in recent years, ship management firms have registered an increase in demands for their expert services.
A specialist company offering ship management services may be asked to deal with anything from regular upkeep and maintenance, any essential repairs, crew and personnel hire and the sourcing of provisions and consumables for a voyage.
Legal guidance and compliance are also part of ship management, with ships moving between countries and territories where differing laws, guidelines and requirements for vessels need to be applied.
Ship management plays an increasingly vital role in the vast infrastructure of global seagoing trade, travel and transportation.
Many of these specialist providers of ship management have developed and now offer innovative software and solutions for improving the services they provide. Streamlining processes that are essential to the smooth operation of many types of vessels.
Like many global industries they are also looking to the future and exploring the potential for more sustainable practices that ensure the continuity of this most crucial element of global trade.
What is Modern Ship Management?
Ship management firms are the primary caretakers for an individual vessel or fleet of ships, taking the responsibilities of managing day-to-day functionality and providing every requirement for their efficient running.
In the modern era, these services need to respond to the rapidly changing nature of global trade and the increasing volume of ocean-centric travel and transport.
Ship management companies must continually look to the future in order to plan for evolving requirements that ship owners and operators may need and also to provide business leading solutions that streamline existing procedures.
Investment in and development of innovative software designed to meet the changing needs of the industry are one example of modern ship management.
Many management firms employ responsive ‘live’ data gathering to allow ship owners to see and evaluate vessel performance levels in real time.
ShipSure is one example of a modern ship management software solution, where data-based analysis and interconnectivity between differing aspects of the supply chain can lead to better decision making, increased fuel economies and enhanced safety.
Future Focussed – Innovations in Modern Ship Management
The maritime industry is often at the forefront of technological innovation and the application of exciting new software, hardware and digital discoveries. It could be argued that this is because it is where the need is greatest, for many different reasons.
The oceans are where we are seeing some of the most noticeable impacts of climate change and pollution, and the need for solutions to address these issues are urgent and time sensitive. With steps towards reducing carbon emissions generated by widespread air and road travel and transportation it’s also plausible that the volume of ocean traffic may increase if sustainable solutions to minimising fuel consumption and developing more sustainable practices can be found and applied across the industry.
There have been a number of exciting and potentially game changing innovations in ship management in recent years including:
Data Analysis and Real Time Monitoring –
Meaning ship owners, operators, management firms and onboard personnel are equipped with better, more in depth and current data with which to make decisions relating to all aspects of running and operating a vessel. This leads to positive impacts across multiple aspects of sea travel and transport, including better fuel consumption, clearer planning and strategy, immediate responses to challenges and unforeseen complexities, better safety levels and fewer accidents.
Advanced Connectivity –
Internet connected devices and trackers across the network of imports and exports from cargo ships to offshore settings and trucks and warehouses results in a system of data and information that is detailed and responsive, allowing better planning and decision making across supply chains and networks.
AI & Robotics –
Augmented reality and artificial intelligence are being utilised throughout ship management on everything from training and skill development to planning and execution of improved routes and strategies for transport and trade. Robotics and automated tech are being applied to relieve some of the difficulties of potentially dangerous work including working with hazardous loads or in difficult to reach spaces. Dockside, automation of cargo loading and unloading helps to create a more efficient use of time and resources, minimises accidents and positively impacts profits.
Final Thoughts
Modern ship management must always look to the future and plan for changes within the industry. The best ship management companies are those that apply innovative solutions to contemporary challenges, testing and trialling new techniques and software that can make positive impacts in this highly complex and multifaceted global enterprise.
Not only will the application of new strategies of ship management improve efficiencies and lower costs, but they may also help us to reach higher environmental and sustainability goals more rapidly. Ensuring the delicate balance of trade and the environment in which it operates is protected.