How data can drive decision-making in the maritime?

Aug 5, 2021 | Blog

Image: JT Jeeraphun

Opsealog Founder and Managing Director, Arnaud Dianoux, recently spoke at the Offshore Support Journal conference on the value of the data mindset in today’s marine and offshore sectors, and how this can be leveraged – in combination with maritime expertise – to generate tangible operational efficiencies.

Arnaud captained an offshore vessel for four years, before embarking founding Opsealog, which specialises in performance management for the energy and maritime sectors. Opsealog was inspired by his strong belief in the value of data, when deployed correctly. In his first blog post on his presentation to the OSJ conference, Arnaud set out five steps to unlock the value from data. In this second post, Arnaud looks at how good data can help decision-makers in the offshore sector to make the right choices.

These certainly aren’t easy or conventional times to be working in the offshore energy industry. Market conditions to be volatile, but with operating margins under sustained downward pressure. At the same time, suppliers are struggling to keep up with new regulations designed to protect the environment, not their profit margins. During this challenging period, innovation is integral to ensuring future success. Data has the potential to transform maritime within this carbon and cost-conscious context.

Data maturity is a key factor

Through Opsealog’s work so far, it’s clear that there is a lack of understanding of the benefits of a data-driven approach to operational efficiencies, and of the benefits possible from such data projects.

A key challenge in unlocking greater efficiency in offshore operations is data maturity – the journey towards improvement and increased capability in the use of data. Organisations differ in this regard, as do the level of digitalisation they have embraced, with a lot of activity still delivered via manual and human processes.

It is also highly fragmented, with multiple tools used by different teams and business areas, and too many incompatible solutions. This is a significant barrier to effective data management, and therefore effective operations management.

Keep in mind that while projects will often be successful, there is also always a chance that they might not succeed straight away. This uncertainty can be frustrating, but we, as humans, deal with this dynamic on a daily basis, and have learnt – for the most part – to accept it as a reality. What is certain, though, is the need for an organisation to constantly be striving for progression in their data journey.

You are who you lead

We strongly recommend that the energy and maritime sectors continue to invest in data projects. The best starting point is to identify those individuals within your company with a data-driven mindset, and empower them to lead your transformation. They can train, support and encourage their colleagues, helping to bring them on board, as well as helping to secure the all-important buy-in of senior management.

That said, organisations need not do all of this by themselves. Internal projects relating to core business objectives often require external expertise to design and deliver turnkey solutions that will accelerate an organisation’s digitalisation journey.

Discover Opsealog’s solutions

To put it simply, Opsealog offers efficiency as a service. Our solutions integrate millions of data points in real-time, processing and transforming them into insights for our customers; insights that can be directly applied to help optimise fleet operations, reduce the impact on the environment, streamline vessel deployment and boost revenues.

Our team comprises established experts within the maritime and energy sectors, who analyse results and offer useful recommendations to our customers on both immediate opportunities and long-term optimisation techniques, through, for example, our Marinsights service – which monitors and optimises marine offshore operations, combining data integration and visualisation with Opsealog’s consultancy support.

Our approach encompasses three key elements: data integration & processing, data visualization, and expert data analysis. Combined, we equip our customers with a far greater operational visibility and insights that guide their decision-making and help them to reap the benefits of a data-driven mindset.

The Potential of Data Sharing in the Maritime Industry

Image: metamorworks The maritime industry is a complex ecosystem involving multiple companies, each with different data maturity levels. The industry comprises diverse stakeholders, from ship operators, port authorities, cargo owners, and insurance companies. The vast...

The Role of Data in Tackling OSV Industry Challenges

Images: Rivieramm Insights from Opsealog and the OSJ 2023 The Offshore Support Journal Conference and Awards 2023 was an incredible event that took place from February 7th to 9th in London. It brought together the key players of the offshore supply vessel (OSV)...

Port Digitalization: benefits, challenges, and opportunities

The global economy relies heavily on the shipping and port industry, which is responsible for transporting goods and materials worldwide. Digital technologies have the potential to transform the industry, improving efficiency, reducing costs, and increasing...

Harnessing Technology for Ship Environmental Compliance

The white paper on "Harnessing technology for ship environmental compliance" explores how technology can be leveraged to ensure that ships comply with environmental regulations. The paper highlights various technologies, such as monitoring systems and data analytics,...

A three-point vessel decarbonization plan: data, collaboration, action

If we want to improve the offshore industry, we need collaboration on vessel decarbonization that is underpinned by transparent, standardized data. The Forum for Decarbonising the OSV Industry recognized two important, interrelated elements to successful...

A Pathway To Sustainable Development Goals In Shipping

The era of environmental accountability is upon us. It's no longer enough to do the right thing or say we do, we need strong processes to measure our efforts and guide our actions. Shipping's decarbonization journey is just the start of what is to come as we embrace...

8 Interesting Facts You Didn’t Know About The Maritime Industry

If you've ever admired a boat or a ship and wondered who works on them and who those people are, you're in the right place. We often forget that there's so much more to the maritime industry than large, roll-on roll-off vessels and massive oil tankers that bring us...

How to effectively monitor ship fuel consumption without additional sensors

Advances in maritime digitalization have led to an increase in investment for better monitoring of fuel consumption. Electronic Fuel Monitoring Systems can provide valuable, real-time information on equipment performance and fuel consumption, but they can also be...

4 ways to reduce ship fuel consumption

Even though it may seem obvious, there are many different types of actions that ship owners and charterers can put in place to optimize consumption. Consumption optimization is a topic that isn’t one-dimensional. It’s one part of a complex group of factors that impact...

Brunei Shell Petroleum Co. and Opsealog to boost fuel efficiency and optimizing fleet operations

Brunei Shell Petroleum Company Sdn Bhd (BSP), a joint venture between the Government of Brunei and Shell plc, deploys Opsealog’s digital reporting and fleet optimization tools across a 45-vessel fleet following a successful trial that saved up to 10% on monthly fuel...