it needs better maritime data

The maritime industry is more connected than it ever has been. Since the 1980s, onboard equipment has generated vast amounts of maritime data, which became accessible to shipowners and managers through software solutions. These systems stored information on maintenance, spare parts, consumables used and purchased, International Safety Management (ISM)-related documents, and crew activities.

But very few shipping companies ever made use of such data, mainly for two reasons. The first was a lack of standardisation, which was a widespread and persistent issue when inputting equipment data into such software, leading to inconsistencies and inefficiencies.

The second reason was limited data management expertise. Many shipping companies lacked the knowledge to effectively handle this data. Additionally, the industry traditionally operated on reactive, emergency-driven solutions rather than structured, long-term planning.

Today, the landscape has evolved. Onboard equipment, now integrated with digital platforms, generates an overwhelming stream of maritime data every second, from sensors to tracking systems. Whether monitoring fuel consumption, cargo conditions, vessel performance, or weather patterns, the shipping industry has embraced the data-driven mindset.

This shift gained momentum in 2017 when The Economist declared data “the world’s most valuable resource”. Like the rest of the world, shipping is on a mission to collect it all.

But more data doesn’t automatically mean better decision-making if you don’t have clear ideas on what to do with it, or even how to collect it. At Oceanly, our experience has seen that some competitors, and even certain shipowners, collect data without ensuring integrity or consistency, or with no plan for how often information should be collected.

Data must be checked and validated before it can be trusted, as incorrect or excessive data can cause information overload, inefficiencies, and missed opportunities.

Since the goal of maritime data collection is to transform raw data into actionable insights for end users, data accuracy is very important. Incorrect data and data overloads force operators and analysts to spend more time sifting through irrelevant information that hinders rather than helps informed decisions to be made.

Collecting data just to compile a monthly report that no one reads defeats the purpose entirely.

Quite often, inefficiencies and increased costs arise from storing, managing, and securing massive amounts of redundant data without it adding any real value. When teams are buried in data analysis, they often struggle to find critical insights that can be applied to important business decisions, whether to drive efficiency, reduce emissions, or improve safety. As a result, any intelligence gained gets lost the more data that is produced.

Collecting maritime data just to compile a monthly report that no one reads defeats the purpose entirely. Performance software should deliver real-time insights, identifying issues as they arise or predicting potential failures, not just documenting past mistakes. Finding out a month later that a vessel exceeded emissions limits or burned too much fuel is too late. Immediate visibility ensures problems are addressed as they happen, minimising impact and optimising operations.

Instead of chasing more data, the shipping industry needs a shift in focus to acquire better data. This is where quality, automation, and actionable insights are required.

Not all data is useful, and not all sources are reliable. Shipping companies should look to prioritise high-quality, relevant data to ensure accuracy, consistency, and integrity. Instead of drowning in raw numbers, businesses should use actionable, curated datasets to drive better decision-making.

Manually processing vast amounts of data is neither practical nor scalable. Whereas the latest software, powered by AI and machine learning, can filter, process, and analyse data in real time, ensuring that only the most critical insights reach the decision-makers. This reduces human workload while improving response times and operational efficiency.

But collecting data is only the first step. The real value lies in transforming it into actionable information that can be applied to the business. Advanced analytics tools can identify trends, predict potential issues, and recommend optimisations to help companies make faster, smarter, and more informed decisions.

By using smarter data to anticipate issues rather than react to them, companies can also streamline operations and maximise fleet performance. Instead of simply tracking fuel consumption, an intelligent system could analyse fuel efficiency patterns, suggest optimised routes, and flag potential maintenance issues before they become an issue.

In addition, sustainability in shipping is a global issue and fundamental for any maritime business. Regulatory bodies such as the International Maritime Organization (IMO) continue to tighten emissions standards, pushing companies toward greener solutions. This is where smarter data can play a crucial role. Instead of tracking emissions retrospectively, advanced analytics can proactively adjust ship speeds, optimise fuel blends, and implement energy-efficient measures in real time.

By shifting from passive data collection to active intervention, the industry can significantly reduce its environmental footprint.

As environmental regulations become stricter, companies that leverage maritime data intelligently will not only comply but also gain a competitive edge through delivering improved operational efficiency and lower emissions.

Efficiency and sustainability are the true engines of profitability. Cutting fuel consumption, preventing delays, and minimising downtime all contribute directly to the bottom line. But profitability isn’t just about cutting costs, it’s about making smarter investments.

Data-driven insights empower shipping companies to make informed decisions on fleet upgrades, predictive maintenance, and strategic deployment. Optimising vessel efficiency can deliver remarkable results, comparable to those achieved by switching to alternative fuels. Ultimately, efficiency and sustainability drive profitability.

Efficiency and sustainability are the true engines of profitability.

Reducing fuel consumption, avoiding delays, and minimising downtime can directly impact the bottom line. However, profitability isn’t just about cost-cutting; it’s about smarter investments.

Data-driven insights help shipping companies make informed decisions on fleet upgrades, predictive maintenance, and strategic deployment. Running more efficient vessels can produce incredible results, parallel to the ones which can be obtained by changing fuel.

Rather than being fixed to maintenance schedules, AI can analyse patterns and recommend servicing only when needed, preventing unnecessary additional costs and ensuring reliability. Additionally, real-time market intelligence can help shipping firms adjust their pricing and optimise cargo allocation, ensuring maximum ROI for each voyage. This is another example of how understanding data rather than simply amassing it gives companies a competitive edge in a rapidly evolving market.

To move beyond the ‘collect everything’ mindset, the industry must embrace a more dynamic and analytical approach to gathering and using data. This means investing in AI, machine learning, and real-time analytics, not just more sensors and databases.

The future of shipping depends on how well companies can filter, analyse, and act upon the right data. Only by developing a combined approach to data-driven decision making can companies eliminate inefficiencies, enhance sustainability, and improve financial performance.

Shipping companies that prioritise quality over quantity in their data strategies are therefore better positioned to navigate future challenges and opportunities. In doing so, they can unlock new levels of efficiency, sustainability, and profitability, steering the industry toward a more intelligent and resilient future.

“Shipping doesn’t need more data: it needs better maritime data” was originally created and published by Ship Technology, a GlobalData owned brand.

The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site.