Modern shipping operations face critical technology gaps that hamper efficiency and profitability. From mobile accessibility limitations to information overload and poor departmental integration, these systemic issues create costly delays and missed opportunities. Understanding these operational challenges is essential for improving maritime business performance. In this article, we explore how understanding these operational challenges is essential for improving maritime business performance through integrated digital solutions.
Lack of Mobile-Friendly Tools
Shipping operates around the clock, but many systems used in voyage operations are not optimised for mobile access. This creates a significant gap, especially for global teams working across time zones. Without mobile-friendly interfaces, operators are often unable to respond quickly unless they are at their desks.
When responsiveness depends on whether someone can access a desktop system, decisions are delayed, opportunities are missed, and costs can rise quickly. In today’s always-on operational environment, the lack of mobile access reduces agility.
“Shipping is a 24/7 business, but most systems aren’t mobile-friendly. I’d get a call from my chartering guy in New York while I’m in Mumbai, and unless I opened my laptop and dug through systems, I couldn’t respond.” Cyrus Mistry, Former Vessel Operator and now General Manager of BI and Data Governance, GeoServe.
Alert Fatigue
Operators need real-time notifications for events that impact voyage execution, such as weather, port delays, or inspection requirements. However, many systems either provide no alerts at all or too many, creating alert fatigue.
One Voyage Manager told us, “I’ve seen operators get 30-40 alerts per voyage, but only 5 of them apply to this particular voyage. The question they ask is ‘do I waste time checking all of them, or stop looking at them altogether’.”
The overwhelming number of alerts can lead to users missing critical ones, and as a result, may get caught by avoidable disruptions. To be effective, alerts must be timely, specific, and easy to act on. If not, they add to the workload instead of reducing it.
Port Blind Spots and Costly DelaysÂ
Another challenge that arises due to outdated information and a lack of integration across departments is vessel detention and demurrage. For instance, a chartering team might secure a fixture that is financially attractive based on berth availability at a certain port. However, the team might be relying on outdated berth information. Upon the vessel’s arrival at the port, it encounters congestion, necessitating a waiting period before docking. The knock-on is a delayed voyage and the payment of demurrage from the charterer to the shipowner.
“Imagine you’re handling 10-15 vessels and juggling more than 10 applications. If you miss a single piece of information, you might miss your laycan, or worse, turn a profit-making voyage into a loss-making one.” Rohit Khera, Former Vessel Operator and currently General Manager of Port DA & Payment Solutions at GeoServe.
“Visibility and timely information to avoid or mitigate those costs is critical. Disruptions, routing decision, port delays have a real financial impact,” Paolo Vaccaro, Head of Tanker Operations at the d’Amico Group Singapore, told us.
Additionally, missed invoices can occur due to late detection of charter obligations. Without timely updates on key milestones such as vessel arrival, cargo operations, and port clearance, coordinating operations becomes difficult, leading to delays, demurrage, and detention costs.
These technology shortcomings, mobile inaccessibility, alert fatigue and information silos, represent significant operational risks in today’s competitive shipping environment. Addressing these gaps through integrated mobile-optimised systems with intelligent alerting capabilities is crucial for maintaining profitability and operational excellence in 24/7 maritime operations.
For further insight into the areas highlighted in this article, download our thought leadership report, Orchestrating Efficiency, created in partnership with GeoServe
