By linking electronic navigation to a comprehensive range of information – from tidal data and pilotage, to international regulations and environmental protection zones – OneOcean enables intelligent voyage optimisation
Howard Stevens, Chief Commercial Officer of leading digital navigation and maritime compliance provider[ds_preview] OneOcean, explains how its products are helping to make crews lives easier and shipping operations more efficient through increasing connectivity.
- Almost 20,000 ships using OneOcean worldwide
- Integrated platform provides passage planning, worldwide regulatory database, MARPOL and ISM compliance – all in one place
- Saves time while increasing efficiency and accountability
- Ability to set company specific parameters, above and beyond minimum requirements
“To put it simply,” explains Howard Stevens, “What makes OneOcean unique is the fact it brings together so many aspects of ship operations and management onto one digital platform. Mariners can see a comprehensive range of regulatory and navigation information in one place, at the touch of a button. All systems have been designed to be as intuitive to operate as possible, so everything is easy to access and understand, saving time and reducing the risk of human error.”
OneOcean was formed by the merger of two industry leaders, ChartCo and Marine Press, at the end of last year and is now the largest digital solutions provider to the maritime industry. With nearly 20,000 ships using its services, this forward-thinking company is focused on simplifying and easing the workload of ship managers and crews in all aspects of their roles. While currently creating software to aid navigation and compliance, electronic record keeping and fleet management, OneOcean is also looking to the future of Big Data.
“Digital navigation is very much at the core of what OneOcean does,” says Stevens. “But we have expanded our focus on a much wider compliance perspective. Safety management and the increasing need to be environmentally vigilant form an important part of all ship operations. The need to make integrated, decision-grade information available, both on and offshore, is now the driving force for OneOcean.”
“OneOcean helps navigation officers and bridge crew,
by enabling them to consider the full picture before
selecting the best course.”
He continues: “The integrated systems we offer allow crew to keep on top of all aspects of safe navigation and regulatory compliance, whether environmental or safety related, to ensure the ship is run to the best possible standards.”
“And, by being able to bring up information about weather, tides, pilotage, international regulations and environmental restrictions, all on the same screen to overlay charts, OneOcean helps navigation officers and bridge crew to consider the full picture before selecting the best course.”
“In future, this will lead to greater efficiency, by providing the tools and data to make informed decision making across the maritime industry.”
Informed planning on and offshore
Explaining how OneOcean’s unitary platform works in practice, Stevens says: “As mariners start to create a passage plan, they can overlay other elements, so that weather, navigational hazards, and environmental protection zones can all be taken into account. This means they can see everything in one place, before they start journey optimisation, without having to go into different systems.”
Multiple ports of call can be input and, when considering alternatives, PassageManager makes it possible to view two different routes side by side, making it easier to estimate fuel costs for each, before deciding the best option. With so many aspects to consider when creating voyage plans, PassageManager eases the workload by providing automatic UKC calculations. Tidal heights from Admiralty TotalTide are brought into the plan automatically, along with charted depths and zones of confidence (CATZOC) from ENC charts.
This means the hours crews need to spend formulating voyage plans are significantly reduced. PassageManager also works out the charts and publications needed by region for the voyage, and carries out auto-population of Navtex stations, further reducing man hours. These automated functions in PassageManager is estimated to save up to six hours of crew time when compared to manually sourcing and calculating the same information. Additionally, automation helps reduce the risk of human error.
OneOcean’s integrated system allows crews to select and customise which elements they wish to display, with a wide range of information to hand without having to go into different systems. Whether by linking to OneOcean’s Regs4Ships or EnviroManager, mariners can be confident the information provided on international regulations, legislation and protection zones will always be the most up to date and accurate available.
“There’s an increasing emphasis on connectivity
and a desire to bring as much data ashore as
possible from each vessel.”
Stevens adds: “Not only does our system ensure onboard crew are fully informed and situationally aware but, by using our FleetManager remote monitoring system, shore managers remain equally well-informed and can gain data insight across their entire operation.
“They can view in real time if one of their ships has strayed from its planned course, is running late for a port slot or if an adverse weather system is approaching. In addition, the data OneOcean brings ashore enables the detailed analysis which will help drive further fleet-wide efficiencies for the future.”
With increasing connectivity and data sharing there is significant potential to increase efficiency across fleets as well as in terms of port operations. Stevens comments: “There’s an increasing emphasis on connectivity and a desire to bring as much data ashore as possible from each vessel.”
He explains that although this is initially being used “in the form of passive monitoring,” to ensure ships are being properly run, in the future he believes this will develop into more active systems and a greater use of data for insight. In all areas where connectivity is growing, so is the emphasis on data protection and OneOcean ensures this is an inherent part of every product it creates.
Portable situational awareness
“Masters and captains have always been wary that should ECDIS fail for any reason, there is the potential to be left ‘blind’ without accurate GPS knowledge,” says Stevens. “For this reason, OneOcean also offers SeaTab, a portable back-up tablet. Not only is this a great emergency tool to fall back on, but it allows mariners to be situationally aware when away from the bridge, whether elsewhere onboard, or while using a tender.”
OneOcean’s SeaTab ENC viewers come in 12.3” and 10” configurations and uses Microsoft Surface line technology. Should ECDIS ever fail, these turn-key products allow mariners to remain fully aware of their position using AIS Pilot Plug or GPS units. As these sturdy tablets can be carried away from the bridge, they can also be used by captains or navigation officers to keep track of the ship’s position, wherever they are on the vessel.
“SeaTab’s portable nature means it is an ideal tool to use when tendering groups of passengers or crew ashore,” comments Stevens. “It gives crew instant visibility and situational awareness away from the bridge. SeaTab is also extremely effective as a mobile training tool and seamlessly connects with the ecosystem of OneOcean products for collaboration between vessels and shore-side offices.”
“SeaTab can also prove invaluable, in emergency scenarios,” adds Stevens. “It gives accurate situational awareness for up to 50 nautical miles, enabling navigation to safety avoiding hazards and other vessels.”
“By enabling onboard and onshore teams to
compare different routes side by side, OneOcean
aids the decision-making process,”
Maximising optimisation alongside compliance
Managing different fuel types to comply with ECAs, adhering to rapidly changing protection zones, and ever-increasing environmental controls mean the support and back up provided by digital solutions such as OneOcean are more valuable than ever to mariners and shipping operators. With adherence to IMO 2020 already pushing up costs, there is increased pressure to optimise fuel use.
“By enabling onboard and onshore teams to compare different routes side by side, OneOcean aids the decision-making process,” says Stevens. The software automatically estimates time, distance and fuel costs for both routes as well as navigational considerations. Sections of slow steaming can be incorporated, to reduce cost of passing through an ECA, with higher speeds outside the zone. This can then be compared to a longer route at a more constant speed outside the ECA.
It may be more cost effective to take a longer route to avoid an ECA, even though more fuel will be used, because of the higher cost of VLSFO needed for the controlled area. But both routes can be plotted out on PassageManager, with different speeds taken into account, to establish costs.
Since the first SOx control zone was established in the Baltic in 1997, Emission Control Areas (ECAs) have been steadily on the increase, and look set to continue to expand with new restrictions zones expected in South Korea imminently. The rules relating to these areas and new control zones can be difficult to interpret and have been known to change at short notice in some areas.
Whether operators have responded to IMO 2020 by installing scrubbers or carrying different fuel types, both options carry their own logistical problems and need careful planning and regulatory awareness to properly maintain. Switching from HFO to VLSFO is a complex operation, which can result in thermal shock and even power loss if not handled correctly.
Therefore, when changing between fuels, operators are obliged to plan and document their preparation ahead of time, with the first stages of transfer commencing well in advance of entering ECAs. OneOcean’s EnviroManager helps with the MARPOL Annexe VI requirement for crews to have a fuel changeover plan in place, by enabling a point to be clearly set on the passage plan to show where fuel switching should start.
Weather routing is also increasingly being used for fuel optimisation. Travelling through low pressure systems causes ships to burn more fuel. A recent IMO study (MEPC58/INF.21) indicated weather routing can achieve 2% to 4% reduction in fuel consumption and associated greenhouse gas emissions, and that this can be greatly increased if speed management and planning are implemented operationally, across fleets. And failing to take weather systems into account can not only risk the loss of cargo and jeopardise the safety of crew, but also waste valuable time when port time slots are missed.
PassageManager automatically updates weather reports every six hours and routes can be played through to see how low pressure systems are expected to behave compared with a different voyage plan. Vessels can then be switched to an alternative route based on data coming through on new forecasts, as well as assessments made about safety and efficiency. PassageManager is dynamic, and constantly takes into account new information from the environment around ships, aiding efficient and effective decision making to be actioned throughout voyages.
Environmental compliance also needs consideration when optimising routes, due to the risk of costly fines for using the wrong fuel or travelling at the wrong speed in particular zones or discharging waste in the wrong area. All bridge crew know the importance of factoring in these many issues when preparing passage plans. But OneOcean enables them to carry out their jobs more efficiently by allowing mariners to access all the relevant information together – safe in the knowledge that the data in front of them is always the best available.
“The most forward-thinking companies are putting
compliance measures in place which drive efficiency
by providing a greater level of fleet-wide control
and operational consistency,”
Above and beyond environmental compliance
Turning to the growing importance of safeguarding brands’ reputations when it comes to protecting the environment, Stevens explains: “Using OneOcean’s EnviroManager enables ship operators not only to comply with environmental legislation but also to go above and beyond, by setting their own parameters,” says Stevens. “The use of a company layer means operators can set company standards that are more stringent than those already in place reducing potential risks around compliance as well as implementing higher standards of best practice.”
With increasing awareness of the damage to our planet, legislation to protect the marine environment will continue to increase in scope and remit. “This is why the most forward-thinking companies are putting compliance measures in place providing a greater level of fleet-wide control and operational consistency,” says Stevens.
These encourage a series of consistent practices and mechanisms that conform to the distinct compliance requirements of a given organisation. They enable companies to demonstrate to potential clients their commitment to actively pursuing best practice by going further than current regulations. To be leading the field in this respect is not only of value when seeking new contracts but also vital to attract and retain good crew.
There are a number of early adopters using these systems at present, however the interest in this area is high and is expected to grow rapidly over the next 12-18 months. The Company Layer is an additional module within EnviroManager. It can accommodate both the company-specific geography and policies an organisation wishes to implement in a given area, as long as they are above the required environmental regulations.
Passage Plans can be connected to environmental regulations, taking them into consideration along a given route. OneOcean can be used to inform crew, Port State Control Officers and other maritime bodies in advance that the relevant statutes have been accounted for and that compliance measures are in hand.
“EnviroManager would have flagged up warnings about the
restrictions enabling them to avoid fines and the reputational
damage of putting the welfare of endangered whales at risk.”
Keeping up with ever-changing environmental requirements
“OneOcean’s EnviroManager provides more accurate and comprehensive information to aid MARPOL compliance than any other system,” comments Stevens. “It is automatically updated to cover ever-changing temporary protection zones and incorporates accurate baseline information from every nation worldwide. This stops crews from unintentionally falling foul of the law in regions where the baseline is unclear, as is often the case when infractions occur.”
Designed to be as easy to use and intuitive as possible, EnviroManager clearly displays what discharges are and are not permitted along a planned route, whether bilge water, sewage, food waste or air emissions. By simplifying adherence to a complex range of international environmental legislation, so ECAs and protected zones are flagged up even if they come into force at late notice, crew time is optimised
Ballast Water Exchange areas for protection of local biodiversity and migratory zones for marine mammals can be particularly dynamic, making compliance more difficult. Stevens adds: “EnviroManager integrates all current BWM Convention information including nationally designated Ballast Water Exchange Areas. These are carefully monitored by OneOcean and are continuously updated to provide clear assistance anywhere in the world.”
Migratory zones are increasingly being put in place to protect cetaceans. Six vessels were fined by the Canadian government in 2019 for non-compliance in a temporary mandatory slowdown area in the Gulf of St Lawrence, set up to protect endangered North Atlantic right whales. Fines were levied on a cargo vessel, an oil tanker, a container ship, a superyacht, and two of the Canadian government’s own Coast Guard boats.
Such temporary zones can be particularly difficult to be aware of and adhere to as additional limits can be put in place at extremely short notice. “If any of the six vessels had carried OneOcean’s software,” notes Stevens, “EnviroManager would have flagged up warnings about the restrictions enabling them to avoid fines and the reputational damage of putting the welfare of endangered whales at risk.”
How OneOcean is helping global operators
Speaking about the pressures of keeping on top of ever-growing global legislation, in “one of the most regulated industries in the world,” Capt. Atul Vatsa, Vice President, Head of Compliance (Environmental, Marine & Safety), Thome Group, explains why OneOcean’s products are so useful to his company.
“As we manage fleets on a global basis,” says Capt. Atul Vatsa, “we are under constant scrutiny to audit our compliance to a dizzying variety of environmental laws all over the world. We value OneOcean’s help in ensuring that total compliance is achieved right across our fleets, in addition to making a significant contribution towards the successful digitalisation of our vessels.” He adds: “EnviroManager and Regs4Ships have been of invaluable assistance to us, enabling the easy and efficient administration of MARPOL and associated regulations.”
Commenting on KOTC’s use of OneOcean’s unitary platform, Capt. Bader Nasrallah, KOTC’s Superintendent of Fleet Marine Operation Division, said: “KOTC is known for being an early adopter of ideas and developments in the industry and we like to work with expert and innovator companies. In this key area, we find OneOcean’s offering to be not only the most comprehensive, their capability is also well-matched to our needs. We are also impressed with their commitment to making the installation and adoption process a positive one.”
Driving optimisation towards a future of Big Data
Not only does OneOcean enhance operational efficiency, saving significant crew time when it comes to passage planning and voyage compliance, but it also enables substantial economic savings by optimising fuel use. When OneOcean’s software is used on a fleet-wide basis, the data brought ashore can be analysed to instigate far-reaching measures to make future shipping operations as efficient and environmentally responsible as possible.
“The shipping industry is beginning to undergo a seismic period of positive change driven by Big Data capabilities,” concludes Stevens. “As more and more data is brought ashore, collated and analysed, shipping operators are starting to appreciate its value in transforming decision-making capabilities and improve efficiencies across our industry. OneOcean is leading the way in this digital revolution to make the shipping industry as dynamic, responsive and efficient as possible.”
To find out more about OneOcean, PassageManager, EnviroManager and SeaTab, visit: www.oneocean.com or contact the team to discuss how we can help digitise your navigational operations – enquiries@oneocean.com / +44 (0)199 280 5500.
