FOR a long time, data in the maritime industry was something that lived in spreadsheets or logs, useful for specific tasks but often siloed within individual departments or voyages. Although valuable information was recorded, it rarely reached onshore teams in a usable format for strategic decisions.

This contrasts sharply with the present, when vessels produce huge amounts of information from onboard systems, sensors and operations. Data is everywhere. Today, we’ve moved beyond simply having data; the focus now is squarely on its many valuable uses.

“Right now, we are seeing a real shift in the maritime industry: data is no longer viewed as something extra, but as a vital tool for driving performance,” says Tom Melamed, Head of Data Science at 90POE.

“Whether it’s from high-frequency sensors or traditional noon reports, when data is captured accurately and analysed effectively, the value it delivers is clear: improved efficiency, reduced emissions, and smarter decision-making. The key is to treat data with the seriousness it deserves and to expect more from your analytics tools. The companies doing that today are already seeing the results.”

Using data in maritime operations

In a rapidly changing landscape, digital solutions are effectively leveraging data and empowering vessel and shore-side teams with informed decision-making capabilities. The results are significant reductions in emissions, enhanced risk management, and lower operational costs. Instead of digging through disconnected systems or chasing reports, onshore teams can now view performance trends, monitor fuel use, track delays and identify opportunities to improve efficiency and safety across operations.

90POE’s OpenOcean STUDIO, built by the industry for the industry, is an operations platform that takes the flow of continuous data from vessels, shore, and external sources and creates a real time, unified, operational and commercial view of the fleet. These real-time, evidence-based insights allow owners and operators to make increasingly accurate and informed decisions related to all maritime operations.

For example, if a certain route consistently results in higher fuel use, that can trigger a change in planning. If maintenance data shows a recurring issue with specific equipment, that is something you can address proactively, before it turns into costly downtime.

While many ship operators are already harnessing the power of data, traditional business intelligence tools are often complex and hard to use. Additionally, every shipping company has different priorities. Some may want to drill into safety data, while others focus on turnaround times or environmental performance.

The OpenOcean STUDIO platform, built with maritime users in mind, can be customised. Supported by the next generation integrated data lake and advanced reporting functionality, fathomBI, with fully customisable dashboards and advanced analytics, the platform enables maritime professionals to:

• Identify data patterns and anomalies
• Monitor performance indicators in real time
• Conduct trend analysis across fleets
• Optimise routing and voyage planning
• Predict maintenance needs before failures occur
  
  

Data: An essential asset for the future of maritime

In today’s maritime landscape, within which efficiency, sustainability, and resilience shape long-term success, the effective use of operational data is no longer optional, but essential. Digital solutions are changing the way decisions are made, from daily operations to long-term planning.  

As vessels navigate increasingly dynamic trade routes and complex regulatory demands, data is emerging as a critical asset. When applied thoughtfully, it becomes more than just a record of past performance; it becomes the guide for optimising the present and shaping a more efficient, future-ready maritime operation