Seamar Management embraces digital transformation with the adoption of Electronic Logbooks
Seamar Management is a leading third-party ship management company that provides sustainable and innovative solutions to ship owners. With a wide range of services, including crew management, technical management, and commercial management, Seamar Management facilitates the safe and efficient operation of vessels.
Committed to digital transformation, Seamar Management is proactively modernizing its operations to overcome the challenges posed by paper logbooks. By eliminating the potential for human error inherent in manual data entry, Seamar Management is improving the reliability of its records while increasing efficiency and productivity.
According to Captain Panagakos, HSQE Manager at Seamar Management, “Paper logbooks are time-consuming and error-prone due to human factors such as illegible handwriting and missing information. Additionally, our paper logbooks are often stored in different locations, making it difficult to retrieve information when needed.”
To address these issues, Seamar Management is implementing electronic logbooks approved by more than 40 flags. The company chose SERTICA Electronic Logbooks in part because of their approval by the Panama flag, which eliminates the need for double entry of data. Through its proactive approach to digital transformation, Seamar Management is demonstrating its commitment to excellence and innovation in the industry.
Positive Feedback from Crew
Seamar Management has made a successful transition from paper to electronic logbooks, starting with the implementation of Digital Oil Record Books on the first pilot vessel in November 2022. The crew responded positively to the change, with younger members displaying a particular enthusiasm for the new digital tool.
Captain Panagakos says, “We are living in a digital era, and I for one, am thrilled that I no longer have to struggle with deciphering handwriting.”
With the Digital Oil Record Books now in place, Seamar Management is set to continue its journey of digital transformation with the implementation of more electronic logbooks. This move is expected to bring significant benefits to the organization, including increased accuracy, efficiency, and reliability of data.
Project Manager Salonikos Salonikidis attributes the acceleration of the shift to digital solutions to the COVID-19 pandemic, which restricted access to vessels. He notes, “Implementing electronic logbooks is a game-changer for Seamar Management, and we are excited about the potential benefits it will bring to our operations. In fact, early indications suggest that the data recorded in electronic logbooks is more accurate than that of paper logbooks.”
The pre-defined structure of electronic logbooks is particularly advantageous for multilingual and culturally diverse crews, as it makes it much easier for them to provide accurate data. The electronic logbooks provide valuable support for the crew, reducing the likelihood of errors and ensuring that the data is consistent and reliable.
Moreover, the crew receive guidance and support throughout their data entry responsibilities, while the office can easily verify and monitor the data. With the successful transition to electronic logbooks, Seamar Management is well-positioned to take advantage of the benefits that this technology can bring to their operations.
Real-Time Visibility of Onboard Operations
Seamar Management’s shift to electronic logbooks has yielded numerous benefits, including enhanced transparency of operations and improved efficiency. Digitalizing the logbooks allows for continuous monitoring of onboard activities, ensuring compliance and reducing reaction and evaluation time.
Salonikidis highlights that Seamar Management’s utilization of real-time data has effectively bridged the reaction gap, eliminating the necessity to contact vessels. As a result, this has significantly reduced the workload for both the crew members and onshore personnel.
By attaining enhanced control over the verification process, Seamar Management eliminates the need to communicate with vessels for information and achieves real-time visibility of onboard operations and crew assignments. These improvements facilitate more accurate verification, diminish human error, and alleviate overall workload.
In addition to time savings in terms of reaction time, evaluation and review time; the adoption of electronic logbooks has also reduced paper consumption, as Captain Panagakos highlights, “The electronic logbooks have not only made us more transparent and modern as a company, but also made a positive environmental impact.”
Main benefits:
- Centralized data storage
- Improved accuracy
- Accessibility of information
- Happy Crew
- Transparency
- Evaluation of performance
Tips to an efficient implementation
Seamar Management stresses patience, proper training, and a cultural shift for a successful transition to digital logbooks.
A young and digital-minded crew can be of great help during the installation on the first pilot vessel, and Salonikidis advises implementing all electronic logbooks on one pilot vessel instead of a gradual approach to achieve an immediate adoption of the digital mindset.
Captain Panagakos urges immediate implementation of electronic logbooks on all newbuildings, emphasizing their numerous benefits. He stresses the importance of training, testing, and underlines the urgency of the shift, stating, “just do it yesterday.”
The key to success:
- Define clear goals and objectives
- Select the appropriate electronic logbooks (with the flag approvals you need)
- Provide sufficient training to crew and staff
- Develop a plan for data management and analysis
- Ensure proper integration with other digital systems
- Establish protocols for data security and privacy
- Conduct regular evaluations and make necessary adjustments
- Foster a culture of digital transformation
