Arnaud Dianoux, Opsealog’s managing director, explores recent research into how harmonising digital information will enhance operational efficiency, sustainability, and compliance in the offshore sector.
The maritime industry stands on the cusp of a transformation driven by data standardisation; a shift as impactful as the introduction of the shipping container in the 1950s. Modern vessels generate vast amounts of data – up to 20 gigabytes daily – from sensors, engines, and reports. Yet much of this data remains isolated onboard, with limited real-time transmission to shore. Standardisation ensures consistency and accuracy in interpreting this data, much like how English became the universal language of shipping. For example, mixing up speed units – knots versus statute miles – can lead to costly errors over time. Standardisation eliminates such risks by providing a common framework for communication across the industry.
Strategic advantages, beyond compliance
While regulatory bodies like the IMO and EU are pushing for data standardisation, the benefits extend far beyond compliance. Standardising data helps optimise key performance indicators (KPIs) such as fuel efficiency, engine performance, and emissions, enabling more precise decision-making. It enhances transparency, allowing shipowners and charterers to track performance, ensure contract compliance, and build stronger business relationships.
Standardisation also plays a key role in environmental, social, and governance (ESG) reporting, simplifying data collection and boosting stakeholder trust. Moreover, it helps streamline predictive maintenance, identifying issues before they escalate and reducing downtime.
Boosting data’s game
A large majority of today’s vessels manually engage in daily position reporting in various formats, while some are also equipped with hardware that assists with fuel monitoring. Without standardisation, however, this data often fails to reach its full potential. Standardised data allows for cross-fleet comparisons, automating data collection, and reducing the manual effort that currently burdens crews. This reduces errors, improves efficiency, and maximises operational effectiveness.
Encouragingly, the maritime sector is already taking meaningful steps toward embracing data standardisation, with industry groups leading the charge. These collaborative efforts demonstrate the sector’s recognition of standardisation’s transformative potential and highlight the progress being made in laying the foundation for a more efficient, transparent, and sustainable future.
One example is the Smart Maritime Council’s introduction of Version 1.0 of its Standardised Vessel Dataset for Noon Reports, which creates a consistent reporting framework across the industry. Similarly, the Energy LEAP initiative, supported by major energy companies, has developed a Vessel Emissions Reporting Standard, streamlining emissions data for regulatory compliance. Finally, The International Support Vessel Owners Association (ISOA) has published data standardisation guidelines that apply to and beyond noon reporting. Its work follows on from the industry-developed white paper 10 Principles to Decarbonise the OSV Industry, which states: “Performance data should be transparent and shared in a standardised format, ensuring credibility and ease of access.” These efforts reflect a growing consensus that standardisation is key to improving efficiency, transparency, and sustainability across the sector.
Surmountable challenges
Data standardisation is not without its challenges, particularly in offshore operations where specialised tasks and a variety of intricate operations complicate the development of universal standards. Data security and ownership concerns also pose potential barriers. Overcoming these issues requires strong governance policies and collaborative frameworks to build trust and ensure smooth implementation.
As fleets adopt cleaner technologies and multi-fuel systems, operators will need increasingly granular data to optimise performance and stay ahead of regulatory changes. Data standardisation forms the backbone of evidence-based decision-making, allowing operators to plan retrofits and build next-generation vessels.
Data standardisation is more than a technical necessity; it’s a catalyst for the future of maritime operations. It enables immediate action on energy efficiency, provides a clear baseline to measure the impact of innovations, and ensures continuous monitoring of best practices in applying new systems. Embracing this shift will not only ensure regulatory compliance but also unlock new opportunities for growth, efficiency, and sustainability. By investing in standardised data practices today, operators can lead the way in shaping the future of the industry.
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