- North Star completed a £5 million upgrade to enhance operational efficiency, sustainability, and seafarer wellbeing.
- Investments include the ShipSure software platform, VesselMan project management tool, and Starlink satellite communications.
- Faster internet access enables better crew connectivity, entertainment, and operational support.
UK-based North Star completed a £5 million digital upgrade aimed at boosting operational efficiency, sustainability, and crew welfare. This upgrade includes advanced software platforms and enhanced satellite communications, reports Smart Maritime Network.
Enhancing Efficiency with ShipSure and VesselMan
The company invested in ShipSure, a cloud-based ship management system developed by V.Group, and VesselMan, which enhances project management. These systems will streamline vessel operations, increase efficiency in crewing, procurement, and maintenance, while enabling better use of data.
“This £5 million investment in our digital capabilities is key to underpinning the strength and efficiency of North Star, making use of the best available business systems and technologies to support our continued focus on sustainably scaling our operations,” said Fraser Dobbie, Chief Financial Officer, North Star.
“Partnering with the most innovative technology suppliers allows us to elevate our corporate intelligence and decision making, generating increased value from the masses of data that we gather every day.”
“ShipSure will improve safety, increase the efficiency of vessel crewing, inform procurement strategies and help us to further improve the reliability of our vessels’ performance through planned maintenance. It provides a modern engine from which to drive the vast knowledge and experience of our team to new levels.”
Starlink Boosts Internet Speeds and Crew Wellbeing
ShipSure will serve as North Star’s central ERP system, integrating various processes and data analytics to improve performance. It works seamlessly with VesselMan to ensure work orders and procurement updates are synchronized.
North Star also implemented Starlink satellite communications, resulting in internet speeds up to 50 times faster. This upgrade allows seafarers to video call family, stream entertainment, and enjoy online gaming, significantly enhancing crew welfare.
“Delivering ShipSure as a service is an important way for V.Group to partner with vessel owners to drive digitalisation of their businesses, and we are thrilled that a leading offshore services provider such as North Star has selected ShipSure in recognition of the platform’s unique capabilities,” said Stephen Macfarlane, Group CIO at V.
North Star, with bases in Aberdeen, Lowestoft, Newcastle, and Hamburg, has over half of its 1,400 workforce as crew operating its 49-vessel fleet. This fleet includes emergency response and rescue vessels (ERRVs) in the North Sea and hybrid-powered service operations vessels (SOVs) for the offshore wind sector.
Recent trials of the new Starlink satellite communications system showed internet speeds up to 50 times faster than before, greatly improving seafarers’ ability to make video calls, stream content, and enjoy online gaming. The upgraded satcom system will also support operational tech such as decision-making tools and real-time troubleshooting through virtual calls and video.
“Our crews are immensely dedicated and hard-working, operating vessels and supporting our clients for month long rotations. Providing them with the ability to not only stream entertainment services, but also connect with home is a major boost for our offshore teams. We are thrilled with the results Starlink has delivered to date,” Mr Dobbie added.
“Last year, we welcomed several specialists into our team including the company’s first chief technology officer. Supporting our people with technology is a key element of our strategy to secure the future of North Star as the market leading provider of support to Europe’s offshore Energy infrastructure.”
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Source: Smart Maritime Network
