How Spinergie helped Asian Bulk Logistics (ABL) optimize its transshipping operations and streamline reporting procedures

Smart Fleet Management provides a centralised solution for shipowners. This use case examines how ABL overhauled their reporting procedures to streamline their transshipping operations.

Discover how Spinergie’s client, Asian Bulk Logistics (ABL), uses Smart Fleet Management to secure the granular analysis, reliable reporting procedures, and remote monitoring capabilities needed to streamline transshipping operations.

‍Context

ABL manages a fleet of over 150 vessels, including tugboats, cargo transfer ships (floating cranes), and ocean-going vessels. With operations in Southeast Asia and West Africa, they needed to find a more streamlined communication tool that would also make data tracking more efficient.

‍Challenge

ABL needed a single source to optimize reporting procedures for bulk cargo transfers, enhance activity tracking across the fleet, and effectively monitor remote offshore project areas.

It needed to address key pain points by including:

Streamlined reporting processes to simplify onboard data entry, free up crew time, and send reports directly to shore-based staff.
A source accessible to all stakeholders to keep everyone on the same page - no more chasing reports.
‍In-depth data tracking with bespoke KPIs that would provide the insights needed to improve the team’s selected operational markers.

‍Spinergie's Solution

‍Real-Time Positioning

The Live Map, populated via Automatic Identification System (AIS) sensors, provides ABL with real-time vessel tracking across all operations. Spinergie provided full support in sourcing and installing the AIS antennas, a critical time-saving benefit for the client.

Tracking is reinforced with historical positioning and additional data sets, such as weather conditions, to provide context. User-friendly filtering capabilities provide an overview of the total fleet or a selected subset.

The map is further customized with client-specific POIs and areas of interest. With these areas of interest established, each user can set up alerts to indicate specific events, such as when vessels enter or leave the site or if there is any foreign vessel intrusion.

Real-time tracking gives the shore-based team the visibility they need for increased safety and remote monitoring. It eases communication between their team and offshore crews, ensuring that all stakeholders are fully aware of ongoing operations and any arising issues so they can provide quick responses.

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‍Reporting

One of the most crucial aspects of ABL’s solution is reporting by the cargo transfer ship crew. The team now benefits from a centralized documentation source and automated processes for regular reports, including statements of facts.

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Real-time AIS positioning data is seamlessly integrated by automatically populating the digital Daily Report (DR). All further customized reports are generated from the DR, with editing capabilities available to selected stakeholders. At the point of entry, data is subject to robust quality checks with alerts and guided entry- this saves considerable time and reduces the need for rework further down the line.

Reported data is then filtered to a clean analytics dashboard for daily monitoring, including a database of reported activities. For ABL, a consumption analysis module is part of the bespoke reporting solution. This module contains charts dedicated to reported consumption during production and transfers, a comprehensive database of consumption / remaining on board (ROB) for each vessel, and further aggregated and trend analysis. The client will use the data generated through this module in future ESG (environmental, social, governance) reports.

Cycle Specific Dashboard‍

A designated cycle (each trip taken per vessel) module computes selected operational KPIs to assess and compare loading rate efficiency. This module displays multiple projects with different cycle metrics updated according to live tracking.

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It was important for the client to benchmark individual values, including cycle durations, total cargo loaded, baseline rate, time saved, consumption, and many other customized metrics, with the ability to compare cycles. This is because accurate benchmarking is the only way to fully understand performance drivers and make positive operational changes. But accurate benchmarking is only part of the story - the information must be granular, accessible, and readable.

To fulfil these fundamental requirements, each project has a page with user-friendly filtering options and designated time periods to eliminate the potential for confusion. This page is a one-stop location for information relating to individual projects. It includes a dynamic map displaying vessel movements throughout the cycle, a list of reported activities, a visual schedule showing location and reporting activities, and any relevant weather or sensor data.

Result

Since adopting Smart Fleet Management, ABL has achieved the goal of optimizing its transshipment operations. The solution has streamlined onboard reporting procedures, enhanced fleet activity tracking, and improved safety via effective monitoring of remote project areas.

Data compilation has been completely overhauled, with the solution not just presenting data but also providing an easier way to monitor cyclical operations. It is now easier for the client to recognize patterns, understand norms, and identify anomalies to quickly identify issues in either reporting or operations.

Furthermore, real-time positioning and automatically populated reports deliver a holistic view of fleet activity, empowering the client to make informed decisions for optimal performance and gain a strategic advantage in a dynamic market.