NAPA - Experts & Thought Leaders

Anthony Veder, a gas shipping company, has strengthened its partnership with NAPA, a global provider of maritime software and data services, to expand the use of electronic logbook solutions and ease regulatory reporting.   The joint project between the two companies introduces the functionality of voyage reporting, helping Anthony Veder streamline onboard data collection and fulfill increasingly complex environmental regulatory requirements. Thus, the project contributes to shipping meeting its net zero target.   NAPA Logbook With the new voyage reporting functionality, the NAPA Logbook reduces the administrative burden of regulatory compliance. It covers systems EU-MRV (Monitoring, Reporting, and Verification), and the IMO-DCS (Data Collection System).  The digital platform enables the integration of logbooks with regulatory reporting; data is automatically shared with shoreside teams, via NAPA Fleet Intelligence, and with the verifier, in this case, DNV Emission Connect, in near real-time.  DNV approval The platform goes beyond normal electronic logbook systems and can submit data for verification to DNV With type approval from DNV, the platform goes beyond normal electronic logbook systems and can submit data for verification to DNV, as well as other relevant stakeholders in the supply and emissions chain, in a format that meets all requirements. This provides end-to-end compliance support, removes duplication of work, and offers invaluable time savings for crew which would otherwise not be possible.  Digitalisation With the initial success of NAPA Logbook across Anthony Veder’s fleet, the company is ramping up digitalisation to ease seafarer workload, boost morale, and reduce the margin for error. Since 2023, NAPA Logbook has already cut 2000 administrative hours per vessel – a 14% reduction.   Digital tools can help reduce the administrative workload onboard and contribute to the accuracy of reporting, which is becoming increasingly important with regulations like the EU ETS and FuelEU Maritime.   Regulatory reporting compliance Björn van de Weerdhof, Commercial and Sustainability Director at Anthony Veder, said, “Being compliant with regulatory reporting is important but is becoming more and more complex. Without digitisation and automation, this would be increasing time spent by our seafaring colleagues." "By partnering with NAPA, integrating their digital logbook, and through digital solutions and automated entries, we significantly reduced the administrative burden on board so our seafarers can focus on their core duties: operating our vessels in a safe, sustainable, and efficient way for our customers.”  Streamlining data collection Tommi Vihavainen, Director, of Development, NAPA Safety Solutions, added, “We recognise that crew is already stretched thin, and new regulations only add to this challenge by diverting precious time from primary responsibilities." "Digitalisation of paper-based processes, using tools like NAPA Logbook, can streamline onboard data collection and reporting to minimise duplication of work, ensure regulatory compliance, meet sustainability goals, and, ultimately, contribute to creating a more satisfying work environment. We are proud of the positive impact we’ve been able to create for Anthony Veder in such a short amount of time and look forward to continuing our partnership.”  Decarbonisation transition 54% of seafarers reported an increase in their workloads, 44% said they are feeling higher levels of stress The global maritime industry, and seafarers in particular, are grappling with new ways of working to support shipping’s decarbonisation transition. A recent survey by the International Seafarers Welfare and Assistance Network (ISWAN) revealed that 54% of seafarers reported an increase in their workloads, 44% said they are feeling higher levels of stress, and 33% fear potential criminalisation due to complex reporting requirements.  Operational safety and efficiency Digital, integrated solutions like NAPA Logbook, through NAPA Fleet Intelligence, allow teams to tackle these issues by doubling down on automation, thereby minimising errors and saving time, and offering a holistic approach to operational safety and efficiency. By enabling data to be exchanged between systems, teams can enhance situational awareness and make better-informed decisions on critical operational matters and regulatory compliance, with greater speed and accuracy, as the platform also gives a centralised data overview. 

Japanese maritime experts have announced the successful completion of the early phases of a cross-industry project aimed at creating a secure data-sharing framework between shipyards and ship owners to advance the use of digital twins throughout a ship’s lifecycle. The project, which aims to enable the use of a vessel’s unique design data to optimise efficiency and safety at sea, as well as the sharing of operational data to inform new designs, brings together ship owners - NYK Group company, MTI Co. Ltd. (“MTI”), Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. (MOL) and Marubeni Corporation, and shipbuilders - Imabari Shipbuilding, Japan Marine United Corporation, and Usuki Shipyard, along with software and data services provider - NAPA, and classification society - ClassNK. Feasibility of increased data sharing Initial results have confirmed the feasibility of increased data sharing between shipyards, ship owners Initial results have confirmed the feasibility of increased data sharing between shipyards, ship owners, ship managers and charterers, among other stakeholders, by overcoming obstacles related to the sharing of sensitive design and operational data. The first two phases of the project identified over 30 potential use cases where the data and 3D models used to design the ship can be shared securely and used to create a vessel-specific digital twin that helps improve operational efficiency and safety throughout its lifecycle. Value of digital twins in supporting loading calculations Further analysis confirmed the potential and value of digital twins in supporting loading calculations, ship condition monitoring and energy-saving device evaluation. Building on the success of the feasibility study, the next phase will develop a new platform that will enable 3D models created during the design stage to be shared in a secure and access-controlled digital environment, together with new business models to implement this innovative approach in practice in commercial agreements. New revenue stream for shipyards and solution providers This could create a new revenue stream for shipyards and solution providers, as well as mechanisms to share benefits between stakeholders. This phase of the project is led by ClassNK as an impartial entity to ensure that the platform is neutral and fair. The project aims to start operation in 2025, signaling a potential breakthrough in the sharing of design and operational data to overcome traditional barriers to the adoption of digital twins in the maritime sector. Partnership to help improve future ship designs The partnership also explored ways in which operational data can be fed back to shipyards The partnership also explored ways in which operational data can be fed back to shipyards to provide valuable insights on how their concepts perform in real life, thereby enabling naval architects and engineers to improve future ship designs. Mr. Naoki Mizutani, Executive Vice President for NAPA Studios, said: “Collaboration continues to be the underpinning foundation enabling the industry to develop new solutions and optimise existing operations for the energy transition.” Bridging design and operational data for safer shipping Naoki Mizutani adds, “Our Digital Twin project captures this enterprising spirit to reach a new milestone: bridging design and operational data for safer, more efficient and greener shipping.” He continues, “This project also demonstrates that it is possible to build new types of partnerships with stakeholders across the value chain to make the most of industry expertise and maximise the potential of technologies at our fingertips.” Digital twins are a key asset for shipping Mr. Yoshimichi Sasaki, General Manager, Digital Transformation Center at ClassNK, said: “Digital twins are a key asset for shipping, particularly in the context of the energy transition.” He adds, “They offer unparalleled insight into a ship’s unique design profile and characteristics, and unlock new opportunities to use this data to optimise operations and maintenance, while also expanding possibilities to deploy innovative technologies on board.” Yoshimichi Sasaki continues, “This project demonstrates how we can break data silos to foster closer dialogue between shipyards and ship owners at a time of increasing design and operational complexity.”

Ta-Ho Maritime Corporation, one of the bulk shipping companies in Taiwan, strengthens its commitment to digitalising operations by installing NAPA's performance monitoring, voyage optimisation and navigational risk monitoring on eight vessels. With enhanced fleet monitoring and management, NAPA is supporting Ta Ho in minimising fuel consumption and emissions. Under the deal, NAPA, a global provider of maritime software and data services, is delivering its next-generation NAPA Fleet Intelligence software, providing Ta Ho with a full-picture understanding of its operations, including fleet-wide intel on vessels’ locations, past voyages, performance, speed, voyage duration, and fuel consumption. The software has been certified by ClassNK’s Innovation Endorsement framework for its function of accurately assessing and optimising performance. Enhanced data collection An initial pilot using NAPA Voyage Optimisation over two months has already demonstrated a total fuel saving potential of 4.0%. In addition to this, trials showed that a further 2.9% fuel saving was possible by improving vessels’ operational profile using recommendations from the platform. At the same time, using navigational risk monitoring allows teams to gain an overview of high-risk areas and map out voyages in line with this to minimise risk and maximise safety. Furthermore, enhanced data collection and integration allows Ta Ho’s teams to take a proactive approach to fleet management where, for example, insights on a vessel can help optimise maintenance schedules and manage aging. This operational optimisation contributes to enhanced energy efficiency and safety. Seamless data integration Digital solutions are empowering the industry to proactively comply with environmental regulations" Greater intelligence on fleet performance will support decision-making in line with tightening environmental regulations, like the IMO’s Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII) and the European Union’s Emission’s Trading System (EU ETS), allowing teams to make better-informed and strategic decisions to minimise their carbon footprint. Ni Bo, Director of Sales at NAPA, said: “Digital solutions are empowering the industry to proactively comply with environmental regulations while also meeting operational and commercial goals. With NAPA Fleet Intelligence, teams benefit from seamless data integration across systems to act on multiple fronts, from emissions reductions to stability and emergency response, with greater speed and accuracy.” Adoption of innovative technologies Alan Shieh, President at Ta Ho, commented: “By adopting NAPA Fleet Intelligence endorsed by ClassNK, we are investing in a trusted digital solutions partner to navigate shipping’s growing complexities. This partnership with NAPA marks the next frontier on our digitalisation and decarbonisation journey. By building a fleet-wide operations database, we can reap the rewards of data-driven optimisation and stay ahead of the curve in terms of compliance with environmental regulations.” Junichi Kawakami, Regional Manager at ClassNK Taiwan, added: “ClassNK extends congratulations for the successful deployment and demonstration of NAPA's solution aboard the Ta-Ho Maritime fleet. This accomplishment is anticipated to contribute not only to Ta-Ho’s operational optimisation but also to the broader goal of decarbonisation. As a third-party organisation, we will continue to provide transparent and reliable certification to encourage the adoption of innovative technologies in the shipping industry.”

Trusted by more than 3,000 ships worldwide, NAPA’s Safety Solution software has promoted ship safety and operational efficiency for 35 years, working closely with customers. NAPA's solutions aim to positively impact the maritime industry by simplifying and streamlining onboard and shoreside operations through digitalisation, reducing errors and workload for seafarers, enhancing safety, and enabling more sustainable decision-making.  Paper-based system challenges “Historically, the maritime market has relied heavily on paperwork for various processes, including log-keeping, work permits, and regulatory reporting,” says Tommi Vihavainen, NAPA's Director of Development at Safety Solutions. “This reliance on paper-based systems led to numerous challenges, such as time-consuming administrative tasks, increased risk of errors, difficulty in data aggregation and sharing, and limited visibility for shoreside teams.”  Software and data services NAPA's software for ship design is used by over 90% of new vessels built by NAPA's customers NAPA provides software and data services for ship design and operations to enable a safer, more sustainable, and future-proof maritime industry. NAPA's software for ship design is used by over 90% of new vessels built by NAPA's customers and is considered the global de facto standard in shipbuilding.   NAPA's product line On the ship operations side, NAPA's product line includes NAPA Stability next-gen loading computer; NAPA Emergency Computer to provide clarity on ship vulnerability in critical moments; NAPA Permit to Work, which digitalises work permits and approval; and NAPA Fleet Intelligence, a cloud-based platform to enable shoreside teams to handle fleet safety, compliance, and optimisation. NAPA Logbook (along with the NAPA Status Board and Checklists) helps make electronic record-keeping, reporting, and compliance easy and error-free.   Digitisation “Digitisation has transformed the management of information and data onboard vessels by automating tasks, standardising formats, and enabling real-time data sharing between ship and shore,” adds Vihavainen. “This has led to significant improvements in efficiency, safety, and compliance.”  Efficiency, safety, and compliance Cloud-based platforms enable centralised data collection, allowing shoreside teams to monitor vessel operations For example, electronic logbooks automate data entry, reduce errors, and facilitate easy regulatory compliance. Digital work permit systems streamline approval processes, enhance communication, and provide real-time visibility into ongoing work, improving safety and inter-department coordination.  Cloud-based platforms enable centralised data collection, allowing shoreside teams to monitor vessel operations and performance, identify trends, and make informed decisions for optimised operations.  Proactive approach to safety at sea  Digital ship stability systems, like NAPA Stability, can enable a proactive approach to safety at sea by providing real-time monitoring and analysis of a ship's stability parameters – for both intact and damaged stability. They integrate with a 3D model of the ship, known as a digital twin, which is based on data and models used during the ship design process. “These systems continuously monitor stability data, such as the vessel's metacentric height, and provide alerts if any IMO-set stability and loading criteria are unmet,” says Vihavainen. Real-time awareness “This real-time awareness allows for early detection of potential risks and facilitates timely corrective actions to maintain stability and ship safety in all conditions." Additionally, these systems can simulate different scenarios and provide decision support to the crew and shoreside teams in case of emergencies, such as grounding or damage to the hull, allowing for a more informed and proactive response.  Cloud-based monitoring unlocks  By analysing this data, shoreside teams can identify trends, benchmark performance, and make decisions Cloud-based performance monitoring solutions can unlock new operational efficiencies in the maritime market by providing insights in real-time, as well as collecting historical data for later analysis. NAPA’s onboard solutions, for example, can collect data from various sources, like all logbook data, such as a deck, navigational data, stability data, engine management systems, HVAC, tank data, waste, and water management, as well as other relevant onboard sensors. By analysing this data, shoreside teams can identify trends, benchmark performance, and make data-driven decisions to optimise various aspects of operations, including fuel efficiency, waste and water management, engine performance, and so on.  Operational efficiency “The cloud-based nature of these systems enables seamless data sharing and collaboration between shipboard and shoreside teams, facilitating real-time monitoring, communication, and support,” says Vihavainen. “This accessibility to data and insights allows for more informed decision-making, proactive rectifications in operational practices, maintenance, and continuous improvement in operational efficiency.”  Supporting shipping’s transition to decarbonisation  The global maritime industry, and seafarers in particular, are grappling with new ways of working to support shipping’s decarbonisation transition. A recent survey by the International Seafarers Welfare and Assistance Network (ISWAN) revealed that 54% of seafarers reported an increase in their workloads, 44% said they are feeling higher levels of stress, and 33% fear potential criminalisation due to complex reporting requirements.   NAPA Logbook By enabling data to be exchanged between systems, teams can enhance situational awareness Digital, integrated solutions like NAPA Logbook, through NAPA Fleet Intelligence, allow teams to tackle these issues by doubling down on automation, thereby minimising errors saving time, and offering a holistic approach to data management, operational safety, and efficiency. By enabling data to be exchanged between systems, teams can enhance situational awareness and make better-informed decisions on critical operational matters and regulatory compliance, with greater speed and accuracy, as the platform also gives a centralised data overview.  Benefits Vihavainen says centralised data collection through platforms also benefits operations by:  Providing a holistic view of fleet operations: 24x7 monitoring and real-time situational awareness at a granular level - per ship, per voyage, per leg. This comprehensive overview allows for better decision-making regarding safety, efficiency, and compliance.  Facilitating data-driven insights: By analysing the collected data, operators can identify trends, benchmark performance, and implement strategies for continuous improvement.  Enabling better support from the shoreside without the need for additional communications.  Optimised Voyage Planning: By combining real-time weather data with historical performance data, operators can plan more efficient and safer routes, especially for cruise customers during the hurricane season, for instance.   Predictive Maintenance: Analysing data from various onboard systems can help predict potential equipment failures, allowing for proactive maintenance and reducing downtime.  Improving record keeping and promoting safety  NAPA Logbook is an electronic logbook solution that aims to improve record keeping, simply shipboard admin work, and promote safety onboard vessels. It is approved by over 20 major flag states and DNV and ClassNK, and it is trusted by over 12,000 users globally.  NAPA Logbook improves record-keeping and compliance by:  Automating data entry, reducing seafarer workload: The system automatically fills in data for log entries, reducing the administrative burden on the crew.  Standardising formats, reducing chances of mistakes: NAPA Logbook ensures that all log entries adhere to the required formats, minimising errors, and inconsistencies.  Simplifying reporting: The system facilitates the easy generation of reports for various regulatory requirements, such as EU-MRV, MARPOL, ESG, and CII.    Logbook integration For instance, with the new voyage reporting functionality, the NAPA Logbook reduces the administrative burden of regulatory compliance and covers the monitoring systems EU-MRV (Monitoring, Reporting and Verification), and the IMO-DCS (Data Collection System). The digital platform enables the integration of logbooks with regulatory reporting; data is automatically shared with shoreside teams, via NAPA Fleet Intelligence, as well as with the verifier, in this case, DNV Emission Connect, in near real-time. End-to-end compliance The platform goes beyond normal electronic logbook systems and can submit data for verification to DNV The platform goes beyond normal electronic logbook systems and can submit data for verification to DNV, as well as other relevant stakeholders in the supply and emissions chain, in a format that meets all requirements. This provides end-to-end compliance support, removes duplication of work, and offers invaluable time savings for the crew which would otherwise not be possible.  14% reduction Here is a case example: Anthony Veder, a gas shipping company that implemented the NAPA Logbook in 2023 reports that it has already cut 2000 administrative hours per vessel – a 14% reduction.  This time savings is not only from automated entry but also from automated reporting. With the initial success of NAPA Logbook across Anthony Veder’s fleet, the company is ramping up digitalisation to ease seafarer workload, boost morale, and reduce the margin for error. Digital tools can help reduce the administrative workload onboard and contribute to the accuracy of reporting, which is becoming increasingly important with regulations like the EU ETS and FuelEU Maritime.    Replacing paper-based work permitting  NAPA Permit to Work is a digital system that replaces the traditional paper-based work permit process for hazardous tasks onboard.  NAPA Permit to Work has been developed through close collaboration with customers, such as Carnival Cruise Line and Virgin Voyages, to ensure it meets their specific needs and safety management system guidelines. The system allows for customisation according to each operator's unique processes.  Miscommunication to mishaps Hazardous tasks are managed through a mase of manual checklists and paperwork prone to delays Traditionally, hazardous tasks are managed through a mase of manual checklists and paperwork prone to delays, oversight, and miscommunication – leading to mishaps. According to data from InterManager, 55% of accidents in the past 28 years have happened during planned work, with many incidents concentrated in high-risk areas like oil tanks and holds.  Permit-to-work process Digitising the permit-to-work process can dramatically reduce the chances of human error, potentially preventing accidents before they occur. Apart from increasing efficiency, these digital permits also help ensure every step of the process is completed correctly and provide real-time visibility of high-risk tasks for both crews onboard and shoreside teams.  This is especially important for newer seafarers, many of whom have joined the industry after the pandemic. They offer critical support for those still gaining experience, reducing the risk of accidents. Additionally, digitalising the process results in:  Streamlined work process: The digital system eliminates the need for physical forms and signatures, saving time and reducing administrative burden.  Comprehensive digital safeguards: The system acts as a checklist, ensuring that all necessary safety checks are completed before the start of any job.  Enhanced communication and coordination: The system automatically notifies relevant departments and personnel with real-time status updates of ongoing work, improving coordination and transparency.  Real-time monitoring and visibility: Both shipboard and shoreside teams have real-time visibility into ongoing work, enabling proactive safety management and faster response in case of issues.  Benefits for shoreside teams  NAPA Permit to Work provides shoreside teams with better fleet-wide visibility of ongoing work and conditions, enabling a proactive approach to safety and maintenance. This real-time data transparency allows for more efficient resource allocation, improved coordination of maintenance activities, and faster response to potential issues, ultimately leading to enhanced operational efficiency and reduced downtime.  Comprehensive digital checklist NAPA Permit to Work will act as a comprehensive digital checklist The influx of new seafarers with limited experience post-pandemic presents challenges for the maritime industry. These challenges include increased workloads, higher stress levels, and potential safety risks due to unfamiliarity with complex tasks and procedures.  Here, the NAPA Permit to Work will act as a comprehensive digital checklist to help seafarers ensure that no safety-critical steps are missed.  Virtual guide and augments The system is designed so that no digital form is accepted unless all required safety checks are completed before the start of any job, significantly reducing the risk of oversight. Post-COVID, a large proportion of crew working aboard cruise ships are on their first contract with little at-sea experience. This functionality provides a virtual guide and augments previous training, eases handovers, and minimises the margin for error.  Safety and efficiency As the maritime industry shifts toward a future marked by multi-fuel technologies and stringent environmental regulations, the operational demands placed on crews will only increase. But within this growing complexity lies an opportunity to rethink approaches to safety and efficiency. “Rather than overwhelming seafarers with more screens and systems, we need to harness digital tools and data in ways that simplify—not complicate—their work environments,” says Vihavainen. Expanding capabilities of digital tools  When harnessed properly, it can lead to much bigger and newer areas of operational efficiency It is a misconception that solutions like NAPA Logbook and NAPA Stability only help with ship safety, data recording, and compliance.  With cloud technology, the power of these digital tools extends far beyond their traditional roles, unlocking vast amounts of previously untapped data—up to 90% of ship data typically remains onboard, unutilised. This data spans everything from engine performance, and HVAC to waste, water, and tank management. When harnessed properly, it can lead to much bigger and newer areas of operational efficiency than achievable today. Real-time data sharing “By automating the collection and analysis of this data in real-time, and sharing it with shoreside teams, we also enable better ship-and-shore collaboration,” says Vihavainen. “As the complexity of modern maritime operations grows, cloud connectivity has become a critical tool in bridging the gap between onboard crews and shoreside teams.”   Proactive voyage monitoring By allowing real-time communication and data sharing, shoreside teams can provide invaluable support in areas ranging from stability management and emergency response to proactive voyage monitoring and machinery issue resolution. “This level of collaboration is reshaping how we approach safety and efficiency at sea,” says Vihavainen. “These advances are more than just technological upgrades—they are transforming the relationship between seafarers and their shoreside colleagues.”