Berge Bulk is taking digitalisation and hull cleaning to new levels by implementing fleet management, e-procurement and remote control technologies
The bulk carrier owner is deploying digital procurement with Moscord and Logimatic, while trialling remote hull cleaning technology with Jotun and Kongsberg.
Berge Bulk has upgraded its fleet-wide procurement processes with a long-term partnership with maritime e-marketplace Moscord to improve maintenance on a fleet of around 70 advanced vessels.
Moscord is integrated with Berge Bulk’s fleet management software Logimatic’s Sertica to maximise data utilisation, further streamline processes and optimise procurement understanding.
Berge Bulk procurement manager Sim Teck Siang said e-procurement will deliver operational benefits and value along the shipowner’s broader procurement ambitions.
“As a team, we are focused on ensuring vital supplies reach our vessels in a timely and efficient manner,” he said.
“But they also have to be the right products at the correct prices, giving the end user the quality and specifications they require, while delivering optimal value for our business and its stakeholders,” said Mr Siang.
Berge Bulk needed an e-procurement system to integrate with its Sertica fleet management system, enabling users “to select from a defined catalogue of products while giving us full control and insight into purchasing” Mr Siang explained.
“Traditional channels involving purchase orders, requests for quotations and approval processes have no clear relationship with suppliers, which will not do,” he continued.
“We wanted a digital solution that would provide complete transparency and integrate into our existing fleet management software.”
With Moscord implemented, Berge Bulk is seeing the benefits and commercial advantages.
“This helps us create a standardised process and enjoy greater predictability,” said Mr Siang. “It also gives us the data to ensure we understand purchasing patterns and can, where applicable, build predictive ordering and automated processes. We see this as a key enabler to unlock added value in procurement.”
Moscord founder and chief executive Freddy Ingemann said Berge Bulk has changed its procurement processes with transparency and long-term supplier relationships.
“Ad hoc purchasing can be replaced by standardised product selection and processes,” said Mr Ingemann. “Supplier relationships can be fostered and procurement value can be optimised.”
Procurement becomes accountable and reliable. “Through the effective utilisation of data, long-term strategic decisions can be determined and implemented,” said Mr Ingemann.
Logimatic was central to implementing and integrating e-procurement within Sertica to optimise internal processes and fleet purchases.
Logimatic chief operating officer Michael Paarup said seamless integration was key to enabling e-procurement advantages. “Onboard users at sea can now benefit from easy access to the Moscord catalogue, choosing specific items and simply and efficiently creating the required requisition order within Sertica,” said Mr Paarup.
“All purchase data is centralised, allowing for detailed analysis, while received orders are automatically added for stock counts and inventory management,” he explained.
“All information for payment and accounting is also channelled through the system. It is straightforward, streamlined and smart, helping our users achieve their procurement objectives.”
Berge Bulk is working with ship operators Maersk and Wallenius Wilhelmsen and technology partners Jotun, Kongsberg, Semcon, Telenor and class society DNV GL as part of the HullSkater hull cleaning technology project.
HullSkater is a machine-learning enabled robot for cleaning vessels’ hulls for bio-fouling control on ships. Berge Bulk trialled this technology on its ships.
Brushes on the remotely controlled device remove bacteria and biofilm before macro-fouling takes hold. The robot is held on the hull by magnetic wheels, each equipped with electric motors for propulsion and steering. HullSkater has cameras and sensors, supporting an operator with data for navigation and documenting hull fouling.
This vehicle is connected to an operator’s control station through an umbilical. It can be operated remotely from anywhere in the world with 4G coverage.
Kongsberg developed the secure remote control, cloud-based data storage, battery technology, acoustics and composite materials for HullSkater.
Telenor provided an IoT solution over its mobile 4G network for vessels using HullSkater and secure global telecommunications for data flow.
Semcon provided design, analysis, software, robotics and hardware development for HullSkater.
Digitalisation benefits and optimising ship operations will be discussed during Riviera’s Vessel Optimisation Webinar Week. This gives operators vital insights into the options available to extract maximum value from vessel operations. Each 45 minute webinar explores a different facet of vessel optimisation with the maritime professionals you want to hear from.
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