Integrated database attracts Gulf offshore operator

Gulf Fleet Management (GFM) has selected ABS Nautical Systems’ fleet management software as the foundation for its future operations. Opting for a near sweep of the Nautical Systems’ NS 5 software suite, GFM will be using the tool for the maintenance, purchasing, inventory, quality and voyage management of its fleet of 15 offshore supply, fast support and seismic support vessels operating worldwide.

Operations manager for GFM, Mark Crutcher, said that the system’s integrated database was a key factor in the company’s decision to move forward with Nautical Systems. “Switching between modules is seamless,” stated Mr Crutcher. “This will significantly reduce the time needed to train our staff.”

This is the latest client in a long line of offshore operators looking to NS 5 software for onboard fleet management. “Nearly one-third of our recent contracts have come from the offshore supply or workboat market,” comments ABS Nautical Systems’ Joe Woods. “The introduction of larger, more advanced vessels has changed this sector in recent years. Spreadsheets and home-grown databases are no longer meeting the needs of the industry. We are working with sophisticated operators looking for solutions that can provide them with equally sophisticated management tools,” he added.

Mr Crutcher supports this view, noting that the forthcoming product features, such as My Tasks, a user-defined dashboard spanning all NS 5 modules, were additional drivers in the selection of Nautical Systems. “We see the commitment for continued development in the product,” he said. “It is critical that we have a software provider that can grow with us.”

ABS Nautical Systems’ current suite of software products, NS 5.3.5, offers extended business intelligence tools such as drydocking, NS 5 Insight, an on-demand reporting tool, a hull inspection maintenance program and web-based management of drawings. MEC