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SEACOR president: data analytics, onboard automation coming for OSVs
Increasing data volumes, a lack of digitally proficient seafarers, and client transparency requirements mean a higher demand for fleetwide analytics
Demand for data, analytics and partnerships with vendors providing these services will increase in the offshore support vessel sector, as energy companies require more operational information and crew supply tightens.
SEACOR Marine Holdings president and chief executive John Gellert said there is a rising need for software to analyse the high data volumes coming from vessel operations, to prevent crews from becoming overloaded and to assist clients.
"We get a lot of data now we are measuring things, but we are not analysing it well," Mr Gellert said during a panel session at Riviera’s Annual Offshore Support Journal Conference in London, UK, on 4 February 2026.
"We are getting a lot of data streams. As we analyse it, then we will be able to react to it."
There are several reasons to improve data analytics: for greater operational transparency and fleet optimisation.
An example Mr Gellert provided was when a vessel owner provides information to an energy company that is questioning fuel consumption.
"When the customer complains about fuel consumption and vessel performance, but they are the ones directing how the vessel is used, we found it useful is to get data on how the vessel has been used," he said. "We show them the data, like the vessel going full speed to the drilling rig as the client wanted it to be there, and then we are there hanging around for a day," he continued.
"And this is why the fuel consumption so high. It is not that the vessel itself has high fuel consumption."
Data volumes are overloading seafarers at a time when the industry is facing a challenge with finding digitally proficient people to replace ageing crews.
Mr Gellert thinks this will lead to more automation and analytics on support vessels, which will require partnerships between charterers, owners and vendors.
"Having fewer people on the bridge in the interim means more automation, such as what the airline industry has already done," he said. "We are going to be led to that by the low availability of people. We need real co-operation with vendors and types of systems that are easily explainable, easily used and reliable for a set period of time."
When asked about the offshore market, Mr Gellert is expecting an "exciting time ahead" as energy companies raise their focus on offshore developments and extending the life of existing assets.
"There is a growing energy demand, but the easier hydrocarbons have been explored and produced," he said.
"The Middle East might have easier hydrocarbons, but the rest of the world is more challenging and more technically demanding. This sets us up well for the future, with growing demand for our services."
Riviera’s Offshore Support Journal Conference, Brazil, will be held in Rio de Janeiro on 13-14 October 2026. Use this link for more information and to register for the event.
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