New ‘human-to-human’ voyage optimisation service
NAPA, a global provider of maritime software, and voyage optimisation specialist, Interoutes, have joined forces to launch a new Expert Route Monitoring service. Unlike most other systems, the new setup will be based on direct communications between experts ashore and ship masters at sea, the partners said in a statement.
They will receive optimised route recommendations and weather updates in real time thereby supporting ships’ on-time arrivals while minimising fuel consumption and emissions. The partners claim that this will enable ship masters to make better decisions, improving voyage safety and streamlining the handling of constantly changing weather conditions at sea.
The Expert Route Monitoring procedure will involve a shipping company sending a ship’s itinerary and voyage objectives to NAPA, whereupon Interoutes’ experts will use NAPA Voyage Optimization to plan a voyage in light of prevailing weather conditions. Details of the voyage are then uploaded directly on to a vessel’s NAPA system for access by the ship’s master. An open line of communication is available for feedback and assistance.
Interoutes’ experts will be able to provide projections with greater accuracy thanks to their access to NAPA Performance Models, the partners claim while the comparison of different route configurations will enable ship masters to make the best decisions at sea.
