UK-based offshore support vessel operator North Star reports that it has completed a £5 million upgrade of its digital systems to drive operational and sustainability efficiencies across its operations, whilst also improving seafarer wellbeing.
The company’s new digital upgrades include a multi-million-pound investment in the ShipSure software platform developed by V.Group, a strategic partnership with VesselMan to improve its project management toolkit, and implementation of Starlink satellite communications services across all of its ships.
“This £5 million investment in our digital capabilities is key to underpinning the strength and efficiency of North Star, making use of the best available business systems and technologies to support our continued focus on sustainably scaling our operations,” said Fraser Dobbie, Chief Financial Officer, North Star.
“Partnering with the most innovative technology suppliers allows us to elevate our corporate intelligence and decision making, generating increased value from the masses of data that we gather every day.”
“ShipSure will improve safety, increase the efficiency of vessel crewing, inform procurement strategies and help us to further improve the reliability of our vessels’ performance through planned maintenance. It provides a modern engine from which to drive the vast knowledge and experience of our team to new levels.”
The ShipSure system will be used as the organisation’s central cloud-based ship management ERP, integrating information and processes as well as analysing available data to improve performance across all elements of the business.
It is also fully integrated with the VesselMan application to allow seamless exchange of work order defects and status updates on purchase orders.
“Delivering ShipSure as a service is an important way for V.Group to partner with vessel owners to drive digitalisation of their businesses, and we are thrilled that a leading offshore services provider such as North Star has selected ShipSure in recognition of the platform’s unique capabilities,” said Stephen Macfarlane, Group CIO at V.
With bases in Aberdeen, Lowestoft, and Newcastle in the UK as well as Hamburg, Germany, more than half of North Star’s 1,400 workforce are crew supporting its 49-strong vessel fleet, which includes emergency response and rescue vessels (ERRVs) in the North Sea, and hybrid-powered service operations vessel (SOV) tonnage for the offshore wind sector.
Trials of the new communications server connected via Starlink confirmed internet speeds up to 50 times faster than North Star’s previous systems, enabling seafarers to make video calls with family and friends, as well as allowing streaming and online gaming at sea.
The new satcom set-up will also be used to support vessel operational technologies including decision support systems and real-time troubleshooting using virtual calls and video.
“Our crews are immensely dedicated and hard-working, operating vessels and supporting our clients for month long rotations. Providing them with the ability to not only stream entertainment services, but also connect with home is a major boost for our offshore teams. We are thrilled with the results Starlink has delivered to date,” Mr Dobbie added.
“Last year, we welcomed several specialists into our team including the company’s first chief technology officer. Supporting our people with technology is a key element of our strategy to secure the future of North Star as the market leading provider of support to Europe’s offshore Energy infrastructure.”
