Bunker Management Software for Better Cost Control and Profitability

Innovations in software systems have benefited the shipping industry. IT packages offer solutions that maintain reliability and streamline vital processes that entail on-time deliveries, a secure supply chain and avoidance of additional costs on the part of shipping operators and managers. Container tracking software helps companies with reliability by keeping tabs on scheduled arrivals and departures. Meanwhile, bunker management software can optimize fuel efficiency by providing an overview of bunker consumption. Carriers and operators aim to optimize revenue generation by streamlining core functions.

With respect to bunker management, the call for more environment-friendly fuels would have a strong impact on fuel consumption. New innovations that seek to replace high-sulfur bunker oils have been introduced to the market in the form of Liquefied Natural Gas or LNG. This comes with international calls for safer fuel alternatives to bunker fuel, which has seen recent price fluctuations. On top of this, maritime organizations are introducing directives calling on carriers to minimize high-sulfur fuels or replace them entirely with safer options, particularly LNG. In fact, the International Maritime Organization is expecting that high sulfur fuels be phased out by the end of 2020. Transitioning to LNG however entails massive expenditures on engine modifications. It would also entail a lot of time to adopt technology that reduces fuel emissions and allows better bunker management. Nonetheless, shipping carriers are considering the possibility to convert to LNG, primarily for better cost-control.

In the meantime, software (whether in-house or off-the-shelf) could maximize fuel efficiency, provide higher profitability and prevent operational complications. For shipping companies that have yet to consider LNG, there is a need to invest in structural improvements. Managers can switch to fuel efficient propellers. They could also resort to better speed management and ship maintenance which are best facilitated through maritime software packages. Efficient liner shipping software should be considered with respect to fuel efficiency. They economize consumption and keep track of purchases. Moreover, a package should also allow users to perform calculations on fuel storage and gauge cost-related factors not involving fuel. Container repair software can be used in order to manage repair invoices and claims, estimate costs on possible damages inflicted by another party, and control additional costs such as repair tariffs. It should provide an interface that prevents any unnecessary expenses as a result of duplicate estimations and other issues. Shipping management software solutions should be top priority. With such a system in place, operators would no longer worry about reducing speed to cut back on fuel consumption and facing possible delays as a result. Moreover, the package is designed to calculate variables such as travel time and weather conditions for optimum fuel control. This way, operators maintain control over bunker consumption while being assured of a safer voyage.

These solutions along with bunker management software could save operators a fortune as well as facilitate processes that could otherwise be difficult to manage. Systematic operational maintenance could save them the stress of having to confront headache-inducing and wallet-burning while plans to convert to more cost efficient alternatives are being considered. .