Setting the Scene
Rederiet Stenersen is one of the key players in the European maritime landscape. Headquartered in Bergen, Norway, Stenersen has a proud history of excelling and visionary thinking. The company operates in Northern Europe transporting liquid cargo with its fleet of 18 oil and chemical tankers. In this fast-changing and competitive environment, Stenersen recognizes that only the smartest and most adaptable companies can succeed.
Using digital solutions to help the crew and office with everyday tasks is key. But just because software can help doesn’t necessarily mean the workforce will use it.
“Stenersen defines itself as a smart shipping company, both in the traditional maritime and in the digital way. Ensuring that is part of my job”, says Bjarte Hogelid, HSSEQ & Marine Manager at Stenersen.
To speed up its port workflows, Stenersen chose Navigator Port by DNV. The port clearance solution automates the documentation, communication and compliance tasks required for each port.
The daily business of Stenersen’s workforce revolves around short voyages and even shorter port calls. Each port call demands a high level of attendance to ensure compliance. Bjarte, who has been sailing for 16 years himself, explains: “There is always an urgent task waiting onboard a busy ship. It can be a huge advantage if we save time and resources with a digital solution. But all tools must be used properly to create value.”
But what does the crew think of Navigator Port?
Stenersen understands that captains are at sea to navigate and operate their vessels – not to wrestle with new software. That’s why they sent out a survey to learn what was thought about Navigator Port. The results were unclear: 50% of masters were fully satisfied, but the other half did not even answer the survey.
Rederiet Stenersen has a high awareness that not all captains and crew members are equally comfortable with using software on board. Different levels of digital maturity exist within an organization, even though this gap will gradually narrow with the more digital generations to come. “Our survey for Navigator Port was very positively answered by 50 per cent of the masters. However, the other half did not react at all”, says a surprised Bjarte. “That is why I called the Navigator Port team.”
Stenersen wanted answers – why so little feedback, and was the software delivering? To find out, they invited Vishnu Ravendranathan from Navigator Port to lead a training session at a crew seminar in Manila.
When asked about his experience with Navigator Port, Stenersen master Janis Strautmanis shared his surprising experience during the crew seminar in Manila: “When I returned from shore leave, I noticed that no one had updated Navigator Port. I assumed nobody used it in my absence.” He explained how the software reduces his workload and encouraged his fellow captains to see for themselves: “We have so much work to do. This software feels like our helping hand.”
Two hours later, the customised training was complete and with it the transformation from doubt to belief. Several questions about data entry, port form updates and crew information were answered by showing the easy-to-use workflows in Navigator Port.
After the workshop, Stenersen and the masters decided that Navigator Port would become a standard tool for all vessels. Captains now complete port clearance in 20 minutes instead of hours – with no extra work, no errors, and no penalties. Just smooth, hassle-free compliance. Request a trial and see the difference for yourself.
