From sea to software: Shipnet’s data-driven approach

Unlike many legacy providers that often “drag their heels,” Shipnet has embraced a forward-thinking approach, adopting what Niall calls a “startup style.” This shift has enabled Shipnet to stay ahead of the curve, continuously adapting to new technological demands and pushing the boundaries of maritime software solutions.

One of Shipnet’s standout features is the breadth of its software solutions. Through its Source2Sea partnership earlier this year, it simplified product selection and purchasing for ship supplies with its PunchOut catalogue. The company covers a wide range of critical maritime functions, from “the asset management piece, which is technical procurement, safety, and the accounting,” according to Niall. This end-to-end approach allows shipping companies to streamline their operations using Shipnet’s platform. As Niall notes, “If you start a shipping company, we can provide every piece of software.”

Maritime experience

Shipnet’s success may be rooted in its employees’ deep maritime backgrounds, which Niall emphases as a key advantage. Reflecting on his own journey, he shared, “I thought the last thing I want to do is work in an office,” recalling his motivations for joining the Royal Navy then taking deck officer roles on a range of vessels before coming back on shore. This highlights how real-world maritime experience informs the company’s ability to deliver useful solutions. For Shipnet, product management means directly engaging with customers, understanding their unique challenges, and providing targeted solutions. Shipping is a notoriously insular industry, where “knowledge is power,” as Niall describes it. Understanding how ships and shipping companies operate allows Shipnet to ask the right questions and solve the problems that matter most to its clients.

Shipnet aims to go further than other software providers. “The traditional ERP software is so functionality driven, it’s like, you know, how do I do this? How do I make this more efficient?” says Niall. However, Shipnet’s vision is to leverage its vast data resources, which includes “every piece of maintenance that’s ever been performed” on client vessels, to deliver genuine insights that improve fleet operations. Shipnet’s goal is to empower its customers to operate more efficiently, without having to rely on external consultants—a significant step forward for maritime businesses looking to optimise their processes.

Simple works

Shipnet places a high value on making data more accessible to its users. “We just want to make all the data that is collected by Shipnet systems super easy to access for anyone in a shipping company,” Niall states. This user-friendly approach is complemented by Shipnet’s integration of artificial intelligence into its product lineup. “AI is already deployed across our existing products,” says Niall, with features that help shipping companies automate time-consuming tasks such as report generation.

For instance, instead of manually compiling monthly health and safety reports, AI-powered search tools can quickly generate structured summaries, providing a real “time saver for crew” members. The AI system is designed with security in mind—it only uses data provided by the shipping company, ensuring that sensitive information is not exposed to external sources or web scraping. This level of control gives customers confidence as they invest in business intelligence tools like Shipnet’s Helix platform.

Helix

When it comes to the future of maritime technology, Shipnet’s Helix platform is poised to make a significant impact. While the commercial shipping software market is highly saturated, Niall believes that “technical asset management… is less looked at, but we do think there are huge problems there to solve.” Helix can address critical issues, such as optimising fuel efficiency by using AI to process consumption, retention, and weather data, all available in the cloud.

Helix also offers powerful insights into technical operations, such as spare parts management, a traditionally manual process. “The way that people typically decide how many spare parts they order is the chief engineer’s gut feeling,” Niall explains, adding that Helix uses breakdown and procurement data to optimise spare part stock levels across fleets. This optimisation can result in massive cost savings—“we can save you millions and millions of dollars”—and improve safety on board vessels by reducing inefficiencies.

At the heart of Helix’s power is its ability to turn data into actionable insights. “Step one of that challenge is always infrastructure, always data. That’s where Helix comes in,” Niall notes. Helix helps companies visualise the data they need, then applies advanced technologies to optimise various aspects of their operations. 

From its comprehensive Source2Sea partnership to its innovative Helix platform, Shipnet is dedicated to solving the most pressing challenges in shipping today. As Niall Jack puts it, “If we can improve safety for people on board, that’s a huge win”—and with Shipnet’s evolving technology, that win is closer than ever for shipping companies worldwide.