“For the technical management of ship operations, the right mentality is vital for getting the optimal performance of vessels” stated Erik Akjaer Carlsen, Head of Clipper Fleet Management at BIMCO’s PRIME Performance conference today.
Carlsen reiterated that whilst many of the expenses lie with the technical management, most of the savings benefit are with the charterer or owner.
Therefore, he said that it is vital to have the right company culture and the mentality to want to commit to vessel performance and ensure that it is successfully implemented throughout operations.
“You need to have the right crew and the right commitment in order to get the right performance from the vessel,” voiced Carlsen.
He also stressed that a reporting culture is key.
Though, upon reflecting upon the reality of vessel performance monitoring, for a short term time charter he said, it is not feasible to install multiple sensors and equipment for monitoring. Therefore, vessel performance tracking must be done through the noon reports.
However, Carlsen commented that simple factors such as ensuring the measurements for the noon report are taken at the same time in the same order each day are crucial for ensuring the best quality data possible is gathered.
Then, once the data is harvested, operators need a good system to conduct the analysis.
For Clipper, this is their COACH system that they have developed, through which every voyage can be analysed.
For Carlsen, the human element is central, he stated: “You might have the best engine, the best paint and more, but if you do not have the right mentality what does it matter.”
For this head of fleet management, the human element is the key to unlocking prime performance.
