Trondheim-based Star Information Systems (STAR) has extended its collaboration with Norwegian cruise/ferry operator Color Line.
A project has been launched that will harness the power of the technology company’s new STAR suite web-enabled platform to streamline vessel maintenance planning, execution and reporting.
Color Line’s decision to implement STAR Explorer – a core STAR Suite application – forms part of the company’s ongoing commitment to enhancing operational efficiency and ensuring the highest standards of maintenance across its fleet, it said.
The ferry company’s Superintendent, Marius Slettingdalen, said: “Previously, we struggled to generate good data quality from work-order reporting, due to manual free-text entries by maintenance engineers.
“With close to 200,000 jobs reported annually, equating to nine jobs per hour based on 12-hour shifts, it was clear we needed a more streamlined approach. It’s just not possible to report so many jobs with satisfactory quality,” he said.
STAR Explorer will enable Color Line to transition from manual reporting to checklist-based and, in future, sensor-based reporting, ensuring centralised, high-quality data that can be used to analyse trends and determine operational thresholds.
“By automating reporting processes and leveraging sensor data, we aim to enhance work-order efficiency and improve resource utilisation, also during scheduled drydocking. Basically, Star Information Systems is helping us build a digital replica of everything we can monitor,” Slettingdalen added.
STAR Product Director, Per Anders Koien (pictured), said: “The pilot project aligns with our core aim to consistently deliver the best operational support to our customers, providing robust and user-friendly software solutions.
“Our next-generation STAR Suite is built with several open-source elements and running on Linux Ubuntu environment to reduce the cost of ownership for customers. The new software is replacing all older software based on the Visual Basic 6.0 (VB6) programming language, enabling us to update and adapt features to our customers’ requirements much more rapidly.
“Our old software runs on many different operating systems and networks but when we are web-enabled, it will be the same for all customers. We are raring to go in rolling out this transformative system with first Color Line,” he said.
The STAR Explorer project aims to generate the following key benefits:
- Improved data quality – By transitioning to standardised checklist-based and sensor-based reporting, Color Line will significantly enhance the quality and reliability of maintenance data, enabling better insights and benchmarking.
- Enhanced operational efficiency – Automation of reporting processes will streamline maintenance activities, allowing Color Line to optimise resource allocation, contractor management and spare parts management, while reducing downtime and costs.
- Pro-active maintenance management – Sensor data will be used pro-actively by vessel system providers, for example the main engine OEM, to remotely monitor and identify potential issues before they escalate, generating automated work orders in STAR Explorer that will enable Color Line to take preventive action and minimise disruptions.
- Cybersecurity enhancement – Centralising STAR Explorer information flow through a single server on board each vessel will ensure secure communication and data management.
- Seamless integration – STAR Explorer APIs will enable smooth connections with all existing vessel systems, providing a global platform for data management and analysis.
Color Line is already using the STAR Suite Stock Count mobile app and is in the process of implementing other modules including the Work Order and Consumption apps.
The ferry company is also currently implementing API integration with class society DNV’s digital MPMS tool to ensure survey and regulatory compliance, and to identify anomalies that need correction.
Slettingdalen said. “Working with STAR is a prime example of our co-operation with trusted third parties to improve processes, enhance sustainability and deliver exceptional service to our customers. STAR’s first-class support functions and consistent rapid response are invaluable for our ongoing digitalisation journey.”
Koien added that standardising STAR suite installations and environments across all customers, and enabling web access on any device, will further improve the customer support experience in terms of consistency, efficiency, knowledge sharing and innovation.
“Our goal is not just to meet, but to consistently exceed customer expectations. We strive to provide a support system that is agile, responsive and informed by industry best practices, thereby offering exceptional assistance globally,” he concluded.
