Valad is proud to partner with Excelerate Energy, a leading U.S.-based company, in streamlining their PMS standardization and onboard inventory management. We support their fleet of nine FSRU vessels, strategically stationed across the globe, ensuring seamless operations and exceptional efficiency.
LNG VESSELS
We are also proud to offer comprehensive and ongoing support to K Line LNG, United Kingdom, by meticulously populating, updating, and maintaining their fleet’s Planned Maintenance System (PMS) database, thereby ensuring data accuracy, enhancing operational efficiency, and contributing to the seamless management of their maritime assets.
TANKER VESSELS
Alpha Gas, a prominent leader in the Greek maritime industry, has partnered with Valad to streamline and optimize their onboard inventory management processes, focusing on improving operational efficiency, ensuring precise inventory tracking, and fostering better organization across their fleet.
TANKER VESSELS
We proudly partnered with Minerva Marine to optimize inventory across 10+ vessels, enhancing efficiency and accuracy. Additionally, we supported their PMS database management by populating spare parts for seamless tracking.
TANKER VESSELS
We partnered with Prime Tanker to enhance inventory management across 7+ vessels. Our solutions improved efficiency and accuracy in their operations. By streamlining their inventory processes, we ensured better control and reduced downtime. This partnership has led to more effective fleet management.
MESPAS initially faced challenges in managing software sales and PMS database integration.
They needed a dedicated team for software demonstrations, training, database management, and
marketing to support business growth.
VALAD’S SOLUTION
We began working with MESPAS from inception, providing end-to-end project management.
Our services include software demonstrations, training (both on-site and off-site), PMS database management,
software implementation, ticketing support, and marketing assistance.
BENEFITS
Seamless software implementation and database integration.
Efficient ticketing support and issue resolution.
Increased sales with dedicated marketing efforts.
A growing team of 15 active resources ensuring comprehensive support.
P&O Maritime faced issues with managing the inventory and database for their fleet of 117 vessels
due to missing equipment manuals and unstructured data. Additionally, they needed a reliable system
to address PMS-related issues, as there was no dedicated support for troubleshooting.
VALAD’S SOLUTION
Valad built a comprehensive database, organized the inventory, and introduced a ticketing support system.
Any PMS issues are now raised as tickets, and a dedicated team resolves them efficiently.
BENEFITS
Accurate, structured database for all vessels.
Efficient ticketing system with dedicated support for PMS issues.
Ongoing support ensuring smooth operations and quick issue resolution.
LDPL faced challenges in managing procurement activities and data population for their entire fleet.
They needed assistance with handling inquiries, vendor quotations, order processing, delivery logistics,
and payments while also requiring a team to help with data implementation for their fleet.
VALAD’S SOLUTION
We acted as an extension of their procurement department, managing all procurement-related tasks.
Additionally, we deployed a team to assist with data population and fleet implementation on a project basis.
BENEFITS
Streamlined procurement processes.
Efficient order processing, delivery handling, and payment chasing.
Successful fleet data population and implementation.
Increased operational efficiency with dedicated support.
IHC faced significant challenges with the implementation of PMS data for their rigs. While they had all the necessary information, they lacked the team and structure to input and organize the data correctly.
VALAD’S SOLUTION
VALAD started with a small team of two members for the first three months, which grew to eight members over time to manage the project effectively. The team worked at full strength for nearly a year before downsizing to three members who continued to support IHC’s ongoing requirements.
BENEFITS
Seamless data input and structure for PMS implementation.
Efficient project completion with full team support.
Long-term partnership, enabling IHC to focus on core operations with continuous support.
Empowering Vessel’s Active Planned Maintenance System with Database Population
Valad Infotech collaborated with Golden Union, a prominent Greek shipping company, to build the Planned Maintenance System Database for their fleet of Bulk Carriers. Our team meticulously populated the database in less than 4 weeks per vessel, ensuring data accuracy, enhancing operational efficiency, and contributing to the seamless management of their maritime assets.
Optimizing Fleet Maintenance: Comprehensive PMS Database Management for K Line LNG, UK
We are also proud to offer comprehensive and ongoing support to K Line LNG, United Kingdom, by meticulously populating, updating, and maintaining their fleet’s Planned Maintenance System (PMS) database, thereby ensuring data accuracy, enhancing operational efficiency, and contributing to the seamless management of their maritime assets.
Building Brand New Databases for Container Ships
We are proud to have partnered with Hammonia Reederei, a leading German shipping company, to build and maintain a comprehensive database for their pool of vessels. For the past over 2 years, our team has been providing consistent support with all PMS-related activities, delivering high-quality results. Leveraging the expertise of our ABS NS expert, we have successfully assisted the company in building and optimizing their PMS database, ensuring high-quality data for the fleet’s routine and statutory maintenance.
Streamlining Inventory for EU’s one of the largest Multimodal and Logistics player
We gave our expertise to Samskip to manage the onboard inventory for their container vessels and general cargo vessels. Our team conducted thorough on-site inventory checks, packed spare parts in zip-lock bags, and updated the PMS with the locations and count of the spare parts. This process not only optimized inventory but also provided a holistic dollar value of the spare parts onboard, ensuring a well-organized and cost-efficient spare parts inventory.
We all have studied the techniques of maintaining a Database at some stage. We have discussed with our colleagues this tedious task day in & day out. We’ve had similar debates about Vessel wise Database vs Global Database. However, these insights are lost in the very Group Discussions & hence we go for a universal rule:
Get back to work doing the task again & again
…..till we find a problem.
Most times, we find this issue only when the situation is out of hand.
Coming back to the topic & asking ourselves the question.
What is a Data CobWeb?
Like a Spider’s net, with one common point. Data Cobweb can be described as a one-point common library for all your Databases.
So, Database Centralization?
……. YES !
Allow us to quantify the facts for you!
Our team has been fortunate to have conducted 50+ interviews with top shipping & PMS software companies to help us have streamlined our take on the above topic.
Refer to the below pictures for a better understanding.
Needless to say, the difference between both of them is massive.
More so, to justify why De-Centralized DB is a hassle of an experience, we would attempt to show some insights that would influence your view in a broader fashion.
Here, is the quick collaborative outline for root causes we think are of prime importance:
Volume– Depth of Data
Velocity– Speed of data built
Variety– Variance in Data
Veracity– Trustworthiness.
The Last Lap:-
–Volume: Depth of Data.
As we start building the Vessel database, it starts with a small volume but with time and usage, the depth of the database drastically increases. The one which initially only included Data captured from OEM manuals now also includes various other modules in the database. Apart from PMS and Stock Items, these modules would range from Crewing database to Accounting to procurement.
Some organizations also include their various Trading Certificates, Class certificates in the databases.
A Centralized database gives a chance to include the whole fleet of vessels data into one common central library.
– Velocity: Speed of data built
If we take Speedy building of databases into consideration; In the case of Vessel wise database, we have to construct and capture the data from scratch, whereas in the case of a Centralized database, we need not capture the data again as the data captured earlier is already present in the central library. All that needs to be done is, just select the matching equipment and distribute the data from one vessel to another vessel equipment-wise. Which will eventually result in building a database in lesser time.
–Variety- Variance in Data
In centralized database construction, “Data Variance” could be a deciding factor, wherein if in a vessels database there are 12000 odd spares and similar count with same makers and built yards is present on the other vessel (Say Sister’s vessel) and both databases are being separately managed, it becomes a tricky task. Whereas in the case of centralized databases this “Variance data” factor can be taken into consideration at the initial stage of constructing a database and only not matching equipment data will be captured and the rest can be distributed from the Original vessel.
This effect can be large in a fleet with about 20 vessels i.e. 20 different or same Databases, and how about 100 vessels i.e. 100 Databases.
A centralized database gives owners a good way to track everything on one single platform.
–Veracity- Trustworthiness.
Building trust on a centralized database can be a fruitful decision if taken at right time. In the long run, a Centralized database gives an advantage over de-centralized databases. A centralized database will not have Duplicate Spares, maintenances, components, attachments, etc. Tracking of various requisitions becomes easier as everything can be monitored at one single location. The icing on the cake would be if your centralized database is Cloud or web-based, as the database can be accessed from any platform, be it on Mobile or at any other medium available.
…………and the final report:
There are Pros & Cons to both of the mentioned approaches.
Some works are better for one company while the other works are better for the second.
One should understand the purpose they want to achieve.
What are your thoughts?
Ask yourself this question.
You have a Vessel Database, how much percent of the database is useful?
We all have studied the techniques of maintaining a Database at some stage. We have discussed with our colleagues this tedious task day in & day out. We’ve had similar debates about Vessel wise Database vs Global Database. However, these insights are lost in the very Group Discussions & hence we go for a universal rule:
Get back to work doing the task again & again
…..till we find a problem.
Most times, we find this issue only when the situation is out of hand.
Coming back to the topic & asking ourselves the question.
What is a Data CobWeb?
Like a Spider’s net, with one common point. Data Cobweb can be described as a one-point common library for all your Databases.
So, Database Centralization?
……. YES !
Allow us to quantify the facts for you!
Our team has been fortunate to have conducted 50+ interviews with top shipping & PMS software companies to help us have streamlined our take on the above topic.
Refer to the below pictures for a better understanding.
Needless to say, the difference between both of them is massive.
More so, to justify why De-Centralized DB is a hassle of an experience, we would attempt to show some insights that would influence your view in a broader fashion.
Here, is the quick collaborative outline for root causes we think are of prime importance:
Volume– Depth of Data
Velocity– Speed of data built
Variety– Variance in Data
Veracity– Trustworthiness.
The Last Lap:-
–Volume: Depth of Data.
As we start building the Vessel database, it starts with a small volume but with time and usage, the depth of the database drastically increases. The one which initially only included Data captured from OEM manuals now also includes various other modules in the database. Apart from PMS and Stock Items, these modules would range from Crewing database to Accounting to procurement.
Some organizations also include their various Trading Certificates, Class certificates in the databases.
A Centralized database gives a chance to include the whole fleet of vessels data into one common central library.
– Velocity: Speed of data built
If we take Speedy building of databases into consideration; In the case of Vessel wise database, we have to construct and capture the data from scratch, whereas in the case of a Centralized database, we need not capture the data again as the data captured earlier is already present in the central library. All that needs to be done is, just select the matching equipment and distribute the data from one vessel to another vessel equipment-wise. Which will eventually result in building a database in lesser time.
–Variety- Variance in Data
In centralized database construction, “Data Variance” could be a deciding factor, wherein if in a vessels database there are 12000 odd spares and similar count with same makers and built yards is present on the other vessel (Say Sister’s vessel) and both databases are being separately managed, it becomes a tricky task. Whereas in the case of centralized databases this “Variance data” factor can be taken into consideration at the initial stage of constructing a database and only not matching equipment data will be captured and the rest can be distributed from the Original vessel.
This effect can be large in a fleet with about 20 vessels i.e. 20 different or same Databases, and how about 100 vessels i.e. 100 Databases.
A centralized database gives owners a good way to track everything on one single platform.
–Veracity- Trustworthiness.
Building trust on a centralized database can be a fruitful decision if taken at right time. In the long run, a Centralized database gives an advantage over de-centralized databases. A centralized database will not have Duplicate Spares, maintenances, components, attachments, etc. Tracking of various requisitions becomes easier as everything can be monitored at one single location. The icing on the cake would be if your centralized database is Cloud or web-based, as the database can be accessed from any platform, be it on Mobile or at any other medium available.
…………and the final report:
There are Pros & Cons to both of the mentioned approaches.
Some works are better for one company while the other works are better for the second.
One should understand the purpose they want to achieve.
What are your thoughts?
Ask yourself this question.
You have a Vessel Database, how much percent of the database is useful?
The world has witnessed more technological advancements in the last decade than the whole of 20th century. The 21st century was kicked off with the internet revolution followed by the vast reach of mobile/portable connected devices. The world is currently witnessing a new revolution of sorts, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), Machine Learning, Big Data Analytics are a few of the new emerging technologies.
“Has the maritime industry kept up with these technological changes?”, “Would adopting these new technologies help the maritime industry?”. Most experts believe that the maritime industry has not been able to keep up with the technological advances and it would certainly help the industry if they are adopted.
The maritime industry has come a long way in the last 15-20 years. Ships have integrated automation in their operations. From complete manual operation of machinery and navigation, ships can now navigate on auto pilot and machinery can operate without manual interaction. This has been possible with integration of hundreds of sensors/controllers for operation machinery automatically and integration of GPS signals, electronic charts and auto pilot for navigating the vessel.
Still there are some of the new technologies that can help the maritime industry to increase its efficiency and ultimately help realise the dream of a completely un-manned vessel.
Internet of Things (IoT) and Automation – Crew on-board ships carry out large number of routine and mundane jobs which takes up most of their time. If these jobs are automated, it will help the crew to focus on more important jobs. This will also help in improving the efficiency of the vessel and improve the quality of tasks done on-board. Ships are already fitted with hundreds of sensors with the help of which the ship can be operated with minimum human interaction. If more and more tasks are automated with the help of more sensors and automation, the dream of an un-manned ship will become a reality.
Communication Systems – Most of the ships built in the 21st century are equipped with internet, but are these ships truly connected ships? A connected ship is where the all sorts of data from the ship can be viewed live by all concerned stakeholders, such as by the shore office, the concerned authorities, the charterers etc. Continuous monitoring of the machinery and complete ship can be done from the shore, assistance from the equipment manufacturers, authorities etc will be available instantly in case of a connected ship. This will also be a major step towards the realization of an un-manned ship.
Big Data Analytics – The sheer amount of data that is generated on a single ship is enormous due to the number of sensors and transmitters equipped on-board. Consider the amount of data that will be generated across a fleet of 100 vessels. This data cannot be analysed by traditional techniques. With the help of big data analytics data can be analysed and segregated. Predictive and prescriptive analysis would also help increasing the quality and efficiency of the vessel and in turn the fleet. Live analysis of data is also possible in big data analysis, where even minor abnormalities can be identified with the help of algorithms, which could not have been identified by human monitoring.
Robotics – The vast power of robotics can be harnessed to make shipping faster, safer and efficient. With recent advancements in robotics operations such as hull cleaning, hull survey and inspections can be done with the help of robots instead of doing processes manually. Robotics combined with the above technologies can revolutionize shipping industry and reduce human intervention to a minimum, thereby improving speed, safety and efficiency.
The ultimate objective of all these technologies is to make shipping/maritime industry into one of the most innovative, efficient and effective industries. Reducing human interaction and intervention to a minimum will reduce the chances of accidents and incidents as 80% of the incidents occur due to human error. But, till the time these technologies are not prepared for all possible situations, an un-manned ship will remain a dream.
Captain Alok brings with him 25 years of extensive global experience across IT solutions, Port Operations, and Ship Management Industries. His remarkable career includes:
Over 2 years in IT consulting, Pre-sales, Sales, and solution designing as the Global Head of Maritime Practice.
More than 3 years in port and business operations, as well as marine services, reporting directly to the CEO’s office.
Over 8 years of command experience as a Captain in the Merchant Navy, with a specialization in chemical and oil tankers.
Serving as a former Marine Pilot at one of India’s deepest riverine ports, handling Cape-sized ships.
5+ years as a non-executive Director in maritime surveys, inspections, audits, and specialized services such as hydrography, bathymetry, GIS, and topography for ports.
He was last associated with Tech Mahindra Ltd., Bhubaneswar, Odisha, as the Global Head – Maritime Practice.
Sachin Bagul is a Bachelor of Science IT Graduate who is an optimistic and enthusiastic sales professional with over 13 years of combined experience working in the sales industry. He started his career working in various International US & UK BPO/KPO processes and has been associated with VALAD since 2015. With consistent performance and excellence in his role, he has grown from Sales Executive to AGM Business development in a short period of time. Throughout his career, Sachin has earned the trust of several national and international companies and maintained strong client relationships that generate repeated business opportunities. He is responsible for Hiring, Training and Building the right Sales team, Client handling and Relationship development, Sales Targets, Revenue sheets and Coordinating with Operations and Management teams. He has successfully arranged and conducted International trips to Germany, Netherlands & Singapore representing his company and increasing client portfolio in these countries. During weekends he spends most of his time with Family, Friends or Playing Cricket.
Sachin Bagul is a Bachelor of Science IT Graduate who is an optimistic and enthusiastic sales professional with over 13 years of combined experience working in the sales industry. He started his career working in various International US & UK BPO/KPO processes and has been associated with VALAD since 2015. With consistent performance and excellence in his role, he has grown from Sales Executive to AGM Business development in a short period of time. Throughout his career, Sachin has earned the trust of several national and international companies and maintained strong client relationships that generate repeated business opportunities. He is responsible for Hiring, Training and Building the right Sales team, Client handling and Relationship development, Sales Targets, Revenue sheets and Coordinating with Operations and Management teams. He has successfully arranged and conducted International trips to Germany, Netherlands & Singapore representing his company and increasing client portfolio in these countries. During weekends he spends most of his time with Family, Friends or Playing Cricket.
A Marine Engineer by qualification and a Marine software solution expert. Syed is a professional with experience in building and implementation of PMS software & relational database management systems including but not limited to Maritime / Shipping Industries. Has worked on various projects in his budding career and now helps mostly in Transition, Requirement gathering, Team management and Client interactions for successful deliveries of projects. Skilled in Database Management, Data Analysis, Microsoft Excel, Power BI, Python and Cloud Computing. Syed is always eager to learn new things and keep himself updated with current trends in Shipping and IT industry.
Captain Alok brings with him 25 years of extensive global experience across IT solutions, Port Operations, and Ship Management Industries. His remarkable career includes:
Over 2 years in IT consulting, Pre-sales, Sales, and solution designing as the Global Head of Maritime Practice.
More than 3 years in port and business operations, as well as marine services, reporting directly to the CEO’s office.
Over 8 years of command experience as a Captain in the Merchant Navy, with a specialization in chemical and oil tankers.
Serving as a former Marine Pilot at one of India’s deepest riverine ports, handling Cape-sized ships.
5+ years as a non-executive Director in maritime surveys, inspections, audits, and specialized services such as hydrography, bathymetry, GIS, and topography for ports.
He was last associated with Tech Mahindra Ltd., Bhubaneswar, Odisha, as the Global Head – Maritime Practice.
A Marine Engineer by training (Indian Navy) with 23 years of experience in Operations, Repairs and Refit Planning, and inventory management.
Over 7 years of association with Valad as Project Manager, managing Data Building of vessels, documentation, Spares updation, Account setting, Budgeting, SW Testing, Supplier Updation.
Susan Pereira has done her BA in Sociology. She comes with a vast experience of around 29 years out of which 11 years is with VALAD Infotech Solutions Pvt. Ltd. Working with the Top level Management and handling recruitment is her forte. Susan is good in co-ordination and keeping everyone well informed about schedules, meetings, etc. Susan can be contacted on her email ID: susan@valadinfotech.com or mobile number +91 7045411235.
A Marine Engineer by training (Indian Navy) with 23 years of experience in Operations, Repairs and Refit Planning, and inventory management.
Over 7 years of association with Valad as Project Manager, managing Data Building of vessels, documentation, Spares updation, Account setting, Budgeting, SW Testing, Supplier Updation.
Susan Pereira has done her BA in Sociology. She comes with a vast experience of around 29 years out of which 11 years is with VALAD Infotech Solutions Pvt. Ltd. Working with the Top level Management and handling recruitment is her forte. Susan is good in co-ordination and keeping everyone well informed about schedules, meetings, etc. Susan can be contacted on her email ID: susan@valadinfotech.com or mobile number +91 7045411235.
A thorough vessel professional, Capt. Pearson has been leading the vessel optimization domain in his stints from a sea-faring marine officer to Sales & Marketing roles across the globe. He leads teams to make effective programs on inventory management, staff training, and apprising for all possible vessel structural integrities. As a member of the Nautical Institute, he is a senior member of the marine community and speaks the world over on topics related to vessel management.
A Marine Engineer by qualification and an industry leader by experience, Manoj has been at the forefront of the industry in a career spanning almost four decades. Having worked across vessel types and in roles ranging from core engineering to audits to maintenance and more, he founded Valad in 2005 with the objective of giving the industry an organization making non-core functions least worrisome for corporations. As the Chairman, he is always finding out newer ways in which Valad can be a true partner to its clients.
A Marine Engineer by training and a rich experience, Rahul has the enviable role of knowing what a vessel needs to be maintained effectively & efficiently. Having worked across various vessel types over the years his knowledge of sea-faring ships over different waters has made Valad develop specific back-end solutions, in consultations, at the micro-level. His profession is also his hobby and when not at work he’s often found reading up on the latest machinery innovations and exploring newer ways of keeping them at the optimal utility.
A Marine Engineer by qualification and an industry leader by experience, Manoj has been at the forefront of the industry in a career spanning almost four decades. Having worked across vessel types and in roles ranging from core engineering to audits to maintenance and more, he founded Valad in 2005 with the objective of giving the industry an organization making non-core functions least worrisome for corporations. As the Chairman, he is always finding out newer ways in which Valad can be a true partner to its clients.
A thorough vessel professional, Capt. Pearson has been leading the vessel optimization domain in his stints from a sea-faring marine officer to Sales & Marketing roles across the globe. He leads teams to make effective programs on inventory management, staff training, and apprising for all possible vessel structural integrities. As a member of the Nautical Institute, he is a senior member of the marine community and speaks the world over on topics related to vessel management.
A Marine Engineer by training and a rich experience, Rahul has the enviable role of knowing what a vessel needs to be maintained effectively & efficiently. Having worked across various vessel types over the years his knowledge of sea-faring ships over different waters has made Valad develop specific back-end solutions, in consultations, at the micro-level. His profession is also his hobby and when not at work he’s often found reading up on the latest machinery innovations and exploring newer ways of keeping them at the optimal utility.
AGM – Operations
