Oceanly, provider of fleet performance solutions, has highlighted what it says are exploitative practices surrounding data ownership in the shipping industry. Giampiero Soncini, managing director, has issued a bold statement condemning the attempts by some maritime equipment suppliers to profit from shipowners by charging for access to their own operational data.
“In recent years, the question of ‘Who owns data in shipping?’ has been increasingly discussed at conferences and in industry articles. This debate should not exist in the first place,” stated Soncini.
“Since The Economist highlighted data as ‘the world’s most valuable resource’ back in May 2017, some CEOs and managers have attempted to capitalize on this by charging customers for accessing their own data. This is not only unfair but also reminiscent of outdated practices seen in other industries.”
Soncini highlighted parallels with the telecommunications industry’s past mistakes, where companies insisted on charging per second and minute, paving the way for disruptive innovations such as Skype. “Similarly, some maritime equipment suppliers, especially those in automation systems, have begun to charge for data access. This practice is unacceptable. The owner of all data pertaining to a ship is unequivocally the shipowner.”
Soncini added that in certain cases, such as high-level charters, other parties with vested interests in the data, such as charterers, insurance companies, banks, and classification societies, may also have rights to access the data. “However, the ownership remains with the shipowner. Equipment manufacturers should not encrypt or protect data for their own gain.”
Soncini criticized manufacturers who try to justify their actions by claiming that data encryption is for the owner’s security. “This is both technically and morally flawed. It’s a clear attempt to extract more money and amounts to unfair competition.” In contrast, he added, Japanese and Chinese manufacturers have embraced transparency by making data readily available.
Emphasizing the importance of data in modern maritime operations, Oceanly advocates for mandatory data collection and analysis by all stakeholders, including banks, insurers, and chartering entities. “If we really want to be serious about emissions and pollution control, but also if we want to save money by cutting wastage and pilferage, we need to implement the technology which is available today and which allows us a very precise control on everything which happens onboard ships,” stated Soncini.
Soncini acknowledged that precise data collection, especially regarding fuel consumption, may unsettle those who have benefited from imprecise practices. “However, for the shipowner, it brings significant advantages in terms of savings, better organization, and compliance.”
“The shipowner, who risks their money, name, and reputation, is the sole owner of the vessel’s data. They have the right to use it for their benefit or manage it as they see fit,” concluded Soncini.
Photo credit: iStock/ NicoElNino
