Danish supplier of software solutions and products for shipping Weilbach is launching a new system to digitally manage logbooks on board. The system was developed in cooperation with Danish ship owners and aims to reduce costs on administration and freight.
Until now, traditional paper logbooks have been the only way of meeting legal requirements for documentation on board. Since 1 October, it has been possible for ship owners to replace the paper logbooks with a digital solution.
“A digital logbook offers ship owners a way of managing the information prescribed by law in a more consistent way. The software system supports seafarers and ensures that they only register relevant information. This way, ship owners avoid handwriting errors and can make sure that the information is consistent,” explained Martin Mikkelsen, Director of Business Development, Weilbach.
The digital logbook system by Weilbach is called WENDIS OneLog and is the latest product in the company’s portfolio that has been digitalised and put on the market. The new logbook system has been tested in cooperation with Danish ship owners that have been running it onboard parallel to traditional paper logbooks.
“We are experiencing a lot of interest and high demand from the market that is looking for digitalised solutions to replace traditional systems onboard. Also, there is some doubt in parts of the market about the digital solutions because it is unknown territory, and it is a new way of working. By testing and developing together with ship owners, we are able to show that the software for replacing paper logbooks is ready,” said Mikkelsen.
Apart from ensuring that the information provided in the logbooks is relevant and legible, the software also enables ship owners to cut costs. “All communication onboard is available online for the seafarers onboard and for the office ashore. This means that administrative tasks such as invoicing can be done without communicating with the ship. Also, vessels do not have to spend time and money sending logbooks to vessels with a courier,” said Mikkelsen.
The OneLog software solution provides ship owners with a full overview on every vessel and closely replicates paper logbooks making it easy to use for seafarers.
