Offshore infrastructure support vessel operator and service provider, North Star, has invested more than £5 million in new systems to drive operational and sustainability efficiencies.
North Star's new digital business support software solutions include a multi-million-pound investment in the ShipSure software platform, the industry’s leading enterprise resource planning (ERP) solution, a strategic partnership with VesselMan to enhance its project management toolkit, and implementation of Starlink’s satellite communications across all ships to provide high-speed internet access and superior connectivity between its vessels and the shore.
Fraser Dobbie, chief financial officer said, “This £5million investment in our digital capabilities is key to underpinning the strength and efficiency of North Star, making use of the best available business systems and technologies to support our continued focus on sustainably scaling our operations. Partnering with the most innovative technology suppliers allows us to elevate our corporate intelligence and decision making, generating increased value from the masses of data that we gather every day.”
ShipSure is an important step in North Star’s digitisation strategy, as a purpose-built cloud-based ship management ERP, it allows the maritime company to integrate knowledge, streamline processes and analyse data to improve performance across all elements of the business. ShipSure and VesselMan are also fully integrated, allowing seamless exchange of work order defects and status updates on purchase orders between the systems.
Fraser explained,“ShipSure will improve safety, increase the efficiency of vessel crewing, inform procurement strategies and help us to further improve the reliability of our vessels’ performance through planned maintenance. It provides a modern engine from which to drive the vast knowledge and experience of our team to new levels.”
North Star has adopted Starlink, the world's first and largest satellite constellation that uses a low Earth orbit, to deliver high speed connectivity for offshore workers.
Fraser added, “Our crews are immensely dedicated and hard-working, operating vessels and supporting our clients for month long rotations. Providing them with the ability to not only stream entertainment services, but also connect with home is a major boost for our offshore teams. We are thrilled with the results Starlink has delivered to date.
“Last year, we welcomed several specialists into our team including the company’s first chief technology officer, supporting our people with technology is a key element of our strategy to secure the future of North Star as the market leading provider of support to Europe’s offshore energy infrastructure.”
