Don’t hold back on the switch to eLogs

The ship’s logbook is not just a mandatory safety requirement; it is essential for understanding any sequence of events on a voyage including the operational status and decision-making processes on board vessels at critical times.

Electronic logbooks (eLogs) are not new to the industry. The International Maritime Organization has facilitated a transition to eLogs by endorsing their use under MARPOL from October 2020.

A survey carried out for ABS Wavesight into usage patterns and adoption of eLogs returned some results that appear contradictory.

Illustrating the scale of the underlying change, 72% of maritime professionals surveyed report that their organizations have adopted electronic logs in some form. Among these, 28% have transitioned entirely, while 44% utilize a combination of paper and eLogs, signaling a major move towards digital solutions.

Despite the push towards digitalization, a notable portion of the industry (28%) still relies exclusively on paper logs. At the same time, resistance to their use is prompted by perceptions that they are more time-consuming to use.

Managers leading the way

ABS Wavesight surveyed 144 maritime professionals, including masters, engineers, fleet managers, and technical managers at commercial shipping and shipping management companies, on their current practices and their perspectives on eLogs.

Shipmanagers are leading the charge in adoption of eLogs, with nearly half (48%) having completely transitioned, compared to only 23% of shipowners. These companies are likely to adopt electronic logs at a higher rate for several reasons.

Their larger scale and more complex operations necessitate efficient log management, while stricter regulatory compliance and industry quality systems drive the need for more precise and easily accessible records.

Central oversight is easier to achieve with digital tools that provide real-time data and eLogs improve the ability to preemptively address risks through better data analysis.

eLogs improve operational efficiency through streamlined processes and reduced manual data entry and also enhance data protection and accuracy, reducing the risk of errors and data tampering.

As third party service providers, shipmanagers say increasing demands from clients and stakeholders for transparency and quick access to data are more readily met with electronic systems.

Consequences of non-compliance

The consequences of inadequate log management are substantial and affect a majority of shipowners and shipmanagers alike, creating serious operational, financial and even legal repercussions.

60% of companies questioned reported ships being held up at ports due to issues with logbook maintenance, and 49% report being fined.

The risk of port delays is even greater for companies relying solely on paper logs, with 88% saying they faced delays at port. Shipmanagement companies also report a higher incidence of port delays (66%) compared to shipowners (59%).

Frequent fines are another common issue, with almost half (49%) of companies surveyed saying they’ve been fined due to log maintenance issues. Fines are more prevalent among shipping companies, where 57% have been penalized, compared to just 21% of shipmanagement firms.

Respondents also indicated that their companies have experienced claims issues (43%), audit failures (39%), and legal issues (15%), with a pronounced problem among those receiving logs ashore only monthly. More than half (55%) of companies that receive logs ashore monthly have experienced legal issues compared to only 15% overall.

Logging the problems

Paper-based logbooks continue to present significant challenges, with the greatest impacts on data reliability and operational efficiency. Incomplete or missing data (51%), inaccurate data (49%), and misplaced logbooks (48%) are the top three challenges reported with paper-based logbooks.

Despite the clear advantages of eLogs, barriers continue to impede more widespread adoption within the maritime industry.

As a result, decision-making, compliance and operational integrity can all be impacted. In the case of lost or misplaced logbooks, maritime companies potentially face serious operational disruptions in addition to compliance and customer issues.

The most common concern, cited by 59% of respondents, is the perception that eLogs require more time to complete than paper logs. Over half of the respondents (51%) believe that eLogs offer less flexibility in terms of how and when entries can be made and close to half (49%) view eLogs as more complex to use than traditional methods.

Continuing the transition

The transition from paper to eLogs is driven by the need for more accurate, reliable, and timely record-keeping. eLogs can be a fundamental component that enhance operational efficiency and also play a critical role in ensuring compliance with maritime regulations and quality systems.

They offer substantial improvements over paper logs, including enhanced data integrity, easier access to real-time information, and more effective risk management. They allow for quicker decision-making processes and provide a competitive edge by improving the overall responsiveness of shipping operations.

As the digitalization of the shipping industry continues, the adoption of eLogs is set to become standard practice, mandated by both the demands of compliance and the necessities of modern shipping operations.

Companies that proactively embrace this change will not only stay ahead in terms of compliance but will also enjoy enhanced operational efficiencies, improved safety standards and a competitive advantage.

Download this full eLogs report from ABS Wavesight for more details.