The maritime industry has always been defined by tradition and resilience. From navigating global trade routes to managing complex fleets, the sector is known for its steadfast reliance on proven methods. But as the digital tide rises, many maritime organizations find themselves tethered to outdated processes—especially when it comes to using Excel spreadsheets for critical operations.
While spreadsheets have long been the backbone of fleet scheduling, voyage planning, and logistics, they come with hidden costs: inefficiencies, data silos, and missed opportunities for optimization. So, why is it so hard for maritime companies to move away from these manual processes?
In this blog, I will support a very clear point of view with references to industry articles by Forbes, Harvard Business Review, The Maritime Executive, and others.
1. Complexity of maritime operations
Maritime logistics involve a web of stakeholders—shipowners, charterers, port authorities, and freight forwarders—each with their own processes and systems. This complexity makes standardization challenging, and many companies have developed highly customized Excel solutions tailored to their specific needs.
Seaber offers a flexible, customizable platform that can adapt to your existing processes while streamlining operations. Our solution consolidates disparate workflows into one unified system, reducing complexity without sacrificing the unique operational nuances that your team relies on.
Reference: The Challenges of Digitalization in Maritime Logistics - Lloyd’s List
2. Data silos and lack of integration
Many maritime companies operate with disconnected systems—manual logs, legacy software, and spreadsheets—making it difficult to get a holistic view of operations. Migrating years of data from spreadsheets to modern platforms is often seen as a daunting task.
Seaber’s platform integrates seamlessly with existing systems, eliminating data silos and ensuring a smooth migration process. Our team handles the heavy lifting of data transfer, ensuring accuracy and continuity, so you don’t have to worry about losing critical information during the transition.
Reference: Data-Driven Voyage Optimization: The Demise of the Data Silo - MarineLink
3. Skill gaps and training challenges
Even when new software is introduced, teams may lack the digital skills to use it effectively. Training can be time-consuming, and companies fear that productivity will drop during the learning curve.
Seaber’s intuitive design minimizes the learning curve, and our Customer Success Program provides personalized training tailored to your team’s needs. We shadow key users to ensure a smooth transition and maximize productivity from day one.
Reference: Report highlights skills gaps in shipbuilding - Maritime Journal
4. Tradition and resistance to change
The maritime sector is one of the oldest industries in the world, steeped in tradition and long standing practices. This deeply ingrained culture often leads to resistance when introducing new technologies. Many decision-makers prefer to stick with methods that have worked for decades, and the perceived risk of disrupting operations can outweigh the potential benefits of digital transformation.
Seaber’s platform is designed with the maritime industry’s unique needs in mind. We offer an intuitive interface that mirrors familiar workflows, ensuring that transitioning from Excel doesn’t feel like a leap into the unknown. Our hands-on onboarding process ensures that teams are comfortable from day one, minimizing resistance and building confidence in the new system.
Reference: Why the Shipping Industry Resists Digital Transformation - The Maritime Executive
5. Cost concerns and budget constraints
For many maritime organizations, the upfront costs associated with digital transformation can seem prohibitive. Spreadsheets, on the surface, appear “free,” while new software solutions are seen as expensive with unclear returns on investment.
Seaber operates on a subscription-based model with lower upfront costs and clear, measurable ROI. For example, we recently helped a renewable fuels customer achieve a 3-5% improvement in fleet utilization, resulting in nearly $5 million in cost savings. Our platform quickly pays for itself by uncovering efficiencies that spreadsheets simply can’t.
Reference: Why Spreadsheets Are Eating Your Business From The Inside Out - Forbes
6. Regulatory and compliance concerns
The maritime industry is heavily regulated, and companies worry that new systems may not align with compliance requirements or could introduce new risks.
Seaber is built with compliance in mind, offering robust reporting features and secure data management to meet regulatory standards. Our platform enhances your ability to maintain audit trails and ensures that your operations stay compliant without additional effort.
Reference: Embracing digitalization for safe navigation - Safety4Sea
7. The risks of building software in-house
A common approach in the maritime industry is to develop custom software in-house, believing it offers more control and tailored functionality. However, this practice comes with significant risks, including high development costs, extended timelines, and ongoing maintenance burdens. In-house solutions often lack the scalability, security, and continuous updates that proven, market-tested software like Seaber provides. Additionally, internal teams may struggle to keep up with the rapidly evolving technology landscape, leading to outdated systems and technical debt.
By choosing Seaber, maritime organizations gain access to a proven, scalable solution that’s continuously updated to meet industry standards and technological advancements. Our platform reduces the risks associated with in-house development, offering faster deployment, lower total cost of ownership, and dedicated support to ensure long-term success.
Your partner in seamless digital transformation
At Seaber, we understand the unique challenges maritime organizations face in moving away from traditional processes like Excel spreadsheets. Our platform is designed to make this transition as smooth and low-risk as possible, offering tangible benefits that improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance operational visibility.
If you’re ready to explore how Seaber can streamline your marine logistics and deliver measurable value, let’s connect. We’re here to help you navigate the future of maritime operations—without missing a beat.