So far, we have saved 150 travels worth 2.1 million dollars by doing remote IT service. This way of working have also lead to a safer work environment during COVID-19 since no IT personnel needs to go on board to install necessary updates.

Before Wallenius Marine IT started to work with remote software, upgrades and installations in 2010, our technicians made an average of 15 travels per year. If we had continued to travel to the ships to do our service, the travels would have caused 97 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions according to the climate calculator at the UN Agency ICAO.

In this case, environmental sustainability and financial sustainably goes hand in hand. Altogether, we have saved approx. 2.1 million dollars in just travel expenses, and then we didn’t include extra working hours in the calculation. As an additional plus, our employees doesn’t have to leave their families to do their work or put themselves at risk during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Why did you changed to remote IT service?

“To be honest, it started as a way of saving money and to create a better service. But the environmental and safety aspects are of course also very important, both for us and our customers.” Says Thomas Bergefall, Head of Wallenius Marine IT.

Which were the biggest obstacles in the transition?

“After we decided to do standard installation and upgrades simultaneously on multiple vessels, the hardest part was the planning. The transition required physical installations and we wanted to do that with no off-hire. We put a lot of effort in finding the best time and place for the installations.”

Which are the biggest benefits today?

“To do remote service, including major software upgrades, on all vessels at the same time saves an enormous amount of time. We can support the crew on vessels in a better way. If they have a problem, we solve it remotely right away.

Thanks to remote service, we have also not been affected that much by the COVID-19 restrictions. And during these special circumstances, it’s more important than ever to have a stable IT environment.”