GMS, a leading provider of advanced self-propelled, self-elevating support vessels serving the offshore oil, gas and renewables industries, is pleased to announce it has signed a contract with Lloyd’s Register for the installation of a new Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system, which will provide the company with a central, cloud-based single source of truth and applications that are optimised for the different departments to increase collaboration and streamline processes.

The Hanseaticsoft Cloud Fleet Manager (CFM) software solution, part of the newly launched Lloyd’s Register Maritime Performance Services (MPS) portfolio, will provide GMS with a seamless, interconnected system across the company’s operations. Through this new system, GMS has the ability to upgrade internal procedures, including the current manual system for crew and inventory management, which will enable significant improvements in efficiency, and reduce the company’s exposure to possible system errors.

The new CFM software solution will integrate vessel operations, maintenance, procurement and inventory control, alongside crew and payroll management, among other areas of operation. The centralisation of this data will allow for better visibility and free up time to support operations and client service.

GMS chose CFM after an extensive review and tender process. CFM is a cloud-based, all-in-one software solution that provides worldwide access to a uniform knowledge base. The system offers tailored apps covering different areas of operation to support better problem identification and management. As it is Software as a Service (SaaS) based, the system is easily integrated and flexible. There is no need for costly additional hardware installations or IT-staff to take care of maintenance and administration.

Lloyd’s Register’s Hanseaticsoft team will also work with the GMS team to support the system’s implementation, including setting up data inputs. It is expected that the system will be fully integrated and running in Q4 of this year.

Commenting, Mansour Al Alami, Executive Chairman of GMS, said:

“The integration of this new software solution represents another efficiency improving step by GMS, which further enhances our client offering. This new system will also support the Company’s ongoing drive to manage costs and improve governance by integrating Human Resources, Supply Chain management and Planned Maintenance into one transparent system.

“With utilisation and the contracted backlog of the Company’s vessels continuing to grow, driven by improving market conditions, combined with the strength of the GMS fleet, the new solution will be an invaluable tool to allow us to continue to provide a best-in-class service, while undertaking safe operations and helping to further reduce our environmental footprint”.

Andy McKeran, Lloyd’s Register Maritime Performance Services Director, said:

“We’re delighted to have been selected by GMS. We look forward to supporting their journey towards efficiency, improving collaboration and streamlining processes across the business. Our Cloud Fleet Manager software offers a single, cloud-based source of truth for ‘their’ employees, as well as the crews at sea and

external partners. It centralises all their information and drastically reduces the effort to manage their operations. We remain committed to providing solutions that answer our client’s challenges and to become a trusted advisor to ensure that our clients’ can operate efficiently.”

Alexander Buchmann, CEO of Hanseaticsoft, added:

“It is great to see the steadily increasing number of shipping companies that are making use of the many benefits that the digitalisation of processes has to offer. By choosing CFM to manage their fleet and optimise tasks, GMS is leading the way and highlights its dedication to drive the digitalisation in the maritime industry.”