Over 70% of ships still rely on once-daily noon reports, missing out on millions in fuel savings, better compliance, and improved operational awareness

A new report supported by maritime technology leader Danelec has revealed that outdated data practices aboard ships may be costing the global fleet millions of dollars in fuel waste and missed efficiency gains. The study, ‘From Data to Action’, shows that more than 70% of vessels still depend on once-a-day ’noon reports’ as their primary source of performance data, despite the availability of technology that enables second-by-second insights.

“This is shipping’s data wake-up call,” said Casper Jensen, CEO of Danelec. “A single noon report might tell you what happened yesterday, but it can’t help you make smarter decisions in real time. If you only check your vessel’s vitals once every 24 hours, you’re operating with blind spots.”

The consequences of this ’data gap‘ are significant. One real-world case cited in the report found that a crew operating without real-time data overlooked an inefficiency that caused an unnecessary fuel burn worth $4,300 on a single voyage. Over time, those costs multiply: the report estimates that continuous High-Frequency Data (HFD) can enable vessels to save up to 29.7 metric tons of fuel per month, equal to roughly 8,967 MT over the ship’s lifetime. At current fuel prices, this translates to several million dollars in savings, along with a substantial cut in emissions.

Beyond cost, there’s a growing strategic imperative for adopting HFD. Charterers are increasingly demanding proof of efficient vessel performance. By relying solely on noon reports, shipowners risk losing their competitive edge. Fleets leveraging live data are better positioned to command higher time-charter rates and demonstrate transparency, both of which are key factors in reducing disputes and ensuring operational accountability.

Jensen adds: “Our research confirms what we’re already seeing across our customer base. High-Frequency Data doesn’t just enhance performance, it builds trust, reduces fuel waste, and unlocks new operational strategies. The transition is easier than many think, and the ROI is immediate.”

As the maritime sector continues to embrace digital transformation, the message is clear: real-time data isn’t just a technological upgrade; it’s a business necessity that’s in easy reach and can be scaled at a pace that suits diverse end-users.