Shipping’s reliance on outdated, paper-driven compliance processes is putting unnecessary strain on crews and undermining safety, warns Fabian Fussek, Co-Founder and CEO of Kaiko Systems. The company is calling for digitalisation to be recognised as a tool to empower, not replace, seafarers.

“On too many vessels, seafarers are still buried in paper logs, excel sheets, and manual reports just to prove compliance,” Fussek said. One persistent example is the adjustment of work and rest hour records to “make them look right” often the result of too few crew being asked to do too much. Fatigue, linked to countless incidents and long-term health issues, remains largely invisible under current siloed inspection regimes until disaster strikes, such as the recent North Sea collision between a cargo vessel and an oil tanker.

Fussek argues that the solution lies in regulation that balances transparency with commercial viability, supported by technology that automates routine reporting. “Digitalisation can break the cycle. When data is automatically and accurately captured – from work hours to inspections – owners, charterers, and regulators all get a true picture of conditions on board,” he said.

Kaiko Systems’ platform digitises inspections, maintenance tasks, and compliance reporting into a single, tamper-proof interface. This reduces paperwork for crews, ensures records are accurate, and gives managers clear visibility into where extra support or staffing may be needed.

“Some see digital tools as a burden or a loss of autonomy for seafarers,” Fussek added. “But the real burden is the relentless paperwork and duplicated reporting that forces crews to choose between following the rules on paper and living them in reality. Done right, digitalisation frees seafarers to focus on what they’re trained to do – operate vessels safely and professionally.”

Kaiko Systems believes digitalisation is a long-overdue opportunity to create trust, transparency, and safer working conditions across the shipping industry.