Operational competitiveness of shipping companies is largely dependent on the way they respond to market forces including: 

·    Economic trends

·    Legislation or regulatory requirements

·    Competitive activity

·    Technological advances

·    Industry structural changes

·    Factors affecting crew availability

Several of the above factors may act simultaneously to create a need for improved or changed processes at any moment, and the factors (as well as the strengths of influence) may vary over time.

Successful companies deal with the above by ensuring that their business processes enable them to operate efficiently at all times, and that all necessary information to enable decision making is available when needed and at the point of need. This requires integrated fleet management processes and support systems. However, this is a highly challenging task for shipping operators as they often rely on numerous proprietary applications often different ones for different vessels. 

Fleet Management Systems:

·          Communication Systems 

·          Fleet Management Application Software 

·          Administration and Documentation Management/Vessel Drawings/Handbooks 

·          Financial Management

·          Chartering 

·          Fleet Scheduling

·          Loading/Unloading 

·          Maintenance and Repair

·          Purchasing and Inventory 

·          Crew Management and Payroll

·          Voyage Management

·          Quality and Compliance 

·          Application Software Suppliers 

The objective of the study is to review integrated fleet management approaches and to suggest credible options, their strengths and weakness.