Leading marine operations software developer, Helm Operations, and AIS services provider, ShipTracks, have launched a new set of integrated features for harbor docking companies designed to ensure that companies “never miss another job” in their ports.
The new integration links Helm CONNECT Jobs, the most widely used dispatch software in the harbor docking market, and ShipTracks’ AIS technology to streamline and automate the creation of towage orders directly from the AIS system. The result is greater operational awareness, reduced workloads for dispatchers, and increased revenue as operators identify and capture jobs that were previously lost to their competitors.
Modern harbor docking operations use a variety of tools to monitor their ports and ensure operational efficiency, including AIS systems to track vessel speed and movements, and tug dispatching and invoicing systems like Helm CONNECT Jobs to schedule and manage towage. Up until now, these systems have operated largely in isolation, but by integrating the systems, dispatchers can now not only receive automated notifications of vessels entering port, but also see immediately if their company has a contract with the vessel, if the towage work has been scheduled, and even automatically import the vessel and related jobs into the dispatch schedule - all from the AIS screen.
Beyond just identifying new and potential revenue, the integration also provides operators with new tools to increase efficiency and reduce costs. “On the commercial side, many companies still have staff who watch AIS screens throughout the day to identify when new ships are arriving in port. With this integration we can automate that,” says Paul Cyr, Senior Account & Integration Manager at Helm Operations and a 20-year veteran of the industry.

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