Voyage optimisation firm StormGeo has raised concerns that a critical commercial blind spot is eroding efficiency gains for ship operators — and leaving tangible value unrealised across the industry. According to a statement issued by the company and reported by Ship & Bunker, the root of the problem lies in how most optimisation tools are built.
The Gap Between Routing and Reality
As Ship & Bunker reports, StormGeo says the majority of voyage optimisation solutions are engineered around route efficiency and fuel consumption — but they fall short when it comes to commercial considerations. Factors such as charter party terms, prevailing fuel costs, and broader market conditions are frequently absent from the planning equation.
Rolf Reksten, Commercial Lead Routing at StormGeo, put it plainly in the company’s statement: “Voyage optimization has become an industry buzzword. What is missing is properly integrating the commercial dimension into that equation.”
StormGeo notes that choices around vessel speed, routing decisions, and arrival timing all carry direct financial consequences — affecting earnings, operational costs, and contractual obligations. Yet according to the firm, the full weight of these trade-offs is not consistently understood or addressed in current planning practices.
Combining Data and Human Expertise
The company argues that bridging this gap requires more than better software. According to Ship & Bunker’s reporting, StormGeo advocates for a combined approach — one that merges data-driven decision-making with human expertise to enable more responsive and adaptive voyage planning.
The potential upside is significant. StormGeo states that this integrated approach could deliver gains of between 3% and 8% in total voyage cost performance, driven by fuel savings, fewer delays, and improved earnings outcomes.
Gulf Bunkering does not provide operational or security guidance. This article is for informational purposes only. Operators should consult flag state authorities, P&I clubs, and relevant advisories for decisions relating to transit planning.
Sources: Ship & Bunker
