NorthLink Ferries first in European with digital crew management

NorthLink Ferries has become the first European ferry operator to introduce a pioneering digital platform that helps maritime operators to manage their crews.

Ankaa Marine is a unique cloud-based portal and app for collecting, storing and processing seafarer information. It replaces outdated software applications or even paper-based systems and is the only product of its type available on the market.

The simple and easy to use interface connects directly with employees in real time and offers the company a simple overview and analytics of the crew pool.

NorthLink, which runs ferry services to the Northern Isles of Orkney and Shetland, has around 370 marine staff who, alongside the crewing department, will benefit directly from the innovation.

Ankaa Ltd is a new company set up by marine specialist employment firm Clyde Marine Recruitment, which has been managing seafarers for almost four decades. NorthLink Ferries’ two freight vessels, Helliar and Hildasay, were instrumental in the product development and field testing.

Features and benefits of Ankaa Marine

• Live crew data (e.g. certificates and personal information which are paramount to being able to run the ship) can be viewed and updated by various stakeholders (Captain, HR, seafarer, operations, clients), from anywhere with web access.
• Seafarer profiles can be updated via a web portal and crew mobile app. These include full personal data, banking details, travel documentation, certificate copies, next of kin details, sea service and current assignment location.
• Crewing departments and seafarers will receive timely document renewal alerts and can immediately see vessels or individuals with potential certification deficiencies.
• The instant messaging feature allows direct communication by the company and vessel masters to the crew to confirm changes to company policy, course details or weather delays affecting joining. This feature greatly assists with crew engagement and provides a direct link between the company and seafarer ensuring GDPR compliance.
• A unique feature that Ankaa Marine incorporates is a bank account verification tool. When an IBAN number is securely entered to the system an advanced API ensures the account entered is a valid one. This ensures banking details are collected securely and also ensures far greater success in crew wage payments.