UniSea Customer Conference, October 10-11th 2024.
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Big Blue Expeditions, the luxury charter and expedition specialist managing the legendary 126-meter motor-yacht Octopus, has implemented UniSea Maindeck to optimize their dry-docking operations.
Big Blue Expeditions operates in the premium segment of the maritime industry, serving as the exclusive charter manager for the purpose-built expedition yacht Octopus. The vessel features an ice-class hull, dual helipads, and a dedicated dive center, requiring specialized maintenance protocols during dry-docking periods.
The nature of luxury yacht operations demands precise coordination during maintenance windows, as any delays can impact charter schedules and client commitments across destinations including Antarctica, French Polynesia, and Southeast Asia.
The implementation of UniSea Maindeck has transformed how Big Blue Expeditions approaches dry-docking projects, particularly for their flagship vessel M/Y Octopus.
"The work order setup in Maindeck provides our entire team with a comprehensive overview of the docking project," said Claus Henriksen of Big Blue Expeditions. "This level of visibility ensures everyone understands their responsibilities and the project timeline."
The work order management functionality allows the team to track progress across multiple maintenance tasks simultaneously, critical for complex luxury yacht operations where numerous specialized trades must coordinate effectively.
Traditional communication methods during dry-docking often involve extensive email chains and manual coordination between various stakeholders. UniSea Maindeck's Action Center has addressed these challenges for Big Blue Expeditions.
"Tools like the Action Center have eliminated the need for constant emails and improved team communication," Henriksen explained. "Task delegation has become much more efficient, which is essential when managing complex schedules."
The digital approach ensures that updates, changes, and critical information reach relevant team members promptly, reducing the risk of miscommunication during time-sensitive maintenance projects.
The Yard Quotation Portal functionality within UniSea Maindeck has addressed another critical aspect of dry-docking operations - communication with shipyard partners and procurement of services.
"The Yard Quotation Portal has simplified the process of receiving quotes from shipyards," Henriksen said. "We've received positive feedback from the yards we've worked with, who appreciate the ease of use. This greatly simplifies the work on our end, as the different quotes are automatically added to a comparison view without the need for manual copying costs, or running complex import processes. That is all taken care of by Maindeck now, so we can focus our time on the things that actually matter."
This two-way communication improvement benefits both Big Blue Expeditions and their shipyard partners, creating more efficient procurement processes and greatly reduces the risk of cost overruns later in the project.
Kurt Roar Vilhelmsen, CEO of UniSea, welcomed the partnership with Big Blue Expeditions, noting the unique requirements of luxury yacht operations.
"Working with Big Blue Expeditions demonstrates how our solutions can be utilized within any specialized maritime segment, including luxury yachting." said Vilhelmsen.
Big Blue Expeditions specializes in luxury and adventure experiences, operating as the exclusive charter manager for the legendary 126-meter motor-yacht Octopus and the 53.9-meter sailing yacht Ravenger. The company creates tailor-made journeys combining luxury and adventure, with operations spanning Antarctica, French Polynesia, and Southeast Asia. In addition to yacht charter management, Big Blue Expeditions operates an award-winning eco-luxury resort villa in Thailand. As owners of the Octopus yacht with in-house management capabilities, the company is considering expansion of their charter operations to include additional vessels and travel ventures.
UniSea is a software provider specializing in solutions for the maritime industry, helping companies optimize operations, enhance compliance, and improve sustainability efforts. Founded in Skudeneshavn, Norway, where the company maintains its headquarters, UniSea has grown over almost three decades to serve a fleet of more than 2,500 vessels with a team of 80 employees.
The company's platform offers 40 integrated modules that support shipping companies in managing various operational processes, including safety management, environmental compliance, maintenance operations, and performance monitoring. UniSea continuously listens to its users and regularly releases new and improved solutions, ensuring the platform evolves to meet the ever-changing needs of the maritime industry.