Kumiai Navigation enhances fleet performance and ensures regulatory compliance with NAPA Fleet Intelligence

• NAPA has collaborated with Kumiai Navigation to deliver comprehensive vessel performance analytics for its fleet of 19 LPG and bulk carriers, reinforcing its decarbonization goals.
• By customizing NAPA Fleet Intelligence to their needs, NAPA empowered Kumiai Navigation to leverage the capabilities of its fleets, accurately evaluate and report on fuel consumption and emissions, and develop a deeper understanding of vessel performance. This data was subsequently used to guide CII, EU-ETS, and FuelEU regulatory compliance and operational strategies.

The Challenge: Optimizing Fleet Operations and Navigating Environmental Compliance

Singapore-based shipowner Kumiai Navigation, a wholly owned subsidiary of Kumiai Senpaku Co., Ltd., a leading independent shipowner in Japan, aimed to genuinely understand and optimize the performance of its fleet, including 19 LPG and bulk carriers. In a rapidly evolving maritime industry, which faces a series of new environmental regulations, data-driven insights are essential for remaining informed, competitive, and proactive. Therefore, data is not merely a “nice-to-have” but a necessity for gaining a strategic advantage.

In 2023, the introduction of the Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII) by the International Maritime Organization applied pressure on the industry to improve the efficiency of its vessels. Top-rated ships are expected to benefit from better freight and interest rates, more favorable loan terms, or lower insurance costs. As a result, the demand for energy-efficient ships is increasing today.

Kumiai Navigation turned to NAPA to genuinely understand the performance of its fleet and navigate the growing regulatory complexity with confidence. The primary goal was to enhance its fleet’s operational efficiency to improve competitiveness and become the top choice for its customers – charterers. With the CII expected to be only one aspect of the industry’s tightening regulations, Kumiai Navigation also sought to incorporate sustainability metrics into its reporting framework. Data was essential for achieving compliance by providing insights and performance benchmarks on fuel consumption, emissions, and overall environmental impact.

The Solution: Tailored Performance Insights with NAPA Fleet Intelligence

NAPA stepped in by providing the NAPA Fleet Intelligence platform to meet the needs of Kumiai Navigation. The platform was customized to emphasize ship performance services, leveraging data from noon reports along with historical data from 19 vessels.

NAPA developed a strong framework for analyzing fuel types and consumption patterns. The objective was for the solution to learn and produce predictive analytics based on historical data trends, enabling Kumiai Navigation to make more informed decisions. The collaboration also addressed challenges with data standardization and formatting, which were successfully overcome.

The NAPA Onboard Reporting Tool, which was used on the vessels for noon reporting, has been integrated with the NAPA Fleet Intelligence digital platform to provide real-time performance insights and support informed decision-making for ongoing improvement. The noon reports were sent to the cloud via email, without requiring high-bandwidth internet. NAPA’s fully adaptable solutions addressed customer-specific needs, enhancing Kumiai Navigation’s fleet performance, sustainability, and competitiveness.

A Kumiai Navigation representative states: “We are extremely grateful for NAPA’s active support and prompt responses to our needs. Accessing real-time information on our vessels’ efficiency and status, including sustainability metrics, through NAPA Fleet Intelligence has been a game changer for our business. This technological advantage not only aids in our daily operations but also significantly enhances our competitiveness in the maritime industry.”

The Result: Enhanced Fleet Performance and Regulatory Compliance

Kumiai Navigation has implemented all performance monitoring modules within NAPA Fleet Intelligence, which provided the insights needed to optimize its fleet performance. The modules included are Fleet View, Voyage Overview, Charter Party, Regulatory Reporting, Performance Table, Technical Performance, Onboard Reports, and Emission Compliance. The ability to accurately assess and report on fuel consumption, emissions, and overall vessel performance enables Kumiai Navigation to meet CII, EU ETS, and FuelEU requirements and, most importantly, enhance its fleet’s operational efficiency. Demonstrating comprehensive data on performance and compliance has resulted in a stronger value proposition for their clients, making Kumiai Navigation’s vessels more attractive to charterers.