SINGAPORE AND BOSTON, MA, USA – 5 OCTOBER 2021 – SDTR Marine Pte., Limited, a shipowner and operator specializing in dry bulk cargo operations, comprehensive ship management services, and shipping related investment solutions; and Veson Nautical, the leading provider of commercial maritime software and services; today announced SDTR’s successful implementation of the Veson IMOS Platform (VIP).

SDTR’s mission is to be recognized as one of the most technologically advanced and eco-friendly shipping companies in the world. The Singapore-based organization continues to advance their digitalization goals to help bring this vision to fruition. “SDTR is constantly looking at new opportunities to improve our operations through technology,” said Gao Dehui, CEO at SDTR. “We believe in strategic and intentional innovation, which is what led us to the selection of the Veson IMOS Platform (VIP) as our end-to-end maritime solution.”

One of the driving factors behind this decision was the cloud-based solution’s ability to provide seamless connectivity and data flow across SDTR’s global organization, eliminating silos and increasing the team’s ability to work collaboratively for greater effectiveness and efficiency. In addition, this “closed loop” system enables their management team to gain a clear picture of the fleet’s end to end performance, operationally and financially, through comprehensive analysis and reporting capabilities within VIP.

Advancing Risk Management with VIP’s Trading & Risk Module

Another key factor for SDTR was risk management. The organization operates through a rigorous risk management system, prioritizing safety and efficiency through careful evaluation of risks and opportunities across chartering and operating activities. To take risk management to the next level in their commercial operations, SDTR turned to the VIP Trading & Risk module.

“Risk control management plays a key role in our company, as we are constantly managing risk associated with freight rates and bunkers, which are exposed to market fluctuations,” said Mr. Gao. “We trade and leverage FFAs and bunker instruments frequently to hedge our risk. The Trading & Risk module allows us to manage all these risk management requirements within one integrated platform, giving us a clear understanding of our long/short position and the mark-to-market value. This arms us with efficiency and knowledge, allowing us to conduct better market analysis and make more informed decisions in comparison to traditional tools.”

Future Outlook: Leveraging Technology to Drive Efficiency & Sustainability

Looking to the future, SDTR envisions a maritime industry that is interconnected and eco-friendly – where real-time data is shared intentionally and seamlessly with clients and stakeholders around the world, advanced reporting is accessible by management on demand, and technology drives sustainable operations that create a cleaner, greener future for generations to come.

And the organization is already laying the groundwork to make this future possible. Within the next two years, SDTR is anticipating the addition of several newbuilds designed with larger cargo capacity, a shallower draught, and the ability to achieve higher fuel efficiency. This will increase its managed and chartered fleet to 50 vessels. “Sustainability is one of our four key Corporate Values and as such is an area that we are constantly looking to expand upon,” explained Mr. Gao. “Building and chartering vessels with cutting-edge technology and greater fuel efficiency today demonstrates our commitment to the environment in both the short and long term.”

In addition to these sustainability efforts, SDTR is engaging with partners to test and explore the use of big data and artificial intelligence to improve vessel navigation safety and energy-saving vessel operations.

“Our relationship with Veson is a very important part of our evolution,” said Mr. Gao. “VIP sets a foundation for us to build upon and gives us the confidence that we will be supported in the long-run with innovative solutions and support to enable our continued success across all our endeavors.”

Bradley Jee, Regional Commercial Director, Asia at Veson Nautical, added, “We are inspired by SDTR’s drive to optimize and transform all areas of their business, and look forward to continuing to support them with the practical digital tools they need to realize our shared vision for the maritime industry.”