The maritime industry is at a turning point. For decades, noon reports and low-frequency data (LFD) have been the backbone of vessel performance monitoring, offering a once-daily snapshot of key operational metrics.
While they have served us well, they are no longer enough. The world is changing, regulations are tightening, fuel costs are rising, and digitalization is accelerating.
At Danelec, we believe 2025 will be the year of High-Frequency Data (HFD). Our latest report, "From Data to Action," developed in collaboration with Thetius, explores the critical role of data quality in optimizing fleet performance. The insights are clear: moving from LFD to HFD is not just an upgrade, it is a transformation that will define the future of shipping.
Why the Shift to HFD Matters Now
The recent article, The Changing Landscape of Maritime Data Utilization, highlights a critical issue: "Hundreds of decisions are made every day regarding the performance of a ship, yet many rely on outdated information."
This is precisely why the maritime industry needs to embrace high-frequency, high-quality data. The shift is driven by three major forces:
- Regulatory Compliance: New emissions and efficiency mandates require precise, real-time tracking to meet global standards. Noon reports, with their once-a-day entries, fall short in this regard.
- Sustainability Goals: Reducing fuel consumption and optimizing voyages can cut emissions by up to 30% when using predictive analytics and real-time monitoring.
- Operational Efficiency: Real-time data unlocks better decision-making, from speed adjustments and route optimization to fuel consumption and predictive maintenance.
The ability to act on data in real time rather than wait for retrospective noon reports will be the key differentiator for fleet operators moving forward.
You Don’t Need Full Sensor Coverage to Start Benefiting
One of the biggest misconceptions about High-Frequency Data (HFD) adoption is that it requires full sensor coverage on every vessel. While it’s true that sensors are needed to collect HFD, you don’t need a fully equipped fleet to start benefiting from advanced analytics.
In fact, some fleet operators have already begun their transition by running a mix of vessels with and without HFD. By leveraging a data-driven analytics platform, they can compare fleet performance, identify optimization opportunities, and gradually shift towards more real-time insights.
Even if your fleet is not yet equipped with full HFD capabilities, an intelligent analytics platform can enhance and validate your existing data by integrating LFD insights, external data sources, and AI-driven models. This allows shipowners and operators to start optimizing fuel consumption, route planning, and maintenance strategies today, without waiting for a full hardware rollout.
Over 70% of vessels still rely on noon reports as their primary data source. For many shipowners, this is the starting point of digitalization. But it is important to take the first step, leveraging a data platform that integrates, aggregates and enhances available information.
The key takeaway? You can start your digital transformation with what you have, the transition to HFD doesn’t have to be all or nothing. By taking a phased approach, shipowners can gradually scale their data strategy while ensuring a strong return on investment.
The Future Belongs to Those Who Act Now
The maritime sector is entering an era where data-driven decision-making is no longer optional, it’s a necessity. HFD adoption is about much more than faster data collection; it’s about smarter fleet management, fuel efficiency, and compliance readiness.
At Danelec, we are committed to supporting shipowners and operators in navigating this transformation. Whether you are just starting your digitalization journey or already leveraging real-time insights, our "From Data to Action" report provides a roadmap for optimizing performance today and in the future.
The time to act is now. Download the full report to learn how High-Frequency Data is bound to define the next generation of maritime operations.
