Transition from Paper to Electronic Logbooks in Maritime Shipping

This technical report presents findings from a survey conducted by ABS Wavesight™ involving 144 maritime professionals regarding the transition from traditional paper logbooks to electronic logbooks (eLogs) in the maritime shipping industry. The report outlines the current state of logbook maintenance practices and the challenges faced by maritime professionals. It details the significant shift towards eLogs, with 72% of respondents indicating some level of adoption, and highlights the operational, financial, and legal repercussions associated with inadequate log management. The report also discusses the benefits of eLogs, including improved data accuracy, real-time access to log data, and enhanced operational efficiency. Furthermore, it examines the challenges of paper-based logbooks, such as incomplete data and misplaced logbooks, which hinder decision-making and compliance. The findings emphasize the need for digital transformation in the maritime sector and the increasing demand for reliable recordkeeping solutions.