🌩️ Cloud vs. Onboard Systems in Shipping: Where Should Your Maritime Data Reside?

My name is Davide Ramponi, I’m 21 years old and currently training as a shipping agent in Hamburg.On my blog, I take you with me on my journey into the exciting world of shipping. I share my knowledge, my experiences, and my progress on the way to becoming an expert in the field of Sale and Purchase – the trade with ships.

In today’s post, we’re diving into a topic that’s transforming the way fleets operate around the globe: Where should maritime data be processed and stored — in the cloud or onboard? 🌐⚓

Whether we’re talking about condition monitoring, emissions tracking, or voyage optimization — data is now the fuel of the shipping industry. But where that data lives affects everything from latency to cybersecurity, operational resilience, and long-term flexibility.

🔍 In this post, I’ll walk you through:

• ⚖️ The pros and cons of cloud vs. onboard data architecture

• 🔐 Key trade-offs: cybersecurity, latency, and operational control

• 🔁 Hybrid models that blend both approaches

• 🛳️ Real-world examples from major shipping operators

• 🔮 What the future holds for maritime data systems

Let’s set sail! ⛵

⚙️ Cloud vs. Onboard: What's the Difference?

Before we jump into strategies and use cases, let’s define the two primary approaches.

☁️ Cloud-Based Systems (Centralized)

Cloud systems rely on remote, land-based data centers to store and analyze ship data. Vessels send information via satellite or 5G to the cloud, where it is processed and integrated with central business systems.

⚓ Onboard Systems (Localized)

Onboard systems handle all critical data storage and processing on the vessel itself. They often run offline, with periodic synchronization when connectivity allows.

🔍 Cloud vs. Onboard – Side-by-Side Comparison

Let’s look at the five key dimensions that matter when choosing a maritime IT architecture.

1️⃣ ⏱️ Latency & Real-Time Operations

• Cloud:

  ✅ Great for analytics and long-term insights

  ❌ Delayed feedback in real-time operations due to network lag

• Onboard:

  ✅ Instant access and control — ideal for engine tuning, navigation, alarm

  ❌ Limited computational power for complex forecasting

2️⃣ 🕹️ Operational Control

• Cloud:

  ✅ Centralized management and easier standardization

  ❌ Reduces local crew autonomy

• Onboard:

  ✅ Full control remains with the crew — even offline

  ❌ May lead to inconsistencies across fleet if not monitored centrally

3️⃣ 📡 Scalability & Integration

• Cloud:

  ✅ Easily scaled across fleets and connected with third-party tools (charterers, ports, etc.)

  ❌ Depends heavily on stable internet connectivity

• Onboard:

  ✅ Fully customized to ship needs

  ❌ Rolling out changes fleet-wide is more time-consuming

4️⃣ 🔐 Cybersecurity

• Cloud:

  ✅ Enterprise-grade protection (AWS, Azure, etc.)

  ❌ Broader attack surface from external connections

• Onboard:

  ✅ Physically isolated systems reduce remote hacking risk

  ❌ Manual updates and patches leave room for human error

5️⃣ 🔄 System Resilience

• Cloud:

  ❌ Risk of downtime if connectivity is lost

• Onboard:

  ✅ Autonomous, uninterrupted operations — even during full disconnection

🧠 Bottom line: Each system has strengths and weaknesses. Choosing the right one depends on mission-critical needs, connectivity conditions, and IT maturity.

🔁 Hybrid Systems: The Best of Both Worlds?

A growing number of fleet operators are taking a hybrid approach — using both onboard and cloud systems in tandem.

🔧 What is a Hybrid Maritime IT Model?

In a hybrid setup, tasks are distributed:

• Mission-critical systems (navigation, propulsion, safety) are handled onboard

• Non-urgent analytics (fuel efficiency, emissions logs) are uploaded to the cloud

✅ Advantages of Hybrid Systems

• 🛡️ Resilience: Ships remain operational even when offline

• ⚙️ Efficiency: Less burden on local systems, smarter decisions onshore

• 🔄 Flexibility: Seamless data sync when connections are available

🔍 Real-world example:Eastern Pacific Shipping runs digital twins locally for onboard optimization, while using the cloud for cross-fleet emissions benchmarking — combining speed with strategy.

🛳️ Operator Insights: What’s Happening in the Field?

📦 Maersk – Cloud-First, Edge-Aware

• Uses cloud for fleet-wide optimization, emissions, and routing

• Keeps edge systems onboard for real-time control of engines and trim🧠 Balance of scale and local action

🛰️ NYK Line – Hybrid Model

• Measures hull stress and fatigue with onboard sensors

• Uploads data to the cloud post-voyage for long-term maintenance planning⚓ Safety onboard, strategy ashore

🛳️ Carnival Cruise Line – Bandwidth-Smart Systems

• Prioritizes navigation and safety systems onboard

• Sends HVAC and energy data to the cloud while in port📶 Maximizing bandwidth and minimizing risk

🔮 Future Trends in Maritime IT Architecture

1️⃣ 🛰️ Satellite Network Expansion

Low-Earth Orbit constellations (Starlink, OneWeb) are changing the game.

• Lower latency, higher bandwidth at sea

• More realistic full-time cloud connectivity for mid-ocean operations

2️⃣ 🧠 Edge-Based AI

Smart ships will increasingly run AI models locally:

• Detect system failures early

• Optimize fuel usage based on sea conditions

• Make autonomous adjustments — even offline

3️⃣ 📜 Real-Time Compliance

With rules like EU ETS, CII, and IMO DCS, continuous reporting is becoming mandatory.

• Systems need to track and transmit performance data automatically

• Hybrid setups will be key to maintaining compliance and flexibility

4️⃣ 🧩 Modular System Design

Future ships will use plug-and-play systems:

• Easier retrofits

• Longer system life

• Customization based on trade route, cargo type, or charter party

🧭 Conclusion: Where Should Your Data Live?

There’s no universal answer — just strategic choices.

Onboard systems = speed, autonomy, resilienceCloud systems = scalability, integration, insight Hybrid systems = the sweet spot of both

Key Takeaways 🎯

• ⚓ Choose onboard systems for real-time operations and critical safety

• ☁️ Use the cloud for analytics, reporting, and strategic oversight

• 🔁 Embrace hybrid models to future-proof your fleet

• 🧠 Stay agile — tech will continue evolving

As digitalization transforms maritime operations, your data architecture is no longer a technical detail — it’s a competitive advantage.

💬 Share your thoughts in the comments — I look forward to the exchange!

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