Digitalisation in sale and purchase: new tools, platforms and the future of ship brokers

Davide Ramponi
10. Jan.
3 Min. Lesezeit

Aktualisiert: 29. Mai

My name is Davide Ramponi, I am 20 years old and I am currently doing an apprenticeship as a shipping agent in Hamburg. On my blog, I will take you with me on my journey into the exciting world of shipping. I will share my knowledge, my experiences and my progress on the way to becoming an expert in the field of ‘sale and purchase’ – the trade in ships.

Illustration showcasing digitalisation in sale and purchase for the shipping industry, featuring a cargo ship surrounded by digital elements like data graphs, AI icons, and online marketplace interfaces. A broker using a tablet symbolizes the integration of technology with traditional expertise. The global network map in the background highlights transparency and efficiency in ship trading through advanced digital platforms.

Digitalisation has fundamentally changed the shipping industry in recent years. New technologies and platforms are also setting completely new standards in the area of sale and purchase. But what tools and platforms are available? How can they make buying and selling ships more efficient? And what are the limits of digitalisation? In this article, we take a look at current developments and venture a look at the future of the industry.

Digital marketplaces and platforms: how they simplify trade

Digital marketplaces and platforms play a central role in the digitalisation of the sale and purchase process. They offer buyers and sellers an easy way to connect, exchange data and make informed decisions.

Shipfix: Shipfix is a platform that not only acts as a digital marketplace but also provides data-based market insights. By analysing freight rates, ship data and trade flows, users can make better decisions.
VesselValue: VesselValue is another example of a platform that creates transparency. It values ships based on data such as age, size, market trends and recent sales. This helps buyers and sellers to accurately assess a ship's market value.

These platforms do not replace personal contact, but complement it by providing data-based insights and more efficient communication.

Use of data analysis and artificial intelligence

Data analysis and artificial intelligence (AI) are playing an increasingly important role in sale and purchase. They help to predict market trends and optimise transactions.

Data analysis: Big data can be used to identify patterns and trends that would be difficult to see using traditional methods. Platforms such as Clarkson Research use these technologies to provide detailed market analyses.
Artificial intelligence: AI algorithms analyse large amounts of data in real time and provide forecasts of freight rates, ship values and market movements. This not only saves time, but also helps to make informed decisions.

For example, an AI-based system can suggest to a buyer that a particular ship should be purchased because it promises a high return based on current market conditions and expected demand.

Advantages of digitalisation: transparency, time savings, efficiency

Digitalisation brings with it numerous advantages that are revolutionising the entire ship trading process.

Transparency: Platforms such as VesselValue create transparency by providing detailed information on ship values and market trends. Buyers and sellers can rely on reliable data and make informed decisions.
Time savings: Digital tools eliminate many manual processes. From initial contact to signing the contract, everything can be handled faster and more efficiently.
Efficiency: Digital platforms enable buyers and sellers to find potential vessels faster, analyse technical data and compare offers. This not only saves time, but also reduces costs.

Limits and risks of digitalisation

Despite all the advantages, there are also limits and risks associated with digitalisation in the sale and purchase.

Dependency on data: Digital platforms are only as good as the data they use. Incorrect or outdated data can lead to poor decisions.
Data security: Digitalisation brings new challenges in terms of cybersecurity. Protecting sensitive data is equally important for buyers, sellers and platforms.
Human expertise: Technology cannot fully replace human experience and negotiation skills. Buyers and sellers continue to rely on agents and appraisers to make the best decisions.

Future prospects: Will the role of the agent be digitised?

One key question remains: will digitisation replace the role of the agent? The answer is not clear-cut, as both technology and human expertise play important roles.

Brokers as consultants: In the future, brokers could act more as consultants, using digital tools to provide their customers with the best recommendations.
Expansion of services: Brokers who adapt and integrate digital platforms can offer their customers a competitive advantage.
Coexistence of man and machine: Digitalisation will not replace the role of the broker, but rather complement it. Technology can automate processes, but the interpersonal component remains crucial.

Conclusion

Digitalisation has the potential to fundamentally change the sale and purchase market. From digital marketplaces and data-based tools to AI-supported analyses – the possibilities are enormous. At the same time, it is clear that human expertise remains indispensable. The future lies in combining technology and experience.

I hope this post has given you an insight into the exciting world of digitalisation in sales and purchases. Which tools or platforms have you already used? And how do you see the future of the industry? I look forward to your comments and feedback!