All the documentation and paperwork associated with traditional logbooks is often highly time-consuming for the crew onboard the ship, and this relates to time-pressure and human effort.

Traditional logbooks also carry risks of improper documents and the crew’s distraction, which leaves an opening for human error. Additionally, when ashore, a lot of effort is required to transform analog data to digital to use them in other IT systems or reports.

The electronic logbook provides high-quality, secured documentation of data, eliminates the risk of incomplete or improperly filled logbooks and reduces the workload of the crew onboard the ship.

Anschütz eLog as the new electronic logbook

The Anschütz eLog is a flag-approved digitized logbook that eliminates the cost and effort of paper logbook logistics, while guaranteeing high-quality data and global data access via a cloud solution. The eLog complies with ISO 21745:2019 “Electronic record books for ships” and holds several flag state approvals.

As experts for navigation equipment and bridge systems integration, Anschütz teamed with the Formularus Verlag when designing the eLog. Formularus have an international reputation for creating the logbooks and reports required in maritime shipping, covering all aspects of onboard documentation, including environmental- and ISPS-matters.

Automated data entries and workflow-guided templates

The eLog collects automatic navigational sensor data entries—position, heading, speed and course over ground—at user-defined time intervals. If connected to the bridge network, environmental and own ship navigation data is also collected automatically. In addition, it simplifies and speeds up manual data entry where needed, by providing users onboard the ship with easy-to-operate templates with pre-defined values, workflows and links to related events that guide the user to complete the entries (e.g. tugs, pilots).

Entries can be made from multiple devices connected to the ship’s Ethernet or Wifi, and each entry is subject to plausibility checks.

Integrity and security of logbook data

A key requirement of logbooks is that they ensure entries are tamper-proof and that non-authorized access and changes are disallowed. eLog achieves transparency through the use of personalized, role-based accounts. Changes to the entries and the current state of approvals are continuously documented, supporting data integrity. The electronic approval workflow implements the traditional master and chief mate signatures.

All data are stored using blockchain, keeping them secured and tamper-proof. Providing a “single view on the truth”, blockchain can be seen as the ideal network to record and track logbook data entries.

Use of digital logbook data ashore

Transforming numerous manual data processes into a digital chain of data for exchange, processing and analysis also delivers valuable voyage insights in real time for ship owners and managers, and even authorities, ports and logistics companies.

Digital logbook data can be easily evaluated by using simple, time-saving search and filter functions. Beyond this, eLog has also established connections with SOFeXchange, allowing data to be used in real time for a statement of facts as well as with the Podium5 voyage informatics platform.

Records entered into the eLog can be automatically captured on the statement of facts and provided to voyage stakeholders in real time. Using the digital data provided by eLog saves time and guarantees high-quality port documentation and simplified demurrage claims, all while substantially reducing the workload for the crew onboard.

Moreover, the digital logbook data can then be used for data analytics, enabling a broader, more reliable picture of voyage performance, efficiency and other use cases. These compiled analytics will help guide decisions made by stakeholders like ship owners, ship managers and charterers. The range of connected services and companies is continuously growing.

Six major benefits of eLog 

• Reducing operational risk
• Owner has full control over high-quality documentation at any time
• Leveraging the possibilities of digital data usage ashore
• Relieving the crew of paperwork in stressful situations
• Saving effort and costs for paper logbook logistics
• Using a sustainable solution on the way to paperless shipping

The eLog is a modular product and it is independet of the maker of the bridge systems. A moderate initial cost applies for the small gateway computer and the onboard installation and licensing. The installation is simple and can be done by any technician aboard a ship. Worldwide technical support can be provided as needed.

The basic application is available as an annual subscription fee, as are any module for the books or reports. Updates are provided as a continuous service.

Free demo access is provided here: www.anschuetz.com/eLog

Or you can download our white paper and learn more about the benefits electronic logbooks can provide.

Visit our landing page: www.anschuetz.com/eLog