How to evaluate voyage optimization software
Not all platforms are built for the same purpose. This guide helps you compare solutions based on what matters for tramp shipping operations.
Coach Solutions at a glance
Best for
Bulk carriers, tankers, and LNG operators who need reliable data and straightforward tools
Pricing
Per vessel per day, volume discounts, no setup fees, quarterly billing
Implementation
~2 weeks to go live, minimal training, intuitive interface
Three types of voyage optimization platforms
1. Point solutions
Weather routing only, or noon report collection only. Simple and cheap, but data doesn't connect. You end up with routing based on generic vessel models, not your actual performance.
2. Enterprise platforms
Full-featured systems that do everything, fleet management, crew, procurement, maintenance, and voyage optimization. Powerful but complex. Long implementations, extensive training, significant cost. Often more than tramp operators need.
3. Focused platforms (Coach)
Purpose-built for voyage optimization in tramp shipping. Data, performance, and routing work together. Simple enough to use on day one, deep enough for serious analysis. Not trying to be everything, just trying to be the best at voyage optimization for bulk, tanker, and LNG.
Feature comparison
How Coach compares to typical point solutions and enterprise platforms
| Criteria | Coach Solutions | Typical Point Solution | Enterprise Platform |
|---|---|---|---|
| Data Collection | |||
| Noon report collection | Structured input with validation | Email/spreadsheet based | Custom forms, complex workflows |
| Sensor data integration | Direct integration available | Limited or separate system | Requires additional modules |
| Data validation | Automated with error flagging | Manual review | Rule-based, often complex to configure |
| API access | Included | Limited or extra cost | Available with integration fees |
| Performance | |||
| Speed/consumption models | Built from your actual data | Generic vessel type curves | Customizable but requires setup |
| Charter party monitoring | Real-time with early warnings | Post-voyage analysis | Available with configuration |
| Voyage assessments | Automated generation | Manual preparation | Template-based with customization |
| Fleet benchmarking | Weather-normalized comparison | Basic comparisons | Advanced but complex setup |
| Routing | |||
| Weather routing basis | Your vessel's actual performance | Generic vessel models | Configurable models |
| Route updates | Continuous as conditions change | On request | Automated with thresholds |
| Speed optimization | Integrated with performance data | Separate calculation | Multiple optimization modes |
| Compliance | |||
| EU ETS reporting | Included | Extra module | Included |
| FuelEU Maritime | Included | Roadmap or extra | Included |
| IMO DCS / MRV | Included | Basic support | Included |
| Verifier integration | DNV, ClassNK | Manual export | Multiple verifiers |
| Implementation | |||
| Time to go live | ~2 weeks | 2-4 weeks | 3-6 months |
| Training required | Minimal (intuitive UI) | 1-2 days | Extensive program |
| Setup fees | None | Varies | Significant |
| Pricing | |||
| Pricing model | Per vessel per day | Per vessel per month/year | Enterprise license + modules |
| Volume discounts | Yes, automatic | Negotiable | Custom pricing |
| Add/remove vessels | Anytime, immediate | Contract dependent | Annual true-up |
| Contract term | 12 months, 6-month notice | 12-36 months | Multi-year typical |
| Segments | |||
| Bulk carriers | Full support | Supported | Supported |
| Tankers | Full support | Supported | Supported |
| LNG | Full support (boil-off modeling) | Limited | Supported with modules |
| Container/Liner | Not supported (tramp focus) | Some support | Full support |
Questions to ask any vendor
How are speed/consumption models built?
Generic models mean generic routing. You want models built from your vessel's actual performance data.
Coach builds models from your validated voyage data, not theoretical curves.
What's included in the base price?
Many platforms charge extra for emissions reporting, API access, or additional users.
Coach includes all compliance reporting, API access, and unlimited users.
How long until we're productive?
Enterprise implementations can take months. Time-to-value matters.
Coach: ~2 weeks to go live, minimal training required.
Can we add/remove vessels flexibly?
Fleet size changes. You shouldn't pay for vessels you're not using.
Coach: add or remove vessels anytime with immediate effect.
How does routing connect to performance?
Disconnected systems mean routing based on assumptions, not reality.
Coach Routing uses Coach Performance models automatically.
What segments do you focus on?
Platforms built for container/liner may not fit tramp shipping workflows.
Coach: purpose-built for bulk, tanker, and LNG tramp shipping.
When Coach might not be the right fit
We're focused on doing one thing well. Coach is probably not the right choice if:
- •You need a full fleet management suite (crew, procurement, maintenance, HSQE)
- •You operate container ships or liner services (we focus on tramp)
- •You need highly customized workflows or extensive integrations with legacy systems
- •You want on-premise deployment (we're cloud-only)
See how Coach compares for your fleet
30-minute demo with your actual use cases. We'll show you exactly how it works.