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The client

Gibraltar Maritime Administration

The Gibraltar Maritime Administration (GMA) manages the Gibraltar Ship Registry, a growing and respected flag within the global maritime sector. As part of the Red Ensign Group, the GMA is tasked with maintaining high standards in ship registration and maritime safety, operating under tight resource constraints and increasing international oversight. The GMA's strategic goal is to grow its fleet while delivering a high-quality, compliant service that aligns with evolving international maritime regulations. Operating with a lean team across multiple locations, the GMA needed a solution that could support its ambitions without increasing administrative burden. 

An aerial photo of Calpe, Gibraltar looking out to the Strait of Gibraltar in the background
A photo of a map with Gibraltar marked by a pin

The challenge

Most of the GMA records, including surveys, reports and certificates, were paper-based which presented several operational and technological challenges, particularly in line with increased IMO and III Code requirements.

  • Paper-based processes: Most records were maintained in hard copy, making it difficult to manage and retrieve efficiently during day-to-day operations
  • Fragmented information: Retrieving data during audits was time-consuming due to information in various storage formats and locations.
  • Limited system capabilities: Existing systems lacked support for electronic document storage and third-party access, which became increasingly necessary.
  • Lack of remote access: Hard copy files were ineffective when staff members travelled abroad or worked remotely, resulting in duplication of work.

The solution

Recognising the need for modernisation, the GMA implemented Oceans Cloud after engaging in a collaborative consultation with Oceans HQ. Key elements of the solution included:

  • Collaborative engagement: Oceans HQ took time from the very first call to understand GMA’s mission, strategy and operational needs to ensure the solution aligned with their long-term strategy.
  • Sector expertise: The maritime and technical expertise was instantly evident in the quality of the platform which is specifically designed for the maritime sector.
  • Cost savings: The pricing suited GMA's budgetary needs and was significantly cheaper than a new custom solution.
  • Future-proofing: The platform was designed to adapt to ongoing regulatory changes, enabling GMA to maintain compliance for years to come without manual system overhauls.

Sector

Maritime

Service

Oceans HQ
A panoramic view of the rock of Gibraltar alongside the city skyline

The results

Since implementing Oceans Cloud, the GMA has achieved significant operational and strategic improvements: 

  • Process optimisation: GMA streamlined its operations, reducing duplication and improving efficiency across departments.
  • Remote collaboration: Staff working in different locations could access and update records in real-time.
  • Strong partnership: GMA values the close working relationship with Oceans HQ, which has helped them build a world-class registry.
  • High satisfaction: The platform has consistently exceeded expectations, with strong support and minimal downtime.

Client testimonial

"We have now been using OHQ Cloud since 2014, and both the products and company continue to exceed our expectations. From the maritime perspective, it has allowed us to streamline our processes. Like many administrations, we have a limited budget and staff who work in multiple locations, yet Oceans products ensure everyone is always on top of their game. We have been very impressed by the support of Oceans HQ in ensuring all staff members can get up-to-speed and issues are resolved promptly. The team at Oceans have dedicated resources looking at future regulation so that OHQ Cloud is ready for future amendments, and we have seen these changes rolled out seamlessly on several occasions without any downtime or added complexity. We also value the excellent relationships we have with the team at every level; they have helped us grow a world-class registry. A very proactive company and team who sufficiently understand the business of maritime administration to work with us in partnership.”

Dylan Cocklan Maritime Administrator, HM Government of Gibraltar

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