The digital navigation evolution is in full steam. As we explored in Part 1, the maritime industry is experiencing a significant shift toward digital-first operations*, with paper charts maintaining their role as valuable backup and training tools. For small fleet operators observing this transformation, the question isn’t whether to abandon paper entirely, but “Is it time to integrate digital chart solutions in the wheelhouse?”.
The answer lies not in forcing small fleets into expensive, complex systems designed for large fleets of tankers or container ships, but in embracing new models that bring enterprise capabilities to operations of every size. Welcome to the era of browser-based navigation – where the power once locked in bridge equipment rooms now sits at your fingertips.
*It’s worth noting that at the time of writing only UK/MCA, US/USCG and Norway/NMA-NCA have approved the SV-ECS as option instead of paper charts. Singapore/MPA, for example, still has full ECDIS or paper.
Understanding the small fleet dilemma
Before exploring solutions, let’s acknowledge the unique position of small fleet operators – those managing 1 to 20 vessels. You’re not Maersk with dedicated IT departments and standardised global procedures. You’re more likely to be:
- a family operation where the superintendent wears multiple hats.
- running vessels on spot charters with unpredictable routes.
- managing mixed vessel types with different equipment.
- operating with thin margins that make $50,000 ECDIS installations painful.
- dealing with crews of varying technical competence.
Your challenges aren’t just smaller versions of big-commerce problems – they’re fundamentally different. And they require fundamentally different solutions.
The three pillars of practical digital navigation
1. Simplified chart procurement without shore-side infrastructure
Traditional chart procurement requires:
- Dedicated chart management software licenses.
- Relationships often with multiple chart agents.
- Complex ordering procedures.
- Physical media handling (DVDs/USB drives).
- Manual permit tracking systems.
- Administrative infrastructure to support it all.
Modern browser-based chart management requires:
- An internet connection.
- A web or mobile browser.
- Your existing ECDIS/ECS (Electronic Chart System) on board.
This isn’t about replacing your navigation equipment – it’s about revolutionising how you buy and manage charts. Just as you don’t need special software to book flights anymore, you don’t need proprietary systems to purchase ENCs.
OpenC247 handles the complexity of chart procurement through a simple web interface, while your vessels continue using their existing navigation systems.
2. Pay-As-You-Sail economics
Annual chart subscriptions through traditional ECDIS suppliers make sense for a container vessel calling at 50 ports yearly on fixed routes. They’re nonsense for:
- a small bulk carrier doing 10-15 voyages annually.
- a charter yacht with seasonal operations.
- a fishing vessel working familiar grounds.
- an offshore support vessel on project work.
Browser-based platforms like OpenC247 operate on a simple principle: buy exactly the charts you need, exactly when you need them. The charts still load into your ECDIS (or ECS) – but you only pay for what you actually use.
3. Shore-to-ship coordination
Traditional chart procurement trapped the ordering process on the bridge or in shipping agents’ offices. Browser-based management flips this model:
- Superintendents can check coverage from their office computer.
- Captains or officers can verify and order charts before arrival.
- Fleet managers can standardise chart portfolios across vessels.
- Charts and permits are delivered digitally to vessels.
The navigation still happens on proper equipment – but the management happens wherever you have internet.
Real-world scenarios: digital solutions in action
Scenario 1: The coastal cargo operation
The fleet: Three general cargo vessels, 3,000-5,000 DWT, trading between regional ports.
The challenge: Frequent charter changes require different chart coverage. Traditional annual subscriptions could cost low-to-mid thousands of dollars per vessel annually, but actual spend varies widely depending on route, coverage area, licensing duration and supplier model for mostly unused worldwide coverage.
The browser solution:
- Superintendent logs into OpenC247 from office computer.
- Imports route from chartering department (simple file upload).
- OpenC247 automatically identifies required ENCs.
- Reviews and purchases specific charts – perhaps low hundreds of dollars per voyage.
- Delivers permits digitally to vessel’s email.
- Vessel loads charts into existing ECDIS.
- Complete coverage confirmed before vessel sails.
Annual savings: Thousands of dollars versus traditional subscriptions.
Scenario 2: The mixed fishing fleet
The fleet: Eight fishing vessels, various sizes, working seasonal grounds.
The challenge: Fishing grounds change with seasons and regulations. Vessels need current charts for safety but can’t justify full ECDIS installations.
The browser solution:
- Fleet manager maps out seasonal fishing areas.
- Purchases area-specific ENCs for active seasons via OpenC247.
- As grounds change, adds only required coverage.
- Provides crews with updated permits via email.
- Older vessels use charts in simpler ECS units.
- Newer vessels integrate with existing plotters.
Key benefit: Flexible coverage matching actual operations.
Scenario 3: The superyacht charter company
The fleet: Five luxury charter yachts, 40-60 meters.
The challenge: Guest preferences drive routing. Mediterranean summer might shift to Caribbean winter. Traditional subscriptions mean paying for unused ocean coverage.
The browser solution:
- Charter manager reviews bookings monthly.
- Plans coverage based on confirmed charters within OpenC247.
- Purchases specific regional charts as needed.
- Downloads permits during port stays with good internet.
- Maintains small buffer of common areas.
- Adds exotic destinations on demand.
Advantage: Premium service without premium waste.
Making the switch: your practical roadmap
Week 1: Assessment
- List all vessels and their current ECDIS/ECS systems.
- Verify your equipment can load S63-encrypted ENCs.
- Calculate current chart costs (including agent fees).
- Identify typical voyage patterns from the past year.
- Check your vessels’ internet access in port.
Week 2: Exploration
- Register for free OpenC247 account (takes 60 seconds).
- Import a recent voyage route to see required charts.
- Compare costs with current procurement methods.
- Verify compatibility with your ECDIS brand e.g. check with your ECDIS/ECS manufacturer.
Week 3: Pilot testing
- Select one vessel with reliable ECDIS for trial.
- Purchase charts for next voyage through the OpenC247 browser.
- Download permits and chart files.
- Transfer to vessel via your normal method (email/USB).
- Document the process and time savings.
- Confirm successful loading in ECDIS.
Addressing common concerns
“Do we need new equipment on board to use a browser-based chart system?”
No. OpenC247 is a chart procurement platform, not navigation software. Your vessels continue using their existing ECDIS, ECS, or approved navigation systems. What changes is how you buy and receive charts – through a browser instead of traditional agents.
“Our crews aren’t tech-savvy – can they still plot a route or import a route?”
The browser-based ordering can happen on the vessel or shore-side. It’s simple to import a route from ECDIS or to plot it on OpenC247 directly. Once selected, crews receive charts exactly as they do now – as files to load into their ECDIS. If they can currently load charts from a USB drive or email attachment, nothing changes for them.
“What about vessels with older ECDIS?”
As long as your ECDIS can read S63-encrypted ENCs (the industry standard), it will work with charts purchased through OpenC247. Most ECDIS systems from the last 15 years support this format.
OpenC247 is currently handling S-63-protected ENCs, which means it is working with the current-generation S-57 ENC world. The industry is now moving toward S-100-based products, with S-101 being the direct successor for ENCs. We will watch the industry carefully and ensure we offer charts compatible with the newer S-101 standard, within the wider IHO S-100 framework. UKHO have only released test datasets currently.
“How do charts get from browser to bridge?”
After purchasing through the browser:
- Download chart files and permits to your computer.
- Transfer to vessel via your existing method (as permitted by shipboard procedures):[MK1]
- Email attachments
- USB drive
- Ship’s shared network
- Cloud storage
- Load into ECDIS as normal.
The technical details made simple
What you’re actually buying
When you purchase through OpenC247:
- Official ENCs: Government-produced electronic navigational charts (same as traditional suppliers).
- S63 permits: Digital licenses that unlock charts in your ECDIS.
- S101 permits: When they become available, we will ensure these are available.
- Chart files: The actual ENC data/datasets* in standard format.
- Updates: Weekly corrections for the license period.
* As a user you may need to download and import the ENC datasets (free download through OpenC247). Permits are the license for the ENCs but datasets are what actually make the charts visible in the ECDIS/ECS.
How browser-to-bridge works
- Plan in browser: Use OpenC247.com to identify required charts – either plot a route or import a route in multiple file formats.
- Purchase online: Complete transaction through the secure website via credit card.
- Download files: Receive permits and charts to your computer.
- Transfer to vessel: Use existing methods (email/USB/network).
- Load in ECDIS: Standard import process on bridge equipment.
- Navigate safely: Use charts exactly as before.
Compatible systems
OpenC247 charts work with all major ECDIS manufacturers:
- Furuno
- JRC
- Transas
- Kelvin Hughes
- ChartWorld
- Wärtsilä (Transas)
- And any system reading S63 ENCs
No proprietary lock-in. No special equipment required. If your ECDIS currently uses official ENCs, it will work with OpenC247 charts.
The OpenC247 advantage
While your ECDIS stays the same, OpenC247 transforms digital chart procurement:
Procurement simplified
- No more calling agents for quotes.
- No waiting for office hours.
- No physical media shipping.
- Instant digital delivery.
- Clear pricing upfront.
True pay-per-use
- Buy individual charts as needed.
- No forced annual subscriptions.
- No paying for unused coverage.
- Voyage-specific purchasing.
- Immediate cost savings.
Management made easy
- Single platform for all chart needs.
- Browser-based access from anywhere.
- Complete purchase history.
- Permit expiry tracking.
- Multi-vessel fleet overview.
The competitive advantage of early adoption if digital chart solutions
Immediate benefits
Fleet operators moving to browser-based chart management report:
- 30 to 50% reduction in chart expenditure (typically).
- Faster chart procurement.
- Zero courier costs for urgent orders.
- Complete audit trails for compliance.
- Improved crew satisfaction from simplified processes.
Strategic advantages
Beyond cost savings:
- Agility: Respond to spot market opportunities immediately.
- Transparency: Clear visibility of navigation resources.
- Standardisation: Consistent chart quality across the fleet.
- Scalability: Same process works for 1 or 50 vessels.
Integration with existing operations
For ISM/SMS procedures, update your Safety Management System with:
- Digital chart ordering procedures.
- Permit management protocols.
- Update verification processes.
- Record-keeping requirements.
For passage planning, browser-based platforms enhance planning by:
- Allowing shore-side route review.
- Confirming coverage before sailing.
- Standardizing planning procedures.
- Enabling fleet-wide best practices.
For budget management, predictable, voyage-based costs enable:
- Accurate voyage cost calculations.
- Better charter pricing.
- Reduced working capital requirements.
- Simplified budget forecasting.
The OpenC247 advantage
Most solutions in chart management are subscription based. OpenC247 exemplifies the browser-based revolution:
No barriers to entry
- Free registration.
- No setup fees.
- No minimum purchases.
- No long-term commitments.
Transparent operations
- See exact chart requirements before purchasing.
- Clear pricing per chart.
- No hidden fees.
- Complete purchase history.
Global reach, local simplicity
- 23,000+ official ENCs available.
- Coverage for 4,000+ ports.
- Single interface for worldwide operations.
- Multi-currency support.
Practicality for small fleets
Built-in passage planning allows you Import your route, automatically identify all required charts, review and refine, then purchase in one transaction. Or plot a route using the system’s simple tools for the same result.
Taking action: your next steps
Today:
Create your free account.
Explore the platform with no obligation.
Upload a recent route to see the system in action.
This week:
Calculate your current chart costs (all-in).
Run comparison with voyage-specific purchasing.
Discuss with key bridge officers.
Identify pilot vessel for trial.
This month:
Implement trial voyage.
Document savings and efficiencies.
Develop rollout plan.
Begin fleet-wide transition.
The future is browser-based chart management like OpenC247
The maritime industry’s digital transformation isn’t slowing down. As paper charts fade into history and digital becomes mandatory, the question isn’t whether to adapt but how to do it intelligently.
Browser-based chart management represents the democratisation of maritime technology. What once required massive investment and infrastructure now needs just an internet connection and common sense. For small fleet operators who’ve succeeded through efficiency and smart decisions, this model aligns perfectly with your values.
The journey from paper to pixels doesn’t require abandoning everything you know about safe navigation. It means embracing tools that make your expertise more effective. Browser-based solutions like OpenC247 bridge the gap between traditional operations and digital requirements, providing enterprise capabilities without enterprise complexity.
Your vessels still navigate the same waters. Your crews still exercise the same seamanship. Your commitment to safety remains unchanged. What changes is the elimination of waste – wasted time on corrections, wasted money on unused charts, wasted opportunities due to procurement delays.
The browser has become your new bridge to efficient fleet operations. The only question is: How quickly will you cross it?
Ready to transform your chart management with digital chart solutions from OpenC247.com? Explore this site and discover why smart operators are making the switch from bridge to browser.
Join the growing community of fleet operators who’ve simplified their navigation management while reducing costs and improving safety. The future of charting is just a click away.
You can also read about how small fleets can ‘chart smarter‘ to save costs.