NAPA, a global provider of maritime software and digital services, and Interoutes, a voyage optimization and weather routing specialist, have announced the launch of their new Expert Route Monitoring service. The joint offering combines NAPA’s digital weather routing solution – NAPA Voyage Optimization – with the expert human-to-human consultancy of Interoutes, delivering tailored support to captains and operators across the voyage.
Through direct communication with experts onshore, captains receive real-time, optimized route recommendations and weather updates, to help ensure vessels arrive on time, minimize fuel consumption, and reduce emissions –even when navigating challenging weather conditions. This approach enables captains to make better decisions, enhances voyage safety, and streamlines the handling of complex and dynamic sources of weather data at sea.
In practice, the Expert Route Monitoring process begins when NAPA receives the itinerary and objectives shared by the shipping company. Interoutes’ experts then use NAPA Voyage Optimization to prepare voyage planning and weather forecast reports. After careful review, the routing proposals are uploaded directly into the NAPA system onboard the vessel and shared with the vessel’s captain, along with an open line of communication for feedback and assistance.
Through the service, captains have direct access to Interoutes’ routing experts – including well-seasoned captains, master mariners and first mates – and will be able to get frequent and detailed advice from them on voyage planning. Routing experts deliver these insights based on their access to detailed NAPA Performance Models, allowing them to increase the accuracy of route projections, compare different route configurations, and get the necessary support for captains at sea to make the best decisions.
This offering, which will be provided as an addition to the existing NAPA Voyage Optimization digital solution, has been successfully trialed with Fortius Ship Management. Over a 25-day voyage across the Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea, the Interoutes team provided 16 tailored voyage plans, supporting the master in navigating barometric lows that developed along the route. All proposals were accepted and followed, enabling the vessel to reach its destination safely and on schedule, in line with the agreed targets. In addition, the optimized routing delivered notable fuel savings, further strengthening operational efficiency and emissions reduction. The feedback emphasized the added value of expert guidance, timely route updates, and the confidence it gave masters when managing dynamic conditions.
Commenting on the announcement, Pekka Pakkanen, Executive Vice President for Shipping Solutions at NAPA, said: “We’re excited about this partnership with Interoutes and the launch of our Expert Route Monitoring service. While digital solutions for weather routing and voyage optimization significantly enhance voyage planning, adding seasoned mariners takes these benefits to the next level. This collaboration provides fully integrated maritime expertise, which can be a real competitive advantage – especially when ship operators must balance regulatory, commercial, and operational factors on every voyage. This partnership combines the best of both worlds – advanced digital tools and hands-on maritime experience – offering a new level of support for our customers.”
Adding to this, Panos Gianniotis, CIO at Interoutes said: “The human element in seafaring cannot be undermined. This is why seasoned mariners, human-to-human trust, and the right data will be essential to ensuring digital tools are applied effectively. This approach not only enhances the accuracy and reliability of the service but also builds greater trust towards the current and future digital solutions, leading to safer, more efficient voyages and greater alignment with the industry’s decarbonization targets.”
