From data overload to decisive action: how real-time monitoring is helping shipping operators and crews avoid disruption and downtime in Interviews 03/06/2026 S hipping operators today face no shortage of data. But as their vessel crews manage tighter operating margins, more complex engines and growing pressure to avoid disruption, the challenge is translating that data into actionable insights that keep vessels running for longer without the risk of breakdown. This is where continuous oil condition monitoring can add to existing maintenance practices – helping crews identify issues and intervene earlier to avoid machinery damage and failure. Marcus Schaerer, GM Technical and Services at Shell Marine, explains how Shell Marine Sensor Service (SMSS) is helping operators maximise vessel uptime and maintain reliable operations by taking a more proactive approach to maintenance. Marcus Schaerer Q1. Why is real-time equipment monitoring becoming more important for ship operators today? For shipping operators, flexibility is the key to their commercial success. They’re under increasing pressure to maximise uptime and maintain operational reliability. At the same time, modern engines are working under tighter tolerances and more demanding conditions – meaning smaller issues can escalate more quickly if they’re not identified early. Traditionally, operators have relied on periodic oil sampling and inspections to monitor engine condition. These remain important tools, but they only provide insight into a specific moment in time. In practice, equipment issues can develop gradually – often between routine inspections or sampling intervals. One way I often describe it is that traditional laboratory analysis is a little like taking a photograph. It gives you valuable insight at a particular moment. Continuous monitoring, by contrast, is more like CCTV. It helps onboard crews see how conditions are changing in real-time. That distinction matters because operators and crews alread