CleanQuote has launched an AI assistant designed to reduce routine operational friction across bulk fleets by automating the monthly review of Remaining On Board inventory files. The tool aims to save time, cut costs and give operations teams clearer insight into stock levels before issues arise.
CleanQuote has unveiled its AI ROB Assistant, a digital tool designed to take over one of the most repetitive tasks in bulk shipping: the monthly review of vessel Remaining On Board inventory files. The company says the tool can cut hours of manual comparison work by checking the latest inventory upload against previous months and each vessel’s minimum stock list. It then flags discrepancies, highlights changes and identifies missing or inconsistent information before sending a summary directly to the person in charge of the vessel.
The process of tracking what is left on board may not feature in wider discussions about routing or emissions, yet operators know that missed stock shortages can lead to late and expensive resupply calls. CleanQuote notes that many fleets still handle the process manually, often using spreadsheets passed between ship and shore. The result is a workflow that can conceal small errors until they become costly.
During the launch phase, operations teams reported that the assistant could save up to an hour per vessel each month. For a fleet of between 20 and 40 bulkers, this equates to two workdays saved. The company says the value does not stop at time saved. The tool helps detect shortages earlier, allowing operators to plan resupply more strategically. CleanQuote’s own data shows that supply costs in locations such as Gibraltar can be up to 70 per cent lower than in ports like Santos, giving operators the chance to shift routine purchases to more cost-effective locations.
When paired with IMOS, the assistant can also suggest which port is best suited for the required resupply. CleanQuote believes that these incremental gains add up to a meaningful reduction in operational friction.
Mads Porsborg, Managing Director of CleanQuote, said the intention behind the tool is to solve the overlooked pain points that drain time and attention from operations teams. “Our aim is to remove the invisible friction in operations. These tasks rarely make headlines, but solving them has a real impact on cost, readiness, and time. The assistant gives teams instant clarity instead of hours of comparison work,” he said.
The company sees the AI ROB Assistant as part of a broader effort to bring more structure and transparency to everyday operational decisions in bulk shipping. CleanQuote already operates a platform for underwater and hold cleaning management and believes that improving clarity in these small but essential workflows can help operators reduce risk and maintain consistency across large fleets.
Tags: Offshore Support
