STAR challenges global software giants
– There is an enormous amount happening in the maritime sector, both in the world of shipping and offshore. It takes a lot to be at the forefront of technological development, but STAR has succeeded in challenging the global giants, says Bjørn Martin Klokkernes, CEO of STAR Informations Systems.
Since 1997, the Norwegian technology company has been developing software for shipping and offshore companies. Its core business is developing solutions that help companies manage maintenance, logistics and fleet operations. STAR’s solutions give users a complete overview of their operations, making it easier to optimize operations, save money, increase safety and comply with regulations.
STAR’s solutions give users a complete overview of their operations, making it easier to optimize operations, save money, increase safety and comply with regulations.
– Historically, we were a small player, but in recent years we have made significant investments. Today, with a new platform and a larger organization, we are seeing results in a growing top and bottom line, says Klokkernes.
Building a competitive challenger
In addition to its core business, STAR has in recent years developed into a competence center for maritime maintenance. Here, the company delivers services such as consultancy, project delivery and management of domain knowledge.
– In recent years, we have recruited new and important expertise that allows us to also provide consulting services in maritime maintenance. Although technology remains our most important competitive advantage, we have the potential to grow further in this segment, says Klokkernes.
It is this knowledge domain, combined with powerful, in-house developed solutions, that makes STAR competitive against global competitors.
– Customers tell us that we understand their language. Without in-depth industry knowledge, it is difficult to handle large conversion projects in a good and efficient way, says Klokkernes.
Three of the original founders of STAR still work for the company, despite major changes in the organization in recent years. Nevertheless, a change of pace on the capital side was required for the company to be able to compete with the global giants. In January 2024, Longship entered the ownership side after a long process.
– We saw something we liked in Longship early on. They understood how the business worked and quickly grasped both our culture and our organization. This was crucial to our decision to bring them on board as a growth partner. Since then, we have had many good discussions and set some ambitious but realistic goals for the coming years, says Klokkernes.
A new standard for sustainability
Through Longship’s approach to sustainability, STAR is now working to consider how they can create value for a broader set of stakeholders around the company. The methodology is based on Alex Edman’s concept, Pieconomics.
STAR develops solutions that not only meet today’s needs, but that will deliver what the industry will demand over the next fifteen years. The solutions are developed in close collaboration with customers.
STAR develops solutions that not only meet today’s needs, but that will deliver what the industry will demand over the next fifteen years.
– Working closely with our customers means that we are at the forefront of developing our solutions. The overall goal is to create a positive impact on all our stakeholders, and with Longship as a partner, we are well equipped to achieve these goals, concludes Klokkernes.