An Australian‑developed platform is advancing how maritime operators manage crew, logistics, and vessel operations through a fully integrated digital ecosystem. CrewDex, developed by Charter Fleet Marine, introduces a cloud‑based Crew‑as‑a‑Service (CaaS) model designed to streamline complex crew management processes across multi‑vessel fleets.
At a time when much of the maritime industry continues to rely on fragmented systems such as spreadsheets and email chains, CrewDex consolidates the full crew lifecycle into a single, auditable platform – enhancing visibility, compliance, and operational efficiency. The platform connects key operational functions, including recruitment, onboarding, crew rotations, certification tracking, and payroll‑ready reporting, enabling fleet managers to oversee workforce operations in real time.
CrewDex is structured around three core modules: the CrewDex Portal, which centralises crew lifecycle and compliance management; SkyNav, an integrated travel and flight coordination system; and the Vessel Portal, which manages maintenance tracking, safety management, and operational logs. Together, these modules create a unified system that bridges the gap between crew management and vessel operations – an area often managed in isolation within traditional maritime workflows.
Speaking on the development, founder Gary Glover highlighted the operational need driving the platform: “The maritime industry runs on its crew, yet the systems supporting them have not evolved at the same pace. CrewDex was built to bring those operations into a single, connected environment that reflects how fleets actually function today.”
Co‑founder Ganesh Yenugandhula added: “There is a growing demand for transparency and real‑time visibility across fleet operations. Our focus has been to deliver a solution that is not only technologically advanced, but also practical and accessible for operators of all sizes.”
Offered on an annual subscription model with scalable access for fleets, vessels, and personnel, CrewDex aims to support operators navigating increasing regulatory requirements, workforce challenges, and operational complexity. By consolidating crew lifecycle management, travel coordination, and vessel operations, the platform is designed to deliver substantial savings in crew management costs and administrative overhead. Operators can expect measurable efficiency gains and compliance resilience, translating into stronger financial performance and improved crew welfare.
As digital transformation accelerates across the maritime sector, platforms such as CrewDex are positioned to play a key role in modernising how crews are managed, deployed, and supported globally. By integrating compliance, logistics, and workforce operations into one connected environment, CrewDex sets a new benchmark for maritime digitalisation – empowering industry leaders to reduce administrative overhead, strengthen regulatory resilience, and enhance fleet readiness in an era of rapid change.
Zelim announced that it is has established a site in Atlantic Canada, marking its commitment to strategic expansion in the North American maritime market. The site will be located at the COVE ocean facility in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, a major technology hub for maritime innovation.
From April 2026, the office premises will serve as a base for Zelim to advance ongoing partnerships and future opportunities in the region for its AI-enabled technologies, which are designed to enhance the safety and security of operations at sea.
The move builds on Zelim’s solid foothold in the Canadian cruise, ferry and defence industries. In 2024 Zelim demonstrated its flagship man-overboard detection and monitoring system, ZOE, to the Canadian Coast Guard and other maritime partners. Following this, the company was selected in 2025 for the NATO DIANA Phase II programme, through which ZOE was used in a major NATO naval exercise and introduced to the Royal Canadian Navy. Since then, Zelim also secured a commercial contract with BC Ferries in February 2026 to equip four new-build ferries with its ZOE technology.
Headquartered in Edinburgh, UK, Zelim has been preparing for its next phase of international expansion, with the recent launch of a defence business unit and key additions to its senior leadership team, positioning the company for continued momentum in the global defence, cruise and ferry, port, and offshore energy sectors.
The Canada office will be led by Zelim’s newly appointed regional Vice President, Brigadier General (Retired) Tom Dunne. Having served as a search and rescue (SAR) leader with both the Royal Canadian Air Force and the United States Coast Guard, Tom brings deep knowledge of SAR operations in challenging maritime environments.
Sam Mayall, Zelim’s Founder and CEO said: “Given the scale and complexity of its maritime domain and the operational challenges associated with remote and harsh environments, Canada is a strategically important market for Zelim’s maritime detection and automated alerting capabilities.
“With a number of partnerships and agreements already in place in North America, and significant potential for future development, establishing this office base and bringing Tom on board were the next logical steps in our growth journey, with a view to a long-term presence and economic contribution in the region.”
“Zelim’s expansion into Canada is an important step for the maritime industry,” said Melanie Nadeau, CEO of COVE. “Since first connecting with COVE in 2024 through Innovate UK’s Ocean ScaleUp Accelerator, Zelim has demonstrated the innovation and expertise that strengthen the sector. Its Canadian presence will enable new partnerships, foster collaboration, and deliver maritime detection and automated alerting solutions, with COVE supporting access to an ecosystem designed for growth and opportunity.”
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