IMO 2020

The Software Solution for the Most Disruptive Regulatory Change in a Decade

the regulation and its impact

IMO 2020 refers to the International Maritime Organization's (IMO) regulation implemented on January 1, 2020. This regulation mandates cargo vessel owners and operators to reduce sulfur emissions by 80%. Compliance can be achieved either by using cleaner yet more expensive fuels or installing a $1 million scrubber technology onboard each vessel.

IMO 2020 stands out as the most crucial regulatory change in the past decade due to its significant impact on the maritime industry. The mandate directly targets fuel consumption, the highest operational cost for businesses in the industry, influencing daily decision-making processes.

Cargo owners and vessel operators faced unprecedented challenges in adapting to IMO 2020. For cargo owners, compliance meant increased costs, while vessel operators had to grapple with the complexities of fuel management decisions and regulatory compliance, affecting their daily operations. Total industry financial impact amounted for USD 50 billion in cost.

The problem and hypothesis

The problem statement revolved around users' inability to make informed decisions on fuel management and assess the financial impact of regulatory changes. Challenges included varying compliance methods, unclear client pathways, lack of internal product metrics, and skepticism from internal management.

The hypothesis was that if a one-fit-all solution addressing IMO 2020 compliance could be delivered, clients would gain peace of mind and trust in the company as a long-term business partner.

the process of discovery

The discovery process encompassed conducting over 50 user interviews, participating in industry conferences, organizing three in-person user roundtables, engaging in silent user shadowing, and collaborating with regulatory bodies. This comprehensive effort spanned across various locations worldwide, necessitating travel to Stamford, CT, Boston, MA, New York, NY, Copenhagen, Singapore, and London. Through an iterative approach, I conducted multiple rounds of design presentations with internal stakeholders and clients, ultimately culminating in the development of a flexible and user-friendly solution

Challenges

Limited Time Frame

Working within a compressed timeline of only one year posed a significant challenge. The urgency of the regulatory changes demanded swift and effective action, leaving little room for extended development cycles.

Core System Code Update

The necessity to update the core system code, the backbone of our clients' business operations, added a layer of complexity. This core system is integral to fuel management, the most substantial operational expense for our clients. Ensuring a seamless transition while preserving the functionality crucial for fuel management was a delicate balance.

Resource Constraints - Solo Engineering Effort

Undertaking the project with only one engineer presented its own set of challenges. The limited manpower required meticulous resource allocation and prioritization to meet the project's objectives within the specified timeframe.

CEO-Proposed Solutions Dispute

A unique challenge arose when the CEO proposed solutions that were initially at odds with my vision. Despite my reservations, I had to acquiesce and build one of the proposed solutions to demonstrate its limitations. Only after proving the inefficacy of the alternative approach did I gain approval to proceed with the originally proposed solution. This internal tug-of-war underscored the importance of perseverance and a data-driven approach in decision-making.

Cross-Cultural Communication Hurdles

Engaging with European clients proved to be a collaborative process, with active involvement and valuable insights. However, challenges surfaced when attempting to gather information from Asian clients. Cultural differences posed barriers, hindering effective communication and information extraction. Overcoming these barriers required a nuanced approach that took into account diverse cultural norms and communication styles.

Extended Requirement Gathering Period

The prolonged period spent at the drawing board, whiteboard sessions, and gathering requirements for approximately nine months presented a unique challenge. Despite rigorous efforts to cover every conceivable use case, new scenarios continued to emerge, often conflicting with previously identified requirements. This iterative process of discovery demanded adaptability and a flexible mindset to accommodate evolving user needs and industry dynamics.

Success Metrics and Results for IMO 2020 Solution

Design for 20+ Unique Business Scenarios

Result: Successfully developed a flawless product adaptable to every business scenario, transforming one of the most rigid code bases into a flexible and precise system.

Few Release Iterations

Results: Underwent three release iterations, with the first proposed by the CEO failing. The second iteration did not cover all use cases, but the third and final iteration was a resounding success.

Reliable and Accurate Documentation

Result: Collaborated extensively with Technical Solutions Team, Marketing, Sales, and Account Management to ensure comprehensive product documentation. Also, initiated successful marketing campaigns to aid clients in setting up and utilizing the new features effectively.

Fewer than 3 Bugs

Results: Achieved a bug-free final iteration release, maintaining a clean record for the subsequent 24 months, and ongoing, with no issues related to the implemented feature.

95% Client Adoption

Results: Attained 100% client adoption of the updated bunker management features within six months of the release, showcasing the successful integration and widespread utilization of the solution.