For decades, Norwegian governments have tried to shift more cargo from roads to sea. Now, a team of Norwegian entrepreneurs believes they’ve cracked the code with their innovative platform, Keelspot - a digital marketplace that connects cargo with available vessels in real time. Think of it as “Tinder for Vessels” or “Uber for the Seas,” matching freight with vessels that have unused capacity.
Unlocking the Potential of Coastal Shipping
Keelspot CEO, Svein Arild Vatsø, has a bold vision for the future of maritime logistics. With nearly 20 years of experience as a captain, Vatsø has witnessed firsthand the inefficiencies in the industry. "Every day, thousands of ships travel the European coast, many with 30-40% empty space. We're missing huge opportunities to move freight from congested roads to the open sea," he explains.
The platform offers a solution that simplifies and optimizes this process. Keelspot allows cargo owners to find vessels traveling the same route with available capacity, making the logistics of sea transport easier and more efficient than ever.
A Long-Awaited Shift in a Traditional Industry
The shipping industry has been slow to embrace digital transformation, but Vatsø sees signs of change. "There’s a new generation of decision-makers who are open to innovative ideas. They understand the environmental and logistical benefits of utilizing the sea, but until now, there hasn’t been an easy way to match freight with ships."
Keelspot bridges that gap, providing a streamlined system that benefits cargo owners and ship operators alike.
Easing the Strain on Roads and the Environment
With road networks under pressure and expected to face increasing traffic in the coming years, the demand for alternative transport methods is growing. “We see that even the trucking industry is looking to offload some of its growing volume to the sea,” says Vatsø. Moving goods by ship not only reduces traffic congestion but also cuts carbon emissions, aligning with broader goals for greener transport.
A Vision for a Greener Future
For years, transferring more cargo from road to sea has been a government objective. While national transport plans now focus on reducing emissions across all sectors, Keelspot’s solution directly supports these goals by increasing efficiency in maritime transport.
The Norwegian Coastal Administration is also supportive of efforts like Keelspot’s, stating that digitalization and improved access to shipping information can benefit coastal freight operations.
Keelspot is ready to play a key role in modernizing the logistics industry, making it easier for businesses to choose greener, more efficient shipping solutions.
