An ERP for the maritime industry: Dynamics 365 Business Central

A complete ERP system for maritime operations. Connect vessels, crews, finance, logistics and compliance in one place, so you can manage complex operations with clarity and confidence.

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Why maritime businesses need Dynamics 365 Business Central

Maritime operations involve many moving parts. When data sits in separate systems, it becomes harder to manage vessels, shipments, maintenance, crews and finances efficiently. Dynamics 365 Business Central brings everything together in one secure platform, improving visibility and control across your operations.

Dynamics 365 Business Central is a complete ERP system built to connect business processes across finance, service, logistics, operations and supply chain. For maritime organisations, it replaces disconnected tools with one platform that helps reduce manual work, strengthen planning and support safer, more efficient operations.

With built‑in reporting tools and Microsoft‑grade security, Business Central gives maritime teams the information they need to make sound decisions. If you want to see how an ERP for the maritime industry can streamline daily operations, keep reading.

Meet Business Central: An ERP for the maritime industry

An ERP built for maritime operations transforms how you coordinate vessels, manage marine services and run shore‑based teams. Here is how it helps:

Unified business operations

Business Central brings finance, service, supply chain, project management and operational data into a single environment. This makes it easier for teams across ports, vessels and offices to work together and reduces the risk of miscommunication.

Better decision‑making

With real‑time dashboards, forecasting tools and integrated analytics, maritime leaders can make decisions based on up‑to‑date information. A 2025 Gartner insight reported that businesses using centralised operational data improve planning accuracy by up to 30 percent, which is crucial for scheduling, dispatch and maintenance.

Scalable for growing fleets

Business Central scales as maritime operations expand. Whether you manage a small fleet or a multinational network of vessels, it adapts to meet your needs. Cloud deployment makes it easier to manage operations across borders without adding unnecessary complexity.

Greater cost control

Automated workflows cut down manual processes and improve financial oversight. This helps maritime organisations control overheads, reduce waste and maintain healthier margins. According to a 2025 Forrester study, organisations using modern ERP systems save an average of 19 percent in operational costs within 12 months.

Strong compliance and reporting

Maritime businesses must meet strict safety, tax and environmental regulations. Business Central supports compliance with secure audit trails, standardised reporting and controlled access to data, helping teams maintain accurate records.

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Discover how Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central works

Why your business needs an ERP

82%

of businesses are utilising an ERP

1 in 5

businesses are dissatisfied with their current ERP

96%

of businesses say using an ERP has contributed to achieving business outcomes

Data taken from a survey we commissioned in December 2024

ERP designed for maritime businesses

Maritime operations face unique challenges, from unpredictable shipping schedules and rising operational costs to global compliance demands and complex supply chains. Business Central helps maritime organisations run more efficiently with tools that support planning, crew visibility, asset management and financial control.

Fleet and asset management 

Track the condition, performance and maintenance schedules of vessels and marine assets. Business Central helps teams plan maintenance proactively so you can reduce downtime and extend asset lifespan. 

Financial management

Manage budgets, cash flow and cost allocation across vessels, routes and projects from one system. This helps finance teams maintain oversight and reduce errors that often occur when using multiple tools. 

Resource planning

Ensure crews, equipment and shore‑based teams are allocated effectively. With better resource planning, you can reduce delays, prevent bottlenecks and respond to changing operational requirements. 

Why maritime businesses choose Dynamics 365 Business Central 

Vessel scheduling and routing

Business Central helps teams plan vessel movements more accurately by combining operational data and financial information. This reduces scheduling conflicts and helps improve punctuality across routes. 

Cost estimation and voyage budgeting

Maritime operations rely on precise cost calculations. Business Central allows teams to estimate voyage costs, assess fuel spending and monitor actuals against forecasts. This supports more consistent profitability.

Crew and service management 

For businesses that provide marine services or manage crews, Business Central offers a clear view of personnel, tasks and job progress. It helps teams manage workloads, monitor performance and respond quickly when operational needs shift. 

Supplier and partner coordination

Manage port agents, maintenance contractors, fuel suppliers and logistics partners in one place. With stronger visibility of contracts and service agreements, maritime organisations can maintain reliable relationships across global operations. 

Data‑driven insights

Built‑in analytics help maritime leaders identify trends in performance, spending and maintenance. This makes it easier to refine strategies, improve operations and plan for long‑term resilience. 

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The Dynamics of Success

Get a better understanding of the benefits of using a CRM system - allowing businesses like yours to overcome fragmented systems and disconnected workflows. Don't just read about them either, our report provides you with actionable insights and practical recommendations so that you can begin to make data-led decisions.

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Download our report

The Dynamics of Success

Get a better understanding of the benefits of using a CRM system - allowing businesses like yours to overcome fragmented systems and disconnected workflows. Don't just read about them either, our report provides you with actionable insights and practical recommendations so that you can begin to make data-led decisions.

the-dynamics-of-success-report-download-1

Strengthen your operations with an ERP made for maritime

In the maritime sector, operational clarity is essential. Business Central is a strong fit for maritime businesses because it connects and simplifies complicated processes. Whether you manage vessels, marine services or shore‑based operations, the platform helps your teams work more efficiently.

To learn more about Business Central, or to see how an ERP for maritime operations works, get in touch using this short form.

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Frequently asked questions

What is Microsoft Dynamics Business Central for maritime businesses?

Business Central is a cloud‑based ERP system that helps maritime organisations manage finance, operations, asset maintenance, crew planning and compliance in one platform.

How does Business Central support maritime fleet management?

It helps track vessel performance, maintenance schedules, running costs and operational data, giving teams better control over fleet‑related decisions.

Can Business Central help with maritime compliance?

Yes. Business Central supports accurate record keeping, controlled data access and consistent reporting, helping organisations meet safety, tax and environmental regulations.

Is Business Central suitable for shipping and freight companies?

Yes. It helps manage cargo handling, route planning, logistics processes and financial oversight across shipping operations.

Does Business Central integrate with marine maintenance systems?

It supports integration with third‑party maintenance and inspection tools, enabling smoother workflows across shipyards, engineering teams and vessel operators.

Is Business Central secure for global maritime operations?

Business Central is built on Microsoft’s secure cloud infrastructure, with strong data protection and access controls suited for international operations.

Can Business Central improve port and harbour management?

Ports can use it for budgeting, operational planning, supplier management, maintenance and reporting, helping improve operational efficiency.

Does Business Central work for small maritime businesses?

Yes. The platform scales from small firms to large global fleets, making it suitable for marine services, local operators and start‑up shipping companies.

How does Business Central support financial transparency in maritime operations?

It centralises financial data, automates reporting and provides real‑time visibility of costs, revenue and performance across the business.

How long does Business Central take to implement for maritime organisations?

Implementation time varies by organisation size and needs. Dynamics partners can advise on the approach that suits your operations.