• 3 min de lectura
• 3 min de lectura
Former executives of the software-as-a-service (SaaS) platform for information management and tanker chartering questionnaires Q88 launched Vessel Fact, a maritime regulatory compliance and vessel data platform based on a single reliable vessel record.
The company is led by CEO Stephen Dudzic, who spent 15 years as CTO of Q88, along with COO Catherine Mancuso, whose experience spans almost 20 years both at sea and ashore, including 16 at Q88; Sales Director Jeroen de Man, a veteran professional with over 40 years of experience at companies such as Jo Tankers, Odin Marine Europe, and ShipNet before nearly 10 at Q88; and Fotis Georgakopoulos, Customer Service Director, who managed Q88's office serving the Greek market for almost nine years.
The team launched Vessel Fact to address a common and costly problem in maritime operations. Vessel data must be re-entered into dozens of questionnaire formats, from HVPQ to SIRE 2.0 and CDI workflows, as well as charterers' proprietary templates. These copies become dispersed as certificates and data are updated in a non-centralized manner. The resulting gaps can obscure the real information, which only comes to light during a verification inspection or when detected by the charterer's compliance department, leading to costly delays or contract cancellation.
The system allows shipowners and operators to enter vessel data once and centralizes certificates, questionnaire data, officer matrix, cargo line details, and inspection histories in a single environment. The system can generate questionnaire templates and customize multiple compliance packages from a single record, allowing charterers, agents, suppliers, and other counterparties to work with the same up-to-date information.
"We created Vessel Fact to help commercial shipping companies simplify and strengthen the vetting and compliance process. Our vision is to combine modern technology with personalized and efficient service so that our clients have full confidence in the information they use daily. Vessel Fact provides a single, reliable source for managing vessel information, ensuring that the data, reports, and evidence presented to clients, vetting organizations, and other stakeholders are accurate, consistent, and immediately available when crucial operational decisions need to be made," said Stephen Dudzic, CEO and Co-founder.
The company's approach combines an optimized syndication workflow with personalized service. "Vessel Fact keeps owners and operators on top of vetting and provides assurance that changes and updates are accurately reflected across all reports. But it's more than just a platform. Our clients will be supported by our own team, the same experienced personnel they trust within the industry, not an automated system or an external ticket queue," stated Catherine Mancuso, COO and Co-founder.
Mancuso, who began her career as a merchant marine officer, added that "Vessel Fact has not received external investment and is fully funded by contributions from its partners. This independence allows us to focus on what matters most: delivering significant improvements to our clients. We understand the risks and frustrations they face because we have experienced them firsthand."
Vessel Fact had a preliminary launch on September 2nd and will be supported by a targeted marketing campaign in the coming months. Companies can also book demonstrations.
