Improving Internal Handover Processes in Offshore Shipping: A Case Study of Island Offshore AS

Abstract

In offshore shipping, the handover between chartering and operations marks a critical transition from commercial planning to execution at sea. This internal process involves the transfer of documentation, responsibility, and operational expectations between departments that often work under different assumptions and time pressures. Despite its importance, the handover phase has received limited academic attention, particularly in the context of offshore supply and project vessels. This thesis investigates how the handover process is structured and practiced within Island Offshore, a Norwegian offshore shipping company. Through a qualitative case study, the research examines how information flows between chartering, operations, and the vessel and how roles and routines are defined and enacted during this transition. Empirical data were collected through five semi-structured interviews with personnel from both shore and vessel, complemented by an analysis of internal contract review documents. Thematic analysis was applied to identify recurring patterns and challenges in the handover process. The findings reveal that although Island Offshore has implemented formal routines such as contract review meetings and digital documentation systems, the success of the handover often depends on informal communication, individual initiative, and shared understanding across departments. Variations between vessel types and project complexity also affect how handovers are carried out in practice. The study contributes new insights to maritime logistics literature by linking internal coordination challenges to structural and cultural factors. For industry practitioners, the findings suggest that improving handover quality requires better tools and stronger collaboration and early involvement of key personnel across organizational boundaries