Source : https://www.elXa.io/ 

Port operations face persistent challenges due to inefficient workflows, fragmented communication among stakeholders, and a lack of real-time operational visibility. These issues result in higher costs, delays, underutilized assets, and unnecessary emissions. Traditional port services, such as water taxis and launch boats, often remain disconnected from modern digital ecosystems, further compounding inefficiencies.

To tackle these glaring challenges, James (Hyung Woo) Kim founded elXa in 2020. Headquartered in Singapore, start-up elXa addresses port solutions by capturing real-time data of ship events in port and enabling the digitisation of workflows resulting in reduced voyage costs as well as reduced emissions. Highlighting the strong demand for this type of service, elXa was ranked 6th among Singapore’s fastest-growing companies in 2025 by the Straits Times, after seeing its revenues grow a reported 1715%  between 2020 and 2023. 

One approach that has helped elXa gain traction is making its platform modular so that it can go to market with niche applications for potential clients instead of pushing for a large-scale implementations which are typically hard to adopt. Popular modules elXa offers focus on:

• Digitalizing port workflows by transitioning manual processes into structured digital routines.
  
• Connecting stakeholders including shore agents, ship operators, and port service providers through real-time APIs.
  
• Leveraging deep-tech such as IoT, analytics, and data pipelines to enhance asset utilization and reduce inefficiencies.

Beyond ship-agent data, elXa has branched into service modules like ALiSE (water-taxi/launch-boat booking), integrating traditional sectors into a unified maritime “SuperApp.” In addition, eIXa collates detailed primary data at ports from crews on launch boats, to real-time ship positioning, and port data on ship delays and service time, to offer unparalleled intelligence on port operations. This approach also enables hyper-local emissions mapping, which many top-down carbon monitoring tools overlook.

elXa is currently part of the venture capital portfolio of Shipfocus, reflecting investor confidence in its growth potential and vision for maritime digitalization. In addition, elXa has gained recognition through participation in high-profile innovation programs such as Shenzhen’s Marine Economy finals and Tokyo’s SusHi Tech startup competition. As seen by its strong traction in the market, 

With a focus on transforming port operations with real-time data tools, stakeholder connectivity, and modular deep-tech, elXa stands at the forefront of maritime digitalization. As the industry aims for greater efficiency and sustainability, elXa’s scalable, API-driven architecture offers an exciting path forward.

Refference

elXa’s website and mission statements (elXa.io, linkedin.com)

LinkedIn corporate profile and product use cases (sg.linkedin.com)

https://www.straitstimes.com/fastest-growing-companies-2025

Contributor : Dyah Ayuning Tyas

Reviewer : Imam Buchari, David Ratner