Image Credit: closelink.com

The procurement of marine lubrication, vital to operational safety and efficiency, has historically been plagued by manual processes, fragmented data, redundant communication, and missed optimization opportunities. Procurement teams must manage vessel schedules, remaining-on-board (ROB) levels, supplier contracts, port availability, and cost data across multiple sources, often with delays and inaccuracies. Closelink addresses this by aggregating real-time data (schedules, consumption, stock levels, pricing), automating alerts and planning, centralizing communications, and enabling strategic decision-making. This streamlines procurement, enhances visibility, reduces costs, and mitigates risks related to downtime and supply emergencies. 

Founded in Hamburg, Germany, around 2016, Closelink was built by a multidisciplinary team of technologists, maritime professionals, and data experts aiming to streamline marine lubricant procurement. The firm’s office is headquarterd in Hamburg and run by Philippe Lavarde, listed as its Managing Director/CEO.

Closelink’s portfolio is centered on its digital procurement platform that simplifies and optimizes marine lubricant management, directly benefiting both seafarers and shipping companies. For seafarers, the system reduces the risk of emergency situations by providing automated alerts on Remaining On Board (ROB) levels, ensuring timely deliveries and eliminating last-minute supply shortages that could disrupt vessel operations. For companies, it streamlines procurement workflows by centralizing communication with suppliers, automating planning based on vessel schedules, and providing live dashboards with cost and performance insights. This allows fleet managers to make data-driven decisions that lower operational costs, enhance supply chain transparency, and improve overall efficiency ultimately bridging the gap between onboard operational needs and shore-based management strategies.

Closelink’s technology works as a cloud-based procurement platform that integrates vessel data, supplier information, and fleet schedules into a single digital ecosystem to automate marine lubricant management. The system continuously collects inputs such as consumption rates, vessel itineraries, and ROB (Remaining-On-Board) levels, then processes them with analytics to generate proactive alerts and optimized supply recommendations. Procurement teams can review these insights through live dashboards, communicate with suppliers in real time, and execute purchase orders directly on the platform. By leveraging API integrations with leading marine ERP and fleet management systems, Closelink ensures that information flows seamlessly across ship and shore, enabling real-time decision-making that reduces costs, prevents emergency orders, and boosts operational reliability.

Image Credit: closelink.com

Closelink has demonstrated its impact through various case studies and real-world applications in the maritime sector. For instance, Chevron integrated Closelink with its OnePort platform, enabling instant quotation and order confirmations that significantly accelerated procurement workflows. Ship management companies such as Zeaborn and OKEE Maritime reported tangible cost savings, with OKEE achieving up to 15% reduction per order and Zeaborn avoiding costly emergency lifts by leveraging automated ROB monitoring. In another case, optimized port selection through Closelink’s analytics translated into savings of over USD 120,000 for a single procurement cycle. These examples highlight how the platform not only improves efficiency and transparency but also directly contributes to reducing expenses and operational risks across diverse fleet sizes and trading patterns.

Closelink has built strong partnerships and client relationships that reinforce its role as a key player in digital maritime procurement. Collaborations with industry leaders such as Chevron, LR OneOcean, and NAVTOR have enabled seamless API integrations that connect lubricant procurement directly with fleet management and supplier platforms, reducing manual input and accelerating workflows. The company also works with technology partners like Marine ERP and StormGeo to enhance data accuracy, operational planning, and decision-making. 

On the client side, Closelink’s platform is trusted by prominent shipping companies including BW LPG, Zeaborn Ship Management, OKEE Maritime, Eagle Bulk, and Harren Group, along with suppliers like Castrol and Shell. These collaborations and major clients not only validate the reliability of Closelink’s technology but also illustrate its scalability and value across global shipping networks.

References

Closelink. (2024, January 8). The year in review: 2023’s highlights. Closelink. https://closelink.com/article/the-year-in-review-2023s-highlights 

Closelink. (n.d.). About us. Closelink. https://closelink.com/about-us 

Closelink. (n.d.). Integration. Closelink. https://closelink.com/integration 

Closelink. (n.d.). News. Closelink. https://closelink.com/news

Cyprus Shipping News. (2025, August 4). Closelink and Marine ERP launch a fast-tracked API integration for better lubricant procurement. Cyprus Shipping News. https://cyprusshippingnews.com/2025/08/04/closelink-and-marine-erp-launch-a-fast-tracked-api-integration-for-better-lubricant-procurement 

Germantech. (n.d.). Closelink GmbH. Germantech. https://germantech.org/network/members/closelink 

ImpaBlog. (2025, August 4). How Chevron and Closelink automate lubricant procurement. ImpaBlog. https://impablog.com/2025/08/04/how-chevron-and-closelink-automate-lubricant-procurement

OneOcean. (2024, July 25). Marine lubricant procurement: LR OneOcean and Closelink partnership. OneOcean. https://oneocean.com/insights/lr-oneocean-and-closelink 

Smart Maritime Network. (2025, July 30). Closelink and Marine ERP integrate on lubricant procurement. Smart Maritime Network. https://smartmaritimenetwork.com/2025/07/30/closelink-and-marine-erp-integrate-on-lubricant-procurement 

The Seed Fund. (2024, August 12). The maritime startup landscape 2024. The Seed Fund. https://theseedfund.co.uk/2024/08/12/maritime-startup-landscape-2024