Sources : https://nautiluslog.com/

Traditional logbooks and documentation methods are often time-consuming, prone to human error, and difficult to share or verify across ship and shore teams. This not only leads to inefficiencies and delays in reporting but also increases the risk of non-compliance with ever-evolving maritime regulations. Furthermore, the lack of real-time data visibility hampers decision-making and operational transparency, while the environmental impact of extensive paperwork contradicts growing sustainability goals. NautilusLog’s digital platform directly addresses these challenges by automating data capture, simplifying collaboration, and ensuring accurate, timely reporting significantly reducing administrative burdens and boosting operational reliability.

NautilusLog, founded in Hamburg in 2016, is a ShipTech startup delivering a cloud based smart logbook platform that modernizes maritime reporting and operations. With offerings like a Smart Dashboard, Smart Logbook mobile app, and Smart Cloud, the platform replaces outdated paperwork through intuitive, collaborative tools. By early 2025, it served over 3,000 vessels across 32 countries, with more than 130 shipping lines onboard. 

The maritime industry has long relied on manual processes, clipboard logbooks, and paper documentation for daily operations and compliance. NautilusLog emerged to address this inefficiency, aiming to streamline operations, boost accuracy, and enhance sustainability via digital transformation. 

NautilusLog was founded by Otto Klemke (CEO) and Sven Hamer (CTO) in Hamburg in 2016. 

Sources : https://nautiluslog.com/

NautilusLog offers a fully integrated digital platform that transforms traditional maritime operations into a seamless and efficient workflow. At its core is the Smart Logbook, a mobile application that allows ship crews and shore teams to capture operational data, coordinate tasks, and generate reports in real time, eliminating the inefficiencies of paper based processes. Complementing this is the Smart Dashboard, a web based control center where managers can monitor fleet performance, track compliance requirements, and collaborate with partners through a clear, context-driven interface. All data is securely stored and synchronized via the Smart Cloud, which ensures compatibility with external systems while providing a central repository for maritime documentation. Together, these tools enable automated compliance reporting, improved transparency between ship and shore, and faster decision making, ultimately leading to greater efficiency, accuracy, and sustainability in maritime operations.

Since its founding, NautilusLog has attracted strong backing from German investors who see the potential in digitizing the maritime industry. The company secured its first seed funding in 2019 led by TecPier, a German venture capital firm focused on maritime and logistics innovations. In 2021, NautilusLog raised about €1.1 million in another seed round, supported by NBank Capital, the investment arm of the regional development bank of Lower Saxony, along with a German business angel who contributed additional expertise and funding. Most recently, in 2023, the company closed its Series A round, led by the Dettmer Group, a family owned German logistics and shipping company that invested through its venture arm, D-Arbor Capital. These investors, primarily based in Germany, not only provide financial resources but also strategic industry knowledge and networks, helping NautilusLog scale its operations globally and strengthen its position as a leading ShipTech player.

According to Tracxn, NautilusLog has raised a total of $1.21M over three funding rounds. 

Case Study

Expanding into Asia with German Accelerator’s Support

A key example of NautilusLog’s growth journey is its expansion into Asia with the support of the German Accelerator program. While the company had already established a strong presence in Europe, entering new markets such as Singapore posed challenges in terms of cultural differences, time zones, and business practices. Through the accelerator, NautilusLog received mentorship, legal and operational support, and most importantly, direct introductions to industry leaders like the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore. This helped the startup to build trust, secure local partnerships, and showcase the value of its digital logbook and cloud platform in a region that is a global hub for shipping. By leveraging these opportunities, NautilusLog successfully broadened its footprint, extending its services to over 30 countries and more than 3,000 vessels worldwide. This case demonstrates not only the adaptability of the platform but also how strategic support and the right ecosystem can accelerate the adoption of digital solutions in a traditionally conservative industry.

References 

NautilusLog. (2025). Official Website. Diakses dari https://nautiluslog.com/

Startup City Hamburg. (2023). NautilusLog closes Series A financing round.  https://startupcity.hamburg/news-events/news/nautiluslog-closes-series-a-financing-round

German Accelerator. (2022). NautilusLog Success Story. https://www.germanaccelerator.com/success-stories/nautiluslog

Nordic9. (2021). NautilusLog to raise €1 million from NBank Capital and local investors from Germany. https://nordic9.com/news/nautiluslog-to-raise-1-million-from-nbank-capital-and-local-investors-from-germany 

Smart Maritime Network. (2021). NautilusLog raises €1m in funding to grow maritime data application. https://smartmaritimenetwork.com/2021/02/18/nautiluslog-raises-e1m-in-funding-to-grow-maritime-data-application 

Tracxn. (2025). NautilusLog Company Profile. https://tracxn.com/d/companies/nautiluslog 

EU-Startups. (2022). NautilusLog company directory listing. https://www.eu-startups.com/directory/nautiluslog 

Contributor : Dyah Ayuning Tyas

Reviewer      : Imam Buchari