Belgian data analytics company Kpler has established itself as a leader in the maritime sector through its innovative solutions and strategic vision. The company aims to enhance operational efficiency and market transparency in the maritime and commodity sectors worldwide, including Japan. We spoke with Jean Maynier, Co-Founder and Chief Technology Officer (CTO), about the company’s framework and strategic direction.
（Text by Hirofumi Yamamoto）
―I would like to ask about the founding year of Kpler, the number of employees, and the status of its global expansion.
“François Cazor and I founded Kpler in 2014, aiming to develop industry-leading products to improve operational efficiency. Thanks to our unwavering support for our customers and a firm commitment to delivering value, we have been able to generate profits from the outset. This has enabled our strategic acquisitions, contributing to the company’s growth.
“Currently, we have a diverse team of over 600 employees representing 35 nationalities, and we have established 11 global offices. Among these is our Tokyo office, where six staff members are currently working, and we are aiming for further expansion.”
■Marine Traffic
― Could you tell us about the services Kpler provides?
“We offer services including real-time trade flows, commodity markets, onshore inventory, supply and demand balance, refinery analysis, and forecasts for the European power market. Our maritime solution, called ‘MarineTraffic,’ features vessel tracking, fleet management, fleet IoT (Internet of Things), and email management functionalities. These allow users to efficiently monitor various types of vessels and simplify fleet management to enhance efficiency and productivity.”
― With many data companies existing in the maritime market, what do you consider to be Kpler’s strengths?
“Our strength lies in leveraging an extensive partnership network that enables the identification of cargo, which stands out in the commodity industry. Additionally, we are enhancing our AI (artificial intelligence) algorithms to ensure data quality.
“Our MarineTraffic product boasts the world’s largest AIS (Automatic Identification System) network, enabling real-time vessel tracking using over 6,600 AIS receivers worldwide. Solutions such as fleet management and fleet IoT provide shipowners and operators with comprehensive services beyond AIS, including voyage monitoring, route optimization, and real-time vessel data.
“Our container tracking solution offers comprehensive shipping information that is not dependent on carriers. These unique information services contribute to improving the efficiency and transparency of maritime companies’ operations worldwide.”
■Focus on the Japanese Market
―What is your approach to the Japanese market?
“Japan is a major shipping and trade hub, presenting significant business opportunities. After acquiring MarineTraffic, we enhanced its capabilities to enable our Japanese partners to optimize their business operations and make informed management decisions. By providing services such as fleet management and container tracking, we aim to support efficient trade and logistics operations.”
― Can you tell us about Kpler’s mid- to long-term growth strategy?
“As the ‘ShipTech’ industry consolidates, we aim to leverage our unique position in voyage and trade analysis to establish ourselves as a key player. Our growth rate has been doubling every 18 to 24 months, reflecting our commitment to sustainable growth. We plan to strengthen our presence in the Japanese market by establishing a dedicated Japan office and increasing local staff, which will allow us to provide better services.”