Keelspot

Keelspot AS operates a digital marketplace designed to address inefficiencies in the European short-sea shipping sector. Founded in 2021 by Svein A. Vatsø, a captain with 20 years of maritime experience, the company aims to modernize coastal logistics. Vatsø's time at sea revealed a significant disparity between the instant nature of road transport and the slower, less efficient maritime industry, which prompted the creation of Keelspot. The company is headquartered in Bergen, Norway, and has key markets in Poland, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Germany.

The firm targets a $5.5 billion European industry by connecting cargo owners, forwarders, and shipowners. Keelspot's platform functions as a marketplace where ship operators can find cargo to maximize vessel utilization and reduce empty voyages, while cargo owners gain access to a network of carriers, competitive rates, and streamlined documentation. This direct matching of supply and demand aims to reduce the role of intermediaries. The service is particularly beneficial for shipowners in the spot market who may not be part of a traditional brokerage network. The platform handles a variety of cargo types, with a particular focus on breakbulk and project cargo, but also accommodates traditional bulk.

Keelspot's business model is based on commission, with free registration for users. A fee is only charged when a freight offer is accepted through the platform. This model seeks to lower freight prices and increase profitability for ship operators by improving systemic waste. For cargo owners, the platform offers the potential for significant cost savings, with some customers reporting reductions of up to 30%. For shipowners, increased cargo visibility can lead to revenue boosts, as one client reported a 10% increase in general cargo revenue after using the platform. Key features include a real-time digital map of available cargo, direct messaging between parties, and automated notifications for relevant shipping opportunities. Keywords: short-sea shipping, maritime logistics, freight marketplace, cargo matching, vessel utilization, coastal shipping, European shipping network, breakbulk cargo, project cargo, ship chartering, digital freight, logistics technology, supply chain optimization, Bergen Norway, Svein A. Vatsø, freight cost reduction, sustainable shipping, empty voyage reduction, spot market shipping, shipowner tools