Helm Operations Software Inc. - Experts & Thought Leaders

Helm Operations announced that it has reached 400 customers and more than 10,000 vessels and assets running on Helm CONNECT worldwide, marking a major milestone for one of the maritime industry’s most widely adopted maintenance and operations platforms. The achievement reflects Helm’s expanding role as the operational foundation for fleets across towing, offshore support, passenger vessels, barges, dredging, and other specialised service segments. As more operators in more verticals adopt Helm CONNECT, the platform is increasingly becoming the connective layer fleets rely on to standardise, streamline, and scale their daily operations. Complex offshore support “This milestone isn’t just about hitting a number — it’s a reflection of the trust operators place in us across very different parts of the industry,” said James Wadsworth, CEO of Helm Operations. “From high-frequency passenger operations to complex offshore support and everything in between, customers are choosing Helm because it delivers reliability, consistency, and clarity across their fleets. We’re proud to see more organisations using Helm CONNECT as the backbone of how they run.” Helm’s continued growth Helm’s continued growth is being driven by operators looking to modernise their maintenance, safety, compliance, and crewing processes — and by Helm’s ability to support these needs across a wide range of operational models. Recent projects, including Washington State Ferries’ fleet-wide crew dispatch modernisation, demonstrate how large and complex organisations are turning to Helm for mission-critical operational systems that need to scale cleanly and perform under pressure. Building the next generation of tools “With more customers depending on Helm CONNECT every day, we’re focused on building the next generation of tools that help fleets operate smarter and more efficiently,” Wadsworth added. “From deeper integrations to predictive insights and intelligent automations, the future of fleet management is connected and user-centered, and we’re excited to be helping our customers get there.” Range of operational environments Helm CONNECT is now used daily in more than 35 countries, powering asset management, safety programs, crewing, dispatch, regulatory compliance, and operational workflows across thousands of vessels and shoreside teams. Helm continues to expand its partner ecosystem and integration capabilities, strengthening its position as the central operating system for maritime fleets across a growing range of operational environments.

Helm Operations has announced that nine electronic record books within Helm CONNECT Logbook have been officially approved for use in accordance with MARPOL requirements by both Lloyd’s Register and the Republic of the Marshall Islands. This dual certification confirms that Helm CONNECT’s electronic record books meet the standards outlined under MARPOL, the NOx Technical Code 2008, and the Ballast Water Management Convention. It provides operators with a certified, compliant alternative to paper logbooks — supporting the maritime industry’s broader transition toward digital documentation and streamlined compliance management. Compliance for maritime operators “Our mission has always been to reduce inefficiency and simplify compliance for maritime operators,” said James Wadsworth, CEO of Helm Operations. He adds, “These certifications are a powerful validation that digital recordkeeping isn’t just the future — it’s ready for real-world use right now.” Nine Helm CONNECT record books The following nine Helm CONNECT record books are now certified for use by Lloyd’s Register on Marshall Islands–flagged vessels: Oil Record Book, Part I – Machinery Space Operations Oil Record Book, Part II – Cargo/Ballast Operations Garbage Record Book, Part I  Garbage Record Book, Part II Cargo Record Book Ozone-Depleting Substances Record Book Record Book of the Tier and On/Off Status of Marine Diesel Engines Record Book of Engine Parameters Record Book of Fuel Oil Changeover Operations The approval is now officially listed on the Republic of the Marshall Islands’ website, reinforcing Helm CONNECT’s standing as a trusted compliance platform for global operators seeking to modernise their fleet management systems.

Helm Operations, the major provider of maritime operations and crew management software, announced a key leadership transition as James Wadsworth assumes the role of Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Nolan Barclay, Helm’s first employee and most recent CEO, will continue to support the company as Chairman. Wadsworth brings more than two decades of maritime industry experience and visionary leadership to the role. He joined Helm a decade ago after nearly ten years with ClassNK in Japan, where he played a pivotal role in expanding the organization’s international footprint and establishing it as the world’s largest classification society.  Company’s evolution Since joining Helm, Wadsworth has been instrumental in driving the company’s evolution into a global pioneer in maritime software. Under his leadership, Helm has expanded its operations across North America and into new international markets, empowering over 400 customers managing nearly 12,000 vessels to operate more safely, efficiently, and profitably. “It’s an incredible honor to step into this role and build on the strong foundation that Nolan and our team have created,” said Wadsworth. “Helm’s mission has always been to help maritime companies operate more effectively, and I’m excited to continue advancing that mission as we grow with our customers around the world.” Heart of Helm’s growth Outgoing CEO Nolan Barclay expressed confidence in the transition: “James has been at the heart of Helm’s growth and success for the past decade,” said Barclay. “His deep understanding of our customers, our technology, and the maritime industry makes him the ideal leader to guide Helm into its next chapter of innovation and global expansion. As Chairman, I look forward to supporting him and the entire team as we continue to transform maritime operations around the world.” This leadership transition marks a natural evolution for Helm Operations, reinforcing its long-term commitment to customer success, product innovation, and the continued advancement of the maritime industry.