Dualog launches secure maritime messaging

Dualog has launched Dualog Chat, a secure messaging service designed for shipping, giving vessels and shore-based teams a company-controlled platform to improve communications, protect operational information and reduce the loss of critical knowledge during crew changes.

The service is the first product in Workspace by Dualog, organising conversations by vessel, rank and role. Features include messaging, voice notes, audio and video calls, with access managed through individual user identities rather than shared logins.

Silje Moan, chief commercial officer at Dualog, said: “Dualog Chat connects people in a way that reflects how shipping operates. By organising communication around the vessel, the rank and the rotation, it helps crews retain context through each handover and shore teams reach the right person. The information that matters stays within the company.”

The launch follows a 2026 Dualog survey of 1,187 seafarers, in which 68% said important information was lost during crew handovers. Without an official communication channel accessible to all crew members, many rely on personal messaging applications to contact shore teams, potentially leaving operational conversations and sensitive information outside company systems.

Dualog Chat aims to address this gap by retaining message histories with roles, allowing incoming officers to access relevant context when joining a vessel. Shore-based teams can also send messages to specific ranks across an entire fleet or contact individual crew members directly.

Integration with crew management systems automatically updates access as personnel rotate, reducing the administrative burden of onboarding and offboarding. Individual identities also support traceability and align with identity and access-control requirements established by the IMO and the International Association of Classification Societies.

Available through web browsers and iOS and Android devices, the service is designed to operate over connectivity available at sea. Early access is open.

Further planned additions to Workspace by Dualog include file sharing, maritime email and a native artificial intelligence assistant.