Maritime Technology Job News

ACE Winches Urges Industry to Invest in Young Talent

company's founder and CEO, Alfie Cheyne, a marine engineering apprentice himself when he left school at 16, has called on all industry bosses to recognize the potential and invest in the next generation.“It’s a changing world and our youth are better equipped than ever to embrace modern technology and apply it to industry,” he said.“For over 30 years, ACE Winches has been recruiting school leavers and training them through our own award-winning apprenticeship scheme.  As the energy industry evolves, new opportunities are emerging for both businesses and individuals&rsquo

Orlowski Named VP Engineering at Austal USA

focused on designing, developing, and deploying engineering and manufacturing solutions to support and advance product development.  Orlowski was a member of the Northrup Grumman team for over 20 years holding various leadership positions in the company’s electronic systems, shipbuilding, technology services, enterprise services, and mission systems divisions. His engineering and program leadership experience has been in support of international and U.S. Navy shipbuilding programs to include aircraft carriers, submarines, destroyers, and littoral combat ships.  Orlowski holds a PhD in

Jennifer Stewart Joins NOAA TPO as Technology Transfer Specialist

Jennifer Stewart has joined the NOAA Technology Partnerships Office as the new Technology Transfer Specialist, and is stationed at the NOAA Southwest Fisheries Science Center in La Jolla, Calif.Stewart has spent the last 12 years as a civil servant within the field of technology transfer, brokering connections between technologies, inventors, academic and industry partners, and state, local, and federal government partners.In her role at TPO, Stewart will work to maximize the impact of taxpayer investments in NOAA’s R&D, drawing from expertise in areas including innovation discovery, technolog

ChatGPT & Maritime Training: Steps to Harness the Power

By now we have all heard about ChatGPT, an example of a “Large Language Model” technology which is remarkable in its ability to generate human-like responses to questions we ask of it. But is ChatGPT primarily a novelty, or can it provide real value in terms of its ability to create content? In my personal experience with ChatGPT, the answer is far closer to the latter than the former - but with some caveats. In this edition of Training Tips for Ships, we'll explore the steps required to harness the power of ChatGPT to generate engaging and effective maritime training materials. It is

Savage Takes the CTO Seat at Silverstream

Silverstream Technologies appointed Catriona Savage into the newly created position of Chief Technology Officer (CTO). Savage will lead the continued development of the innovative Silverstream System and will further develop the technical centre-of-excellence built by Silverstream Technologies. The new role will lead on Product Development and Application Engineering and all aspects of product quality, safety and performance.Savage joins Silverstream following a career at BMT as Technical Assurance and Capability Director, where she oversaw the business’s global Maritime, Environment

NSB Invests in New Simulator

include the new version of Navi‐Trainer professional simulation software, the latest NACOS PLATINUM Bridge systems (including multi‐pilot workstation for ECDIS, radar and conning applications) combined with high‐performance visualization system and modern IBID (Interactive Bridge Information Display) technology, a 55‐inch voyage planning table connected to the main bridge, video and audio recording and playback system and a new sound system.The new simulator has a DNV Standard 0029 for Maritime Training Centers. It can be connected online for training with other training facilities around the world, for

Jobs at Stake as California Port Terminal Upgrades to Green Technology

sector is the nation's largest contributor of climate changing greenhouse gas emissions, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). As seaports race to swap out diesel equipment like tractors, trucks and cranes for cleaner electric models, they're also eyeing new automation technology to help process more cargo. More automation means fewer jobs, in the minds of union leaders, and they have found an ally in the White House.While the $30 million grant is a fraction of the total cost of the terminal's $2.5 billion modernization program, unions and their allies hope that

MarTID: 2023 Survey of Maritime Training Practices is Open

, measured and funded globally.Click Here to read the 2021 MarTID ReportThe Maritime Training Insights Database (MarTID) is a non-commercial endeavor to deliver objective and comprehensive data on how maritime manages and conducts training for shipboard competencies and the effects of drivers, such as technology, on this training.This data, updated annually by means of a global survey, will provide insights that can lead to enhanced policy-setting, decision-making, benchmarking and operational optimization by industry and regulatory authorities at all levels.Each year the survey offers a special focus

Bearing Names Daly Chief Operating Officer

the maritime shipping industry toward more sustainable operations with our AI-driven solutions,” said Dylan Keil, CEO and co-founder of Bearing. “He understands the importance of our mission and he’ll be an integral part of our leadership team, helping us scale and create impactful technology to make maritime shipping a greener industry.”Daly was previously chief operating officer of startups Sea Machines Robotics and logistics robot company Rethink Robotics. Daly helped scale Sea Machines through two venture funding rounds and the launch of several innovative autonomous and situationa

Rovco Appoints Moonie COO

Fraser Moonie was appointed as Chief Operating Officer of Rovco.Based in Aberdeen, Scotland, he will use his 25 years plus industry experience in subsea sector service companies to implement the company’s growth strategy. A former chief executive of Decom North Sea, much of Moonie’s relevant experience came from his time with Bibby Offshore Limited - part of the Bibby group of companies. He was one of a small leadership team who helped grow the business from start-up to a major international player in the subsea energy market over 15 years.Over the past 18 months, as Regional Director for

The Nautical Institute Launches New Requirements for DP Certifications

From the beginning of 2024, The Nautical Institute will require that all Dynamic Positioning Operators (DPO) and Dynamic Positioning Vessel Maintainers (DPVM) show evidence of Continuing Professional Development as well as experience in order to renew their certificate.This means that all DPOs and DPVMs will be required to demonstrate a yearly undertaking of an NI-approved CPD program and pass the NI revalidation online exam or take the NI DP Refresher and Competency Assessment Course.Captain John Lloyd, Chief Executive Officer of The Nautical Institute, said, “This requirement is a very positive

Migeon Named CEO, Chairman of Bio-UV Group

French water treatment specialist Bio-UV Group appointed Laurent-Emmanuel Migeon as its new Chairman and CEO, succeeding company founder Benoît Gillmann.Migeon, who has co-managed BIO-UV Group with Gillmann for the past five years, has a track record in the life sciences, environmental and agrifood sectors, preceded by ten-years in finance with PricewaterhouseCoopers and Arthur Andersen.An agricultural engineer with a master’s degree from Mr Migeon joined BIO-UV Group in early 2018 as COO and Deputy General Manager.BIO-UV Group designs, manufactures and markets ultraviolet, ozone, salt

VIDEO: Patrick Ryan Named CTO at ABS

As Patrick Ryan assumes the top tech exec spot at ABS, Maritime Reporter TV interviewed him on the eve of the announcement. While shipowners face multiple technology challenges ahead, Ryan said a top priority is the bridging of technology from the fundamental phase into operational solutions. ABS appointed Patrick Ryan as Chief Technology Officer to support continued development of ABS as a maritime technology leader.Having served as Senior Vice President, Global Engineering and Technology since 2019, Ryan’s appointment to CTO reflects the increasingly pivotal role of technology in the

Cargotec Appoints Lindholm as President and CEO

Finnish cargo handling machinery manufacturer Cargotec on Monday announced its board of directors has appointed Casimir Lindholm to succeed Mika Vehviläinen as the company's president and CEO, effective April 1, 2023.A member of Cargotec's board since 2021, Lindholm has held CEO positions both in Eltel and Lemminkäinen and many board memberships.“I’m honored and excited to be leading Cargotec at such a pivotal moment in the company’s history, with a strong foundation and a clear vision into its next development phase of growth as we have communicated before. With a

Swift Anchors Looking to Expand Engineering Team

Swift Anchors, a UK-based company that develops anchoring solutions for the global offshore energy (floating wind, floating solar, tidal and wave) and aquaculture industries, is looking for new engineers to join its team. The company said that the need to has been spurred by its current work program and a growing commercial interest in its technologies. The company plans to more than double its workforce during 2023.Swift Anchors, acquired by Schottel last year, is currently working on marine energy projects on both sides of the Atlantic, and is pursuing a number of other project opportunities

Cargotec CEO Vehviläinen to Retire in 2023

Cargotec announced on Tuesday that its board of directors received notification from CEO Mika Vehviläinen that he will retire in 2023, in accordance with the terms of his contract.The board has started its a search for a successor, the Finnish cargo-handling machinery manufacturer said.“It has been both a privilege and a pleasure to lead the transformation of Cargotec together with so many committed and talented colleagues. After 10 years as CEO of the company, I believe this is the right time for a new CEO to lead the financially and operationally strong Cargotec into its next phase of

METIS Names Polychronopoulou CEO

Athens-based maritime artificial intelligence (AI) company METIS announced Eleni Polychronopoulou has been appointed as the firm’s new CEO.Polychronopoulou has been METIS president during the company’s development phase over the past three years. METIS is majority-owned by maritime-focused environmental engineering group ERMA FIRST.Polychronopoulou is currently president of HEMEXPO, vice chair at Sea Europe, and a senior executive at EPE and ERMA FIRST.METIS aims to be a player in the maritime industry’s ongoing digital transformation, specializing in data acquisition, real-time

CEO in Focus: Allard Castelein, Port of Rotterdam

The Port of Rotterdam has blazed a path for ports globally in terms of automation, digitalization and decarbonization. As he enters the final year of his tenure, Allard Castelein, CEO, Port of Rotterdam, says there is still much work to do.While many global organizations are adept at ‘talking the talk’, the Port of Rotterdam stands out as ‘walking the walk’ in regards to real investment and innovation in robotics, digitalization and infrastructure improvements to facilitate the efficient, effective transfer of ship’s cargo for distribution globally. Sitting at the helm to

VideoRay Promotes Goldstein to COO

Underwater remotely operated vehicle (ROV) technology company VideoRay announced it has promoted Andy Goldstein to chief operating officer. He joined VideoRay in 2009 and most recently served as vice president, engineering and operations.Goldstein began at VideoRay as a software engineer working on critical projects including the cockpit software and firmware for the Pro 4. In 2015, Goldstein began managing VideoRay’s growing Engineering department. Four years later his role expanded to include running production, supply chain and quality control functions to guide the company’s transition

Bruun Takes the Helm at KVH Industries

KVH Industries, Inc., announced that its Board of Directors has appointed Brent C. Bruun as President and Chief Executive Officer and a member of the Board. The Board also appointed two seasoned industry executives, David Kagan and David Tolley, as directors of KVH.Bruun first joined KVH in 2008 and has served as KVH’s Interim President and Chief Executive Officer since March 2022. He also served as Chief Operating Officer of KVH beginning in 2016, as well as Interim Chief Financial Officer of the Company. Prior to that, he was executive vice president of mobile broadband, senior vice president

Corvus Energy to open new Battery Factory in the U.S.

As the maritime industry increasingly moves towards propulsion solutions that help cut emissions, battery technology is increasingly taking center stage on a number of ship, boat and offshore energy installations. Leading the charge are a number of battery manufacturers globally, including Norway’s Corvus Energy, which announced that the company is expanding its US operations by opening a new factory in the Port of Bellingham, Washington.The U.S.-based manufacturing facility, starting with Corvus’ Orca battery, will have an annual capacity of 200 MWh of stored energy capacity, with the

Training Tips for Ships: Choosing e-Learning Media ... It’s All About Outcomes!

In the previous edition of Training Tips for Ships we discussed the choice of media for learning materials and which media would lead to the best results. Is it text? Images? Videos? Interactive exercises and simulations? All too commonly it is claimed that interactive media with fancy (and expensive) graphics will produce better learning outcomes. The reality is not nearly so simple. So, how do we choose? It’s not hard.The first question we should be asking is not one of media choice, but instead is one of learning outcomes. Do we want the trainee to internalize some knowledge or a concept? Or

NFPA Certificated Marine Chemists – A Century of Fire Protection and Life Safety

As the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Technical Committee on Gas Hazards votes on the First Draft of the next edition of NFPA 306, Standard for the Control of Gas Hazards on Vessels, the NFPA Certificated Marine Chemist Program will mark 100 years of fire protection and life safety on marine vessels, in shipyards, marine terminals and waterfront facilities.What started a century ago as an industry effort to prevent fires on vessels under repair has never been more important. According to a 2007 report of the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, approximately 25 percent of fatalities in

To Achieve Greener Shipping, "There's an App for That"

As part of a R&D project, Bernhard Schulte Shipmanagement (BSM) has investigated the influence of the behavioral change of individual seafarers on carbon emissions on selected ships managed by BSM Deutschland (BSMD). Using clean-tech start-up Signol’s app, BSM reports that "remarkable reductions in bunker fuel consumption" were detected on single ships.During the research project, which ran in the second half of 2021, 60 Masters and Chief Engineers on 28 vessels under full management of BSMD were invited to take part in the trial on a voluntary basis. During this time, each

Training Tips for Ships: Are Mariners Knowledge Workers?

What is the difference between knowledge and skills? Which should we focus more on in our training, and how does one influence the other?When we think about the most important mariner quality, often the first thing that comes to mind is skill. Can the officer or crewmember safely perform the skills required of him or her? After all, if everyone performs their necessary skills correctly, what more is there?There is, in fact, much more. Let’s see what the experts have to say:“A study by the U.S. Coast Guard found many areas where the industry can improve safety and performance … the

AST Appoints Peters as Group Managing Director

Applied Satellite Technology Ltd. (AST) appointed Andrew Peters as Group Managing Director.“Andrew’s appointment comes at a pivotal time for AST, his experience in the technology sector and knowledge of our industry and markets will spearhead our Group in the next stage of our growth," said Gregory Darling, Founder and Chairman.Andrew has held leadership roles in several telecoms and technology organizations, including CEO of Deutsche Telekom UK and Telefonica UK, with significant experience in M&A and business integration.In 2013, Andrew joined Pole Star Space Applications as CEO

Kongsberg Digital to Supply Simulators to UAE's AASTS

Kongsberg Digital (KDI) said it has signed a contract to deliver a suite of multipurpose simulation solutions to the Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport Branch in Sharjah (AASTS), United Arab Emirates. The state-of-the-art simulators enable realistic training scenarios for different vessel types in various operations and weather conditions, and will be used in training and assessment of the academy’s students as well as crew from government and private organizations.“When we signed the agreement to establish the Sharjah branch of the AASTS, which is a prominent

Ocean Power Technologies Announces Leadership Changes

Ocean energy technology developer Ocean Power Technologies, Inc. (OPT) announced on Monday that Philipp Stratmann has been appointed as its new president and chief executive officer, and a director, while Matthew T. Shafer has been promoted to senior vice president, chief financial officer and treasurer.Stratmann, who previously served as OPT’s vice president of global business development since 2019, takes over from George H. Kirby, OPT president and CEO since 2015, who is leaving the company to pursue other endeavors.Stratmann received an engineering doctorate in engineering management as well

New Banking Payment Platform for Seafarers Launched

A new touch-free payment platform for the maritime industry has been launched by Secure Seas.Secure Seas says its electronic payment platform is designed to provide financial security to seafarers by transferring their pay electronically, removing the antiquated and problematic system of cash distribution in U.S. dollars. This provides seafarers with basic facilities the rest of us take for granted: full access to their funds in their preferred currency, use of an International, non-jurisdictional bank account and debit card to withdraw cash or transfer funds home, and the ability to transfer payments

Kevin Short Named CEO of Mintra

Norwegian maritime and offshore training software firm Mintra said it has appointed Kevin Short as CEO. Short, who has been chief commercial officer since 2018, takes over the leadership role from Scott Kerr following his decision to join the firm’s board of directors.“In these post-Covid times and as we slowly return to a world that can be considered more normal, there are tremendous prospects for both digital learning and human capital management software. We know that how things worked before – people constantly travelling to training facilities – will not be the same going

FutureOn Appoints CFO, Head of People

FutureOn, a software company specializing in the provision of digital oilfield solutions, has made two key senior appointments as part of the company’s strategic growth plans.Katherine Taylor-Jones brings significant experience and knowledge in strategic financial management and leadership to the newly created position of Chief Financial Officer. Having worked predominantly for fast growth global SaaS businesses in recent years, she joins FutureOn after successfully scaling several tech businesses, FutureOn said.  Taylor-Jones said: “FutureOn has delivered impressive growth since it

Liberian Registry Introduces Online Services for Seafarers

, working through approved Training Centers, to be able to take these examinations globally 24/7.Chief Operating Officer of the Liberian Ship and International Corporate Registry (LISCR), Alfonso Castillero, said, “These new platforms are a key part of Liberia’s continued implementation of technology. This time of COVID-19 and the continued restriction of travel has continued to necessitate the industry to continue to think outside the box and adapt to allow for technology to be used whenever possible. These platforms now mean that seafarers that may not have been able to travel to take exams

TECH FILE: Software Helps Merchant Mariners with USCG Credentials

MM-SEAS is the reportedly the first software that automates the manual task of obtaining, tracking and renewing U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) credentials, helping to eliminate paperwork processing errors while delivering merchant mariner career guidance.Civilian mariners are required to have valid USCG Merchant Mariner Credentials (MMC) to be onboard any commercial or federal ship in the United States. Credentialing is a complex and vague process. From 2012 to 2018, 44.9 percent of approximately 500,000 applications submitted to the USCG National Maritime Center were incomplete or missing key documents.

VIDEO: MarTID 2021 ... A Call to Action for Global Survey of Maritime Training Practices

The 2021 Maritime Training Insights Database (MarTID) survey is about to be launched. This is a unique and pivotal time in maritime training. The pandemic has forced us to adapt our training and has accelerated training innovations. This year’s survey is uniquely important for its ability to help us learn from these unprecedented changes to training practices. If we do not survey and document the changes resulting from the pandemic, we lose a unique opportunity to learn. Therefore, the industry needs you to take 20 minutes to complete the survey at www.MarTID.org. Your contribution will enable

Navico Hires Norton as Chief Sustainability Officer

Navico, parent company to the Lowrance, Simrad Yachting, B&G and C-MAP brands, said it has hired Tara Norton as its first-ever Chief Sustainability Officer, as the company has made sustainability one of its core strategic pillars globally across its brands, products, operations and production. Norton joins the marine electronics company from French multinational Engie Impact, where she worked with its corporate and government clients to accelerate their energy transition to cleaner energies.“We are dedicated to being an environmentally-responsible company,” said Knut Frostad

VIDEO: Profiles in Training - Mike Corrigan, CEO, INTERFERRY

Mike Corrigan, the ubiquitous leader of Interferry, has a broad base of energy and maritime industry experience, including his stint as CEO of BC Ferries. Corrigan shares with Maritime Reporter & Engineering News his thoughts on a broad range of issues facing the ferry industry: COVID-19, emerging international regulations, and yes, maritime training and education initiatives throughout the world ferry industry.Looking back to your tenure atop BC Ferries, can you discuss this through a training and education lens?At BC Ferries, safety and training was an integral part of my role and passion.

Sea Machines Promotes Bourque

closed an additional $20 million in financing with significant participation by Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII), America’s largest military shipbuilding company and a provider of professional services. The investment in Sea Machines marked one of the largest venture rounds for an advanced technology company serving the marine and maritime industries

Maine Maritime Academy Partners with SailPlan

Maine Maritime Academy (MMA) announced Tuesday it is partnering with maritime technology company SailPlan to accelerate the development of an intelligent vessel’s navigation platform and shoreside vessel control.The academy said it equip its fleet, including the autonomous 41-foot workboat R/V Quickwater, with the Reston, Va. based startup’s intelligent navigation platform. SailPlan will provide real-time fleet location and health monitoring to MMA’s Shore Control Center resulting in unparalleled vessel telemetry being made available shoreside. SailPlan’s cloud-based route

Kongsberg Sim-based eLearning Solutions for MAAP

; has for decades been a pioneer in the use of new simulation-based training tools. Now, the Academy has started using Kongsberg Digital’s K-Sim Engine eLearning solutions to deliver cloud-based tuition to its student engineers, consolidating its position as a leading adopter of the new digital technology.Designed to provide highly realistic representations of real engine models, this cutting-edge eLearning tool allows students to practice and prepare for their exams anytime, anywhere and at their own pace, whilst providing a comprehensive simulation resource.“The K-Sim Connect platform with

Wärtsilä Delivers LNG Training Solutions for Anglo-Eastern

Anglo-Eastern has partnered with technology group Wärtsilä to further enhance its simulator training for crew, with the delivery and installation of state-of-the-art, customized LNGPac bunkering and liquid cargo handling simulators at the ship management group’s largest maritime training center in Mumbai this October.Developed by Wärtsilä Voyage, this is a new product for the marine market, reflecting the increasing adoption by fleet owners of LNG fuel and the consequential need to ensure that crews are sufficiently trained in operating LNG-fueled vessels.The simulator

SUT Appoints Cheryl Burgess as Chief Executive

The Society for Underwater Technology announced it has appointed Dr. Cheryl Burgess as Chief Executive, effective January 2021.Burgess brings to the role over three decades’ experience in the energy industry, including oil and gas (both offshore and onshore), renewables and utilities. She takes over from Steve Hall who has held the post for the past four years.The former Director General of the Pipeline Industries Guild, Burgess’ extensive international expertise from her years with UK Trade & Investment and the Society of British Gas Industries will bring benefit to the SUT’s

BSM Gains DNV GL Approval for Remote Training Course

Bernhard Schulte Shipmanagement (BSM) said Wednesday it has received DNV GL class approval to offer the Liquified Cargo Operations (LICOS) training course remotely via its Maritime Training Centre (MTC) in Cyprus. The maritime solutions provider is now one of the few organizations within the industry with this capability that meet the standards of the Society of International Gas Tanker & Terminal Operators (SIGTTO).With current restrictions on travel, BSM guarantees steady training delivery to its internal gas fleet as well as to external customers during the COVID-19 pandemic. This ensures that

VIDEO: SkillGrader Takes Officer, Crew Skills Assessment to the Next Level

the learning technologies picture," said Murray Goldberg, founder and CEO of Marine Learning Systems. "For some time now, we have had tools to help teach and assess knowledge – the Learning Management System, and tools to help teach skills – simulation, AR and VR. Now we have technology that allows us to capture reliable, objective and actionable data on crew skills. Operators will gain visibility into workforce trends and risks, allowing them to target training and address issues to improve safety and operational performance.”SkillGrader is a mobile application that is

Marine Learning Systems Launches SkillGrader

duties according to company best-practice.“SkillGrader completes the learning technologies picture. For some time now, we have had tools to help teach and assess knowledge – the Learning Management System, and tools to help teach skills – simulation, AR and VR. Now, finally, we have technology that allows us to capture reliable, objective and actionable data on crew skills,” said Murray Goldberg, founder and CEO of Marine Learning Systems. “Operators will gain visibility into workforce trends and risks, allowing them to target training and address issues to improve safety

USMMA: Teaching with Simulation in the Maritime Field

related to student learning styles has emerged in recent years.  Through that research strong arguments have been made that more kinesthetic learning methods, such as hands-on or experiential learning, are more effective than more traditional methods like the lecture. In the maritime field, technology such as simulation, has provided us with tools to harness the power of experiential learning; however, those tools alone cannot ensure students are learning effectively.Studies by the National Training Laboratory have found methods such as lecturing and reading result in only 5%-10% of knowledge

Wärtsilä Names Håkan Agnevall as President and CEO

Finland-based marine engine and technology provider Wärtsilä has appointed Håkan Agnevall as its next president and CEO.Agnevall, who is currently president of Volvo's bus division, will start in his role no later than in April 2021, succeeding Jaakko Eskola, who will continue with the company as a senior advisor and executive until he retires on June 30, 2021, after 22 years with the group.Agnevall has been with the Volvo Group  since 2013. In the decade prior to that he held various leadership positions in Bombardier and in ABB, gaining experience in sales, production

Eight Propane Forklift Safety Considerations Crews Need to Know

conducted a study analyzing forklift-related accidents, injuries, and fatalities and discovered the top six causes to be operator inattention, lack of training, unstable loads, forklift overturns, operators struck-by load, and elevated employees.Fortunately for forklift operators, modern forklift technology is safer than ever — but only when operators follow proper safety procedures. To combat common hazards and keep employees safe, OSHA has several safety guidelines in place with regard to forklift operation, maintenance, and required training.The Propane Education & Research Council &mdash

Silva Tapped to Lead Corpower Ocean Portuguese Ops

.“Our mission is to build a world-class knowledge center in Viana for the development and mass fabrication of WECs,” said Silva. “We are currently laying the foundations for future high-volume operations. This involves collecting substantial amounts of data to 'prove' our technology, with an overall aim of successfully completing the demonstration phase with HiWave-5 with a competitive and certified product. Following this, we plan to expand our fabrication and service capacity to be prepared for widescale supply of our new generation WECs.”Corpower Portugal plans to

Crew Welfare Innovation Challenge Launched

crew welfare.Mobile satellite communications provider Inmarsat has joined forces with Shell Shipping and Maritime and maritime digital consultancy Thetius to launch a new ‘Open Innovation Challenge’ for start-ups and small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs). The challenge aims to identify technology that can benefit crew safety, health and wellbeing at sea at a moment when COVID-19 has exposed the welfare of seafarers to global scrutiny.The six-week Open Innovation Challenge is looking for novel solutions that have the potential to improve crew safety and welfare across four innovation challenge

Ecochlor Hires Scheid as Europe Business Development Manager

U.S.-based ballast water treatment systems manufacturer Ecochlor announced Sören Scheid will be managing the company's new office in Germany as the Regional Business Development Manager for Europe, Scandinavia and the U.K.Scheid brings to the role more than 10 years of work experience in the maritime industry, including roles in sales, process engineering and operational environmental protection.The Ecochlor ballast water management system (BWMS) uses a two-step process to treat ballast water; filtration followed by an injection of chlorine dioxide (ClO2) into the ballast lines. The system

Kongsberg Maritime Launches Remote DPO Training

As the maritime world continues to turn to digital technologies to help maintain business operations amid the coronavirus pandemic, Kongsberg Maritime is planning to digital platforms to ramp up remote delivery of targeted training.The Norwegian tech company says it is now offering basic Dynamic Positioning Operator (DPO) courses fully remotely from start to finish, including the practical part of the training.Using virtual machines, students can engage in practical exercises with a remote K-Pos trainer, in addition to completing theory and assessment modules online. Kongsberg says the hands-on

OGTC Names New Chair

Aberdeen-based research and technology organization the Oil & Gas Technology Centre has appointed Martin Gilbert as its new Chair.Gilbert succeeds Archie Kennedy who has been Vice-Chair and Chair of the OGTC since it was established in February 2017.Gilbert was a founding director of Aberdeen Asset Management in 1983 and was instrumental in its £11bn merger with Standard Life in 2017, when he became co-chief executive of Standard Life Aberdeen.Welcoming Gilbert's appointment, Colette Cohen, CEO of OGTC said:"We’re excited to welcome Martin to the Oil & Gas Technology

Crew Training for a Future that Includes Autonomous Vessels

As we continue to contemplate a future with ships transitioning to automated and autonomous operations, the need for new and innovated crew training will only increase. Our current and future ship crews will need to straddle both new and existing vessel operation technology. This will present challenges, but ones that the industry can address in a proactive manner.Traditionally, maritime skills have changed slowly and new technology was assimilated on the fly in many cases. The Merchant Marine was a place where you learned on the job. From entry-level positions to cadet shipping, the very rank structure

Training Tips for Ships #12: Training in COVID-19 Times - A “How to Guide”

COVID-19 is requiring all operators to reconsider how they train. In-person traditional training is essentially prohibited by this pandemic. So how do operators adapt quickly to maintain compliance and train for safe operations, yet do so in a COVID-safe way? Fortunately, it can be done, and it is not difficult. Furthermore, by taking the steps necessary to deliver training during the pandemic, you will be putting in place systems, tools and content to improve both the outcomes and cost-efficiency of your future training, pandemic or not.In order to respond to the immediate need, we will focus here on

Roxtec UK Appoints Whelan

Roxtec UK has moved to increase its presence in Britain’s maritime sector with the appointment of a new marine and offshore manager.Mark Whelan has joined the Swedish-owned company having spent 10 years at another international manufacturer, most recently as a project manager for naval and commercial shipbuilding sector contracts. At Roxtec, Whelan will have responsibility for business development in the south of England.Roxtec’s transits are used to seal cables and pipes aboard a wide variety of ships including naval vessels, cruise liners and ferries, superyachts, offshore support vessels

GOST Hires Ryan as Global Sales Manager

GOST (Global Ocean Security Technologies) announced that Sean Ryan, who was recently brought in as an outside sales representative, has been promoted to the role of Global Sales Manager. Ryan’s responsibilities include guiding the sales and marketing teams to execute GOST’s long-term strategies to generate new partnerships, while continuing to service existing customers for a more fluid and efficient client experience, both in the U.S. and abroad.Based in Delray Beach, Fla., Ryan comes to GOST with over 16 years of relevant experience in customer service and technical sales, having

COVE Internship Project Begins Despite COVID-19 Pandemic

The Center for Ocean Ventures and Entrepreneurship (COVE) has announced the Internship Pilot Program is proceeding on time. The project has been revamped to be delivered using virtual means which allows the interns to help the participating companies transition through the COVID-19 pandemic.The ten participants from various interdisciplinary studies are working on projects for DeepSense, Precise Design, Pisces RPM, and IGNITE. With the workforce moving to social distancing norms, the interns are working with these companies across Nova Scotia virtually.The interns are completing, or have completed

Neodrill Expands CAN Team with UK Business Development Manager

Neodrill, Norway-based pre-rig well construction technology specialist, has appointed Geoff Proud as Business Development Manager for its Conductor Anchor Node (CAN) integrator solution in the UK. Proud, who has 30 years of experience in the oil and gas sector, with a focus on subsea production systems, will work to drive forward the CAN-integrator technology in the UK market. Neodrill's CAN-integrator expedites early production by enabling pre-rig well construction and marine operations. The CAN-integrator is a further build on Neodrill’s proprietary CAN technology.

NOV Names New Chief Technology Officer

Oil and gas equipment and technology provider National Oilwell Varco, has appointed David Reid as Vice President and Chief Technology Officer, effective April 17, 2020. Reid has been appointed a successor of Hege Kverneland who will retire after more than two decades with National Oilwell VarcoKverneland joined NOV through the acquisition of Hitec in 1999. Starting in 2001, Kverneland worked as the Company’s Corporate R&D manager until she was promoted to Chief Technology Officer in 2009.Clay Williams, Chairman, President and CEO of National Oilwell Varco, remarked, “I am grateful

Remote Training with Vessel-specific Software

Kongsberg Maritime announced an integrated strategy to deliver remote, targeted training for its customers. Providing this service through digital platforms reduces travel, cost, time away from home and climate footprint. Three products – Remote Training, e-Learning and K-CAT (Kongsberg Competence Assessment Tool) – combine to ensure that vessel crews can fully benefit from Kongsberg’s expertise from the convenience and safety of their homes or offices.Remote Training is delivered through established virtual classrooms and online training tools. The virtual/digital training

Ransomware: The IT Danger on the Horizon

have loosely heard of it, but the broader implications haven’t yet penetrated the public consciousness. In different industries, that general lack of awareness could be a big problem—and the maritime sector is a good example.Ransomware hits at the confluence of two critical trends in modern technology: the ever-increasing integration of IT systems into daily life, and the interconnectedness of those IT systems. In its 2019 report “Evasive Threats, Pervasive Effects,”  Trend Micro recorded a 77% uptick in ransomware attacks between the second half of 2018 and the first half of

VIKING Offering E-learning Amid Coronavirus

VIKING Safety Academy has addressed a fast-emerging seafarer training issue brought by coronavirus by delivering a unique e-learning tool that can keep seafarers STCW-compliant until restrictions on movement and social interactions come to an end.With many countries in lockdown, face to face seafarer training is also being suspended and some flag administrations have responded by granting automatic three-month extensions to the STCW Certificates seafarers must update every five years. However, VIKING Safety Academy has designed a unique training set-up so that seafarers can undergo training for a full

Kuosa Named CEO of NAPA

Officer. Kuosa assumes the position from Ilmo Kuutti, who served as CEO of NAPA Group for three years. Kuutti continues as an Advisor and a member of the NAPA Board of Directors.Mikko Kuosa, who joined NAPA in 1999, holds a master’s degree in Naval Architecture from Helsinki University of Technology, Finland. Since joining, Kuosa has taken on various leadership positions at NAPA. In his most recent role, Kuosa held a position of an Executive Vice President for NAPA Design Solutions, and before that, he was heading NAPA Technology as a Vice President, Technology.Kuosa commented, “Three

Lee Named GNS Chief Executive

from January 15,  2020. Kent’s appointment follows the acquisition of GNS by the Cornes Group in November 2019. He succeeds Paul Stanley, who led GNS from 2014 until its acquisition by Cornes.During the last 25 years, Kent has held a number of senior executive positions in the information technology industry with wide international exposure. In 2012, he co-founded CloudRadigm, a company focused on the R&D of an AI-driven intuitive analytics engine and the development of a simplified ERP solution that enables businesses with mobile workforces to operate more effectively. Prior to joining

Heijder Joins OneOcean

OneOcean appointed Robert Heijder as its new Head of Sales for Benelux and France. Heijder has a wealth of knowledge and experience, most notably from his time with Transas, provider of ship operations solutions.Heijder has  driven sales teams and has a track record in selling ECDIS, simulation and shore-based systems. He brings the comprehensive expertise required to power OneOcean’s new Rotterdam office through the company’s next phase of expansion.

Madely Joins Ecochlor as VP of Global Service

Ecochlor announced the addition of Michael "Mick" Madely to fill a newly created position of Vice President of Global Service.  Madely has had a full career in the global maritime industry with over 25 years of experience in senior management positions in both Commercial and Technical roles. He has extensive experience in Asia and the Middle East with a hands-on approach in leading sales and operations of world class capital equipment and engineering providers. For the past 10 years, prior to joining Ecochlor, Madely held the positions of General Manager and Managing Director for Goltens

Whitworth Joins Maritime IoT Firm Pentonet

operations with O.I.L. Ltd in South America, the Middle East and the UK, Trevor can also claim marketing success securing specialist tonnage contracts in South-East Asia, West Africa and Central America. Trevor has a BSc in Maritime Commerce from the University of Wales Institute of Science and Technology and is certified as a British Navigating Officer.Pentonet was founded in 2016 by Darryn Trowell and Markus Sandelin with the goal of providing onboard cellular connectivity using modern and cost-effective solutions, a mission that has developed into providing smarter communications between ship