NetWave Systems B.V. (“Netwave”) of the Netherlands acquired the Voyage Data Recorder (“VDR”) division of Rutter Inc., a public company from St. John’s (Canada) (“Rutter”). Parties concluded agreements whereby NetWave, also a manufacturer of VDRs for seagoing vessels and offshore installations, will manufacture Rutter™ VDR-100G3 systems as well as support and service all earlier models of Rutter ™ VDRs on a world-wide basis.
After a transition period, during which Rutter Inc. will continue to manufacture the current VDR-100G3 product line for NetWave, NetWave will be manufacturing this product line from their manufacturing locations in Europe.
To accommodate the Rutter™ VDR related sales & service responsibilities with immediate effect, NetWave has expanded its 24/7 customer service department in the Netherlands, from where it will continue to provide support, training and certification activities, including those required for all existing Rutter™ VDR products and the new (formerly Rutter) VDR-100 G3 products manufactured by NetWave. Spare Parts for both brands will continue to be readily available from distributors and NetWave locations in Rotterdam, Singapore, and Houston.
With NetWave’s continued manufacturing of the current Rutter™ VDR product line and the consolidation of the two VDR manufacturers’ service activities, existing Rutter and NetWave customers will benefit from the largest (with almost 900 trained and certified engineers) VDR service-network in existence along world-wide shipping routes. With over 5500 vessels currently equipped with VDR solutions provided by either NetWave or Rutter, NetWave has now become the world’s primary manufacturer of Voyage Data Recorder systems as well as so called ‘Final Recording Medium’ capsules, which have also been delivered to other manufacturers under their proprietary brands.
According to Rob Post, CEO and President of NetWave: “VDRs have been the foundation and focus of NetWave since 2005, and it’s no secret to market-insiders that Rutter and NetWave have always had a successful OEM relationship with the ‘Final Recording Medium’ capsules being developed and manufactured by NetWave. We have always been very proud of being a key supplier to Rutter, after all the very first, and today’s foremost market leader in VDR technology. The fact that Rutter have now sold their VDR business and thus entrusted service to their VDR customers, as well as the future of the Rutter VDR product lines to NetWave is a rewarding recognition of our efforts over the past 8 years. With this consolidation we accept a leading position in the VDR market and it is our eminent role and objective to provide customers who have relied on Rutter or NetWave VDRs with a sound upgrade path to comply with future regulations.
With obligatory ECDIS and Bridge Navigational Watch Alarm Systems at the horizon and new IMO regulations and IEC Performance Standards for VDRs expected soon, our customers rely on us to provide cost-effective upgrade paths with extended data recording capabilities and new functionality. Combining the proprietary technologies of both companies in new developments and servicing the largest number of deployed VDR systems on the fleet today will allow us to continue to serve the market with profound and cost-effective solutions.
Ship-owners are becoming increasingly aware of the importance of a VDR manufacturer’s capability to provide an extensive service network all over the globe. This is especially important for ‘detainable’ items like VDRs, also requiring the Annual Performance Test to be re-certified by the manufacturer. With this new consolidation in place, NetWave have not only strengthened the foundation for the ongoing development for the new generation of VDR products, but, with 300 service partners and 900 Rutter and NetWave trained and certified engineers along the major shipping routes, the most cost-effective service network in the VDR arena.”