Kockum Sonics News

In response to the threat of invasive marine species, Sweden-based Kockum Sonics AB has developed a new concept for safe and efficient ballast water exchange on high seas. The concept is based on their two products LoadRite and Levelmaster - as exchanging ballast water in deep water requires careful planning. LoadRite, with its full 3-D description of the hull, is being used for hydrostatic calculations. It has been developed further to include the powerful Ballast Exchange Support Tool for the ship officers to define the fastest and safest way of ballast exchange at sea. A simulation of the complete ballast exchange process is followed by an online supervision in real-time as well as predicting future conditions.

After last year's impressive increase in visitor numbers, this year's ShipRepair & Conversion Exposition is well on its way to comparable success with more than 180 companies already registered to exhibit their wares at the show. The expo, which includes representatives from more than 35 countries, will be held November 10-11 at London's Olympia Hall. Boasting a large variety of attendees such as shipowners, ship managers, marine engineers and conversion specialists, ShipRepair & Conversion 99 expects to be 20 percent larger than last year's expo. Returning exhibitors include: BP Shipping, Shell International, Stena Line, P&O Cruises and P&O North Sea Ferries.

Loadmaster International Inc. (LMI) announced a new ownership structure. LMI, with offices in both California and Malmö Sweden, was formerly owned jointly by Herbert Engineering Corp.(HEC) of Alameda, California and Xantic BV of The Hague Netherlands. to sole ownership as a subsidiary of Herbert Engineering Corp. Kockum Sonics Marine productlines consist of acoustic signal systems Tyfon“,levelgauging systems Levelmaster“, and LoadRite“ loading computer, all with strong positions on the market. Through the acquisition Kockum Sonics will be able to provide another very strong brand, LOADMASTER“ to the market and will fortify its position as a leading supplier of marine components and systems worldwide.