Marine Insurance & the “Human Factor”
Insurance underwriters of diversified maritime exposures see a wide variety of approaches taken by vessel operators to manage human error to control risk. They have found through experience that the majority of hull and liability claims can be traced to a breakdown in preparedness and decision-making. Maritime operators that set a high bar and build well-constructed methods of managing the human element of risk – and those that monitor it closely – can save significantly on insurance costs due to lower frequency and severity of claim activity. Managing the human factor is the most difficult of all risk management processes. We are all fallible and prone to error.
MR Interview: Erik Ceuppens, SVP, Satellite Communications, Airbus Defense & Space CIS
Transformation in the maritime communication sector continues, as Airbus Defense and Space announces plans to sell its commercial satellite communications business. MR spoke with Erik Ceuppens, SVP, Satellite Communications, Airbus Defense & Space Communications, Intelligence & Security (CIS), to help put the development in perspective. The maritime communications sector has been in near continual flux for nearly two decades, with merger and acquisition activity a constant. In tandem with development of innovative software solutions…
ABS Nautical Systems Signs Wins OSV Fleet Contract
Oceanografia S.A. de C.V., one of Mexico’s largest offshore vessel operators specializing in underwater survey, diving, pipe laying construction and maintenance operations, has signed a contract with ABS Nautical Systems to implement the NS5 Enterprise asset management software across its entire fleet of multi-purpose offshore support vessels. Six of the vessels are ABS-classed newbuilds and will utilize the Maintenance & Repair and Drawings Management modules as part of the ABS Newbuild Program, resulting in savings for software licenses, database development and consulting services of nearly $100,000. In addition, the company will also install the Purchasing & Inventory and Crew Management modules.
Wiernicki to Become CEO of ABS
ABS President and Chief Operating Officer Christopher J. Wiernicki will assume the duties of Chief Executive Officer of ABS following the classification society’s annual meeting in April 2011. Robert D. Somerville, currently Chairman and CEO of ABS, will relinquish the CEO responsibilities while remaining Chairman of both ABS and the ABS Group of Companies. Wiernicki, a member of the Board of Directors of ABS, has been working closely with Somerville for the last four years in his position as President and COO. The role of CEO will be in addition to Wiernicki’s existing responsibilities.
