Free Software News

Danelec Marine is now offering a comprehensive range of conversion kits to facilitate replacement of existing shipboard Voyage Data Recorders (VDRs). The company has created packages to replace more than 30 different models of VDRs and Simplified VDRs (S-VDRs) across all major existing and legacy brands, making it easy and less costly for shipowners to upgrade to the new technology. “Many ships are still equipped with VDRs and S-VDRs that were installed more than 10 years ago to meet the initial IMO carriage requirements,” said Danelec Marine CEO Hans Ottosen.“These systems are nearing or beyond their projected service life, and some are no longer in production or supported by their original manufacturers.

B&G, the world’s leading sailing navigation and instrument specialist has upgraded its latest software for the full range of Zeus2 and Vulcan chartplotters. The new software upgrade enhances B&G chartplotters, allowing users to wirelessly download high-resolution weather information using PredictWind* GRIB files to store meteorological forecasts. This new functionality helps in trip planning or developing strategy for top-level competition. PredictWind is recognized as the leading global supplier of weather data for inshore and offshore sailing, with forecasts ranging from low-bandwidth offshore route planning to specialized, highly detailed local area forecasts of 1km resolution.

Vesper Marine, a manufacturer of marine safety products, announced a free upgrade for its flagship AIS Class B transponder, the WatchMate Vision, streamlining usability, while adding new safety features and enhancements to the user experience. Preinstalled on all new units, the update is also available at no charge for existing owners. “When we first launched the WatchMate Vision, we raised the bar for boater safety,” said Jeff Robbins, CEO, Vesper Marine. “Today it is the premier AIS safety instrument on the planet.

For domestic and international shippers, now is the time to satisfy GHS freight label compliance. The “Globally Harmonized System” (GHS) was established by the United Nations to create a unified system for identifying and communicating hazardous chemicals. In the U.S., OSHA set a June 2015 deadline for chemical manufacturers to use GHS compliant labels, followed by a December 2015 deadline for distributors, and June 2016 deadline for end users. Despite the harsh environments, extreme temperatures and rugged handling that freight is subjected to when shipped by land…

Lowrance announced the upcoming software update for the HDS Gen3 fishfinder/chartplotter series — enabling wireless compatibility with the complete line of C-Monster compatible Power-Pole products. These efficient hydraulic anchors and all-electric Micro Anchor products quickly and quietly anchor fishing boats and kayaks in shallow-water situations. A simple touchscreen control on the Lowrance High Definition System (HDS) Gen3 display allows anglers to wirelessly engage the anchor — saving anglers additional steps and minutes, so they can focus on fishing. First announced in December 2014, the HDS Gen3 7-, 9- and 12-inch models offer a unique combination of professional-level features and easy-to-use operation.

The new STAIMO software for Speed/Power Trial analysis and reporting on board was released last January for use by the worldwide maritime industry free of charge. MARIN, which assisted the STA-Group in these efforts, also offers a dedicated course (June 16- 20) for EEDI Verifiers and other stakeholders to allow them to get fully conversant with model tests, Speed/Power trials and the use of STAIMO. Available via a dedicated website www.staimo.org, the STAIMO software package is the result of the implementation of the new ITTC Guidelines for Speed/Power Trials…

Omega introduced its new PX409-USBH series of high speed pressure transducers. This transducer connects directly to your computer and features excellent long term stability, 316L SS wetted parts, 1000/ reading/ second and is ruggedized with secondary containment. The micro-machined silicon design are ideal for pressure or level applications in laboratory, test platforms, or bio/pharmaceutical applications that require a rugged, high accuracy transducer. The PX409 High Speed USBH Series connects directly to your computer.

AB Maritime, Inc. a bulk carrier company based in Piraeus, Greece, will implement ABS Nautical Systems’ NS5 Enterprise fleet management software. The contract includes six vessels, two of which are ABS-classed newbuilds that qualify for free software licenses under the ABS Newbuild Program. The company will also implement Hull Inspection, Maintenance & Repair, HSQE, Purchasing & Inventory, Crew Manager and Vetting on all six vessels. AB Maritime, Inc. is currently using another system to manage their vessels; however they believe that the NS5 Enterprise platform will provide the flexibility they require to handle their requirements going forward. National Energy Transportation S.A.

FarSounder Launches Next Generation FarSounder-500 and FarSounder-1000. FarSounder announced the introduction today of their new generation Navigation Sonars. This official launch has been planned to showcase the technology at the 2012 Monaco Yacht Show which opens this Wednesday in Port Hercules, Principality of Monaco. The newly launched 3D forward looking obstacle avoidance sonars are the FarSounder-500 and FarSounder-1000. These systems feature longer detection ranges, in-water target tracking for improved image stability and chart overlay of sonar targets. The FarSounder-500 is capable of detecting targets out to 500 meters whereas the FarSounder-1000 is capable of detecting targets out to 1000 meters. Development of these new products has been in process over the last several years.

Caspian Drilling Company, based in Azerbaijan, will install ABS Nautical Systems’ NS5 Enterprise software on four of its drilling rigs. Three of these rigs will take advantage of the ABS Newbuild Program and the Transfer of Class Agreement Initiative (TOCA)* by implementing the Hull Inspection and Maintenance & Repair modules. A Survey Planning Document will be prepared for each of these rigs as well. Utilizing these offerings represents a savings of over $300,000 in software licenses, database development and consulting services.

Tuofo Shipping Management Limited will implement the Hull Inspection, Maintenance & Repair and Energy & Environmental modules on two of their newly built tankers. Without a current system in place, the Fujian-based company was looking for a proven solution for fleet management. Sloman Neptun, a tanker company based in Breman, Germany will utilize the Hull Inspection and Maintenance & Repair modules on three of their newly built chemical tankers and will also install the Drawings Management module in their central office location.

The new models will have longer detection ranges, in-water tracking for improved image stability, and chart overlay of sonar targets. Over the past few years, the FarSounder team has been developing the next generation of its navigation sonars. These improvements include both a complete redesign of the Transducer Module electronics and cutting edge sonar signal processing. FarSounder adds that since January 2012, all of the Transducer Modules shipped have had the newest…

Saujana Marine Sdn Bhd has signed an agreement for the use of ABS Nautical Systems’ NS5 Enterprise software on two of their 300 pax accommodation barges.   Based in Malaysia, Saujana Marine SDN BHD is an integrated marine support service company for the Oil & Gas industry.  The company will implement the Maintenance Manager and Drawings Management modules through the ABS Newbuild Program, which offers free software to ABS-classed vessels built after 1 January 2009. The Maintenance Manager software provides Saujana Marine SDN BHD the ability to track vessel maintenance trends including repair history, work orders, service requisitions, while Drawings Management allows access to an electronic library of vessel-specific drawings, images and documents.

ABS Nautical Systems has signed a contract with Arina Offshore (Fze) for use of its NS5 Enterprise software, marking the fourth new customer win in this region. The Dubai based company which specializes in vessel chartering and brokerage will utilize the Maintenance Manager module on one of its offshore vessels through the ABS Transfer of Class Agreement (TOCA) Initiative*. The TOCA Initiative offers free software to any vessel that transfers class into ABS. Arina Offshore (Fze) also will implement the Purchasing & Inventory module from the NS5 software suite on two additional vessels. These modules give Arina Offshore (Fze) the ability to proactively monitor maintenance trends as well as streamline purchasing, budgeting and inventory processes.

ABS Nautical Systems has signed two new contracts in Greece with Petrochem General Management S.A. and Opera S.A. for use of its NS5 Enterprise software. Both companies will take advantage of the ABS Newbuild Program which offers free software to ABS-classed vessels built after 1 January 2009. Petrochem General Management S.A. will implement the Hull Inspection module on seven of its chemical carriers. The Piraeus-based company was looking for a more user-friendly software solution…

ABS Nautical Systems Sign Two New Customer in Greece. ABS Nautical Systems has signed contracts with TMS Bulkers Ltd. and TMS Dry Ltd. for use of its NS5 Enterprise software. The Greece based bulk carrier operating companies for the TMS group were both looking to improve the machinery and structural assessment programs that are already in place. Both companies will implement the Hull Inspection and Maintenance & Repair software through the ABS Newbuild Program, which offers free software to ABS-classed vessels built after 1 January 2009.

ABS Nautical Systems has signed two new contracts in Greece with Millenia Maritime Inc. and TMS Tankers Ltd. Both companies will benefit from the ABS Newbuild Program which offers free software to ABS-classed vessels built after 1 January 2009. Millenia Martime Inc. will be installing the Hull Inspection and Maintenance & Repair modules from the NS5 Enterprise software suite on nine of its ABS-classed chemical carriers as a way to test a potentially more user-friendly system.

ABS Nautical Systems Expands Presence in Europe and the Middle East. ABS Nautical Systems has signed five new contracts in Europe and the Middle East. These new agreements signify the continued growth experienced in this region and the demand for the organization’s’ fully integrated asset management software, NS5 Enterprise. Piraeus-based companies Aegean Bunkering Services Inc. and Atlantic Bulk Carries Management Ltd., will utilize the NS5 Hull Inspection software through the ABS Newbuild program, which offers free software to ABS-classed vessels built after 1 January 2009.