Svanes Joins NAVTOR as new Managing Director

Svanes, who is well known within the maritime industry for his contribution to the development of ECDIS and the electronic chart concept, will now lead and develop the NAVTOR team and proposition.

Stavanger-based Smedvig established NAVTOR in June 2011 after the firm spotted an emerging opportunity in the maritime marketplace. As carriage requirements for ENCs moved towards an official IMO mandate, Smedvig saw an opening to build up an e-navigation company that could meet the new demand for digital navigational services.

“In Egersund, a coastal town south of Stavanger well known for its maritime electronic industry, we established NAVTOR together with experienced personnel from the maritime industry, all with extensive know-how in electronic chart production and distribution. Svanes is now the latest to join the company and with his industrial heritage as founder of C-MAP Norway (now Jeppesen, part of Boeing) and his contribution to the development of ECDIS and the electronic chart concept, we are confident that we have the ultimate team to fulfill our aspirations,” states Odd Torland, Chairman of the Board.

“Svanes will replace Hilton Cowie who will take the position of Business Development Manager. The way NAVTOR has been established and built up under Cowie’s management is quite remarkable. Even though we have some weeks to go before the official launch of our ENC Service, the feedback from the market has been remarkable,” adds Torland.

Speaking of his plans for the business, Svanes himself explains: “The need for a seamless ENC Service is our core focus and we will also be adding a range of related innovative new navigational products and services. I am sure NAVTOR will be a major contributor to simplifying the e-navigation concept in practice.

“Looking back I have had the privilege to take part in the ECDIS and electronic chart development. Looking ahead I am proud to be leading the NAVTOR team and contributing to providing services that will be a valuable solution for navigators on the bridge.

“The fact that NAVTOR has taken orders for its ENC Services even before they have launched gives me the confidence that we are on the right track,” Svanes concludes.