Software Platforms News

Siloed data systems represent a “recipe for duplicative and multiplicative cost inside a company and across companies”, an OrbitMI-hosted panel at the recent Shipping Insight event in the US was told, as a Bureau Veritas-backed study highlighted this as a big barrier to data collaboration for digitalization of shipping to cut emissions.Vast amounts of data are generated from ship operations - such as from sensors onboard or vessel performance management systems - as well as from…

Moorestown, N.J. based Gallagher Marine Systems (GMS) and Wilton, Conn. based ECM Maritime Services (ECM) have merged as of June 30, 2023, forming a single maritime regulatory consulting, compliance, emergency preparedness, security and response firm.All key personnel from both companies will remain intact as the combined companies integrate software platforms, workflows and staff into a combined organization. In the interim, both GMS and ECM operations will continue unchanged.The collective company will be led by current GMS president and former ECM employee, Thomas Wiker.

Geophysical seismic surveys and port security may appear to have little in-common. However, it turns out that managing complex marine seismic operations, where 10km-long seismic streamers have to be deployed harmoniously alongside other offshore marine assets, isn’t that dissimilar to managing – and protecting – port facilities.It's an area that ION Geophysical, more known for seismic data acquisition technology, has recently been proving its expertise in, using its Marlin system for marine operations management.

The marine software developer looks to accelerate growth with new backing from global technology firm.Marine operations software company Helm Operations has been acquired by Toronto-based Volaris Group Inc. (“Volaris”). Volaris specializes in strengthening and growing technology companies and is a leader in the marine software space. Founded in 1999, Helm Operations is widely known as a developer of marine operations software for the workboat market. Following an acquisition by ClassNK in 2014, the company released its newest platform, Helm CONNECT, in 2016, reportedly achieving measurable growth in just two years. The firm is heavily involved in the subchapter M implementation markets on U.S.

When talk turns to ‘Maritime Simulation’ visions of high-tech bridge simulators with seamless graphics and interwoven component simulators – engine room, DP systems, cargo loading – come to mind. But modern simulation is so much more, a wholistic visual, audio, tactile and cereberal experience that prepares mariners to deal with a bevy of real-world situations. Modern maritime simulation has evolved rapidly, driven by exponential leaps in computer and graphic display power, a…

According to Xeneta’s global database of over 12 million contracted ocean freight rates, the containership market is staging a small recovery, with short-term rates rising, suggesting long-term costs could soon follow suit. This may be positive news for carriers, but it does pose risks for shippers, noted Xeneta CEO, Patrik Berglund. Oslo-based Xeneta, a benchmarking and market intelligence platform for containerized ocean freight, crowd sources shipping data from more than 600 major international businesses to provide a real-time window into prices on more than 60…

Maritime software solutions provider Oceans HQ Ltd has announced a partnership with the Gibraltar Ship Registry (part of the Gibraltar Maritime Administration), ahead of new STCW requirements for online access to seafarer certification data which come into force in 2017. The project, which began in September 2014, sees Oceans HQ working directly with the Gibraltar Maritime Administration to implement the Vessel HQ and Seafarer HQ platforms, enabling ship registries to keep accurate…

Profitability in shipping goes up and down in waves. 2012 wasn’t too bad, with annual operating costs shrinking by 1.8% on average versus 2011, when average costs rose 2.1%, but 2013 weighed anchor in the losses column for many. And 2014? So far the waters are choppy, with the overall mood up in May but dipping down in the quarter that ended in August, according to Moore Stephen’s quarterly Shipping Confidence Survey. Much of what worries the industry concerns issues over which it has little to no control – oversupply…

Schlumberger has released the 2014 versions of its industry leading software platforms. The Petrel* E&P software platform, Techlog* wellbore software platform, Studio* E&P knowledge environment and Ocean* software development framework enhance multidisciplinary integration, collaboration and productivity. “E&P investment decisions are increasingly driven by digital models that enable rich analysis of physical data through the application of workflows reflecting industry best practices,” said Uwem Ukpong, president, Schlumberger Information Solutions. Petrel 2014 features a new ribbon-based interface design configured in a logical, workflow-driven layout to boost productivity. Key tools are presented in context, enabling a more focused user environment.

Inlecom and DANAOS announced that their e-Maritime compatible collaboration platforms enabling interoperability in shipping software solutions are now available commercially as beta versions, following successful trials with eMAR partners including DNV and Port of Valencia. The platforms have been developed as a result of the EU-funded eMAR project which supports DG MOVE with a specific focus on the EU e-Maritime initiative facilitating Information Exchange for efficient, safe and environmentally friendly maritime operations.

McMurdo Group was launched today as a new global company in end-to-end search and rescue (SAR) and maritime domain awareness (MDA) solutions. Comprised of Orolia’s former Positioning, Tracking and Monitoring Division, McMurdo Group combines Boatracs, Kannad, McMurdo and Techno-Sciences, Inc. into the industry’s first, single-vendor provider of end-to-end lifesaving and tracking solutions including distress beacons, satellite connectivity infrastructure, monitoring/positioning software and emergency response management. “The formation of McMurdo Group is far more just than a corporate realignment. It is an opportunity to lead, simplify and educate a fragmented…

KVH Industries, Inc., has named Boatracs Inc., a leader in integrated maritime satellite communications and software solutions, the first Value Added Service Provider (VASP) for its mini-VSAT Broadband service. This collaboration will deliver an end-to-end fleet management package for the commercial workboat and fishing markets, bringing Boatracs' market leading software applications to vessels via a reliable broadband connection in a single package. Sold under the name "Boatracs Broadband Fleet Management Solution", this innovative package includes a KVH TracPhone® V3 and mini-VSAT Broadbandsm service for global broadband connectivity as well as Boatracs maritime software platforms, Boatracs BTConnect® and Boatracs BTForms™.