Rolfs Returns As New IT Provider

John Rolfs, a founding director of shipping IT provider Dataworks, has returned to the maritime communications and technology sector after a two-year absence with his new company, Chipcraft. Rolfs left Dataworks in 2001 when it was acquired by Strategic Software. Chipcraft, his first venture back into the maritime sector, is a specialized software provider to the shipping world. Chipcraft is the official U.K. and Northern Europe representative for Danaos Shipping Software of Greece. As well as bringing communications and ship management software to match client needs, the company provides installation and support for its customers through U.K. partner and network specialists, Blue Diamond IT.

It was a condition of the sale of Dataworks to Strategic that Rolfs would refrain from competitive business for two years. This clause, which ran to its conclusion at the end of this month, will allow Rolfs to launch his new venture on June 1.