Stolt-Nielsen taps Veson for Operations System

Veson Nautical, a U.S.-based maritime software developer, said that Stolt-Nielsen Transportation Group (SNTG) selected Veson Nautical’s Integrated Maritime Operations System (IMOS) to handle all chartering, operations and accounting functions for the company’s extensive Inland Tanker division. SNTG’s Inland barge fleet (SNITS), which operates within the Rhine River basin and associated canals in the Netherands, Belgium and Germany, will utilize IMOS to handle all voyages, contracts, scheduling and communications from vessel to shore. Due to the unique needs of SNIT’s operations, Veson will adapt IMOS to the company’s dynamic scheduling requirements. SNTG selected IMOS after reviewing a number of other software packages. “Veson delivered a more sophisticated, integrated solution than the competitors we reviewed. In addition, their flexibility and capability to customize the software to meet our unique business needs were major advantages,” explains Nick Jones, Senior Program Manager, Stolt-Nielsen Transportation Group. SNIT’s inland tankers, whose routes and schedules vary greatly from normal sea-going vessels, make short voyages usually with little advanced notice. IMOS will be adapted to this mode of operation, providing SNITS with major improvements in efficiency, better communications to and from its barges and enhanced management of information. For SNTG’s back office operations, Veson will integrate its IMOS Accounting Module with the company’s existing JD Edwards accounting package. The Lotus Notes email system will also be linked to IMOS for the initial timesheet data imports, but this will later be handled by the IMOS On-board module. In addition, Veson will be extending the functionality of its Cargo Planning screen to meet the specific needs of the Inland Tankers group. “Stolt-Nielsen, one of the leading transporters of liquid cargos and one of the largest tanker operators in the world, has selected IMOS, validating that the features and benefits of our technology solve the daily challenges of running a successful shipping business,” remarked John Veson, President of Veson Nautical. “It is both a privilege and a pleasure to welcome SNTG to our growing roster of industry-leading customers and we look forward to a very successful partnership with them.”