Norsafe has signed a new contract with the Swedish Coast Guard (KBV)

22nd December 201616th January 2017Phil Page

On Wednesday 21^st December, Norsafe signed another new contract with the Swedish Coast Guard (KBV) to deliver nine new Magnum 750 MKII boats. The boats are specially developed in close cooperation with KBV and are a continuation of seven boats already delivered between 2015 and 2016.

“It is hard to imagine a better Christmas present than this”, said Kjell Sørensen, SVP of sales at Norsafe. “This shows that Norsafe is recognised as a high quality provider of specialised boats. The new boats will be delivered over the course of the new year.”

Hill Dickinson Further Strengthens Marine Practice

22nd December 2016Catherine Varney

International law firm Hill Dickinson has reached an agreement that will bring the shipping practice of Swinnerton Moore LLP to the firm.

The agreement is expected to be finalised by the end of February and will see founding partners Tony Swinnerton and Lewis Moore join Hill Dickinson’s City of London office. Tony and Lewis bring with them an established roster of distinguished clients from across the international marine market.

InterManager President’s New Year message: 2016 tested us, but let’s make 2017 the year that drives us

21st December 20164th January 2017Elaborate Communications

There is no shying away from the fact that 2016 has been a difficult year for our industry. The frighteningly low freight markets domino effect on the whole industry has tested even the most seasoned of maritime professionals.

As owners began to tighten their belts, managers were being squeezed even tighter they had to make decisions based purely on cash flows rather than investment potential. The overall effect being on the quality of service managers can offer not only owners but also seafarers.

Vroon Extends 140-plus Vessel Contract for KVH mini-VSAT Broadband Solution

14th December 2016Phil Page

Successful five-year contract for VSAT broadband connectivity is extended, and more vessels to be provided with KVH’s IP-MobileCast content delivery service and KVH OneCare services

MIDDLETOWN, RI – December 14, 2016 – KVH Industries, Inc., (Nasdaq: KVHI), has announced that Netherlands-based Vroon has extended its contract for KVH’s maritime satellite communications solution, choosing the mini-VSAT Broadband^sm network for connectivity services onboard more than 140 Vroon vessels.

“In working with KVH during the past five years, we realized that having a reliable communications partner is essential to the smooth operation of our vessels and welfare of our crews,” says Rob Frenks, Vroon’s group ICT manager. “We also witnessed firsthand the advantage of the IP-MobileCast entertainment packages in enhancing crew welfare. KVH offers us a total and affordable managed service that brings together proven hardware and a fully integrated global network management system that will support our business for years to come.”

The multi-year contract also includes KVH’s IP-MobileCast^TM service for news, sports, movie, and TV delivery, and preventive maintenance checks to ensure peak performance on all fielded systems as part of the KVH OneCare^TM program.

The Princess Royal begins the Festive Season with The Mission to Seafarers

12th December 20164th January 2017Elaborate Communications

The Mission to Seafarers Annual Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols took place last week at its headquarters at St Michael Paternoster Royal Church, London.

Once again the charity had the privilege of its President HRH The Princess Royal and Vice Admiral Sir Timothy Laurence attending. Not only did Her Royal Highness read the first lesson, the congregation were fortunate enough to meet with the charity’s President at the post-service drinks reception in the sumptuous setting of Skinners’ Hall.

Norsafe’s Experience in The Polar Code Pays Off

12th December 201616th December 2016Phil Page

The International Code for Ships Operating in Polar Waters or The Polar Code as it is more familiarly known, is expected to take effect on 1st January 2017.

Adopted by the IMO, this risk and goal based system will be mandatory for any sailing planned in the polar region. A specific risk analysis has to be undertaken to assess and mitigate potential risks to demonstrate compliance with the code.

In readiness for the introduction of the code, Norsafe has become the first LSA supplier to have executed full scale tests and trials during a joint stakeholder SAR-EX (Search and Rescue) expedition in April 2016 with the following stakeholders; Norwegian Coast Guard, Norwegian Maritime Authorities, Norwegian Petroleum Safety Authorities, ENI, DNV-GL and 5 different universities.

ZERO PER CENT FOR THE SWEDISH CLUB

9th December 2016Phil Page

8 December 2016, Bangkok: In a move designed to support owners in difficult trading conditions, for the second year running The Swedish Club has announced a zero per cent general increase for the up-coming P&I renewals 2017-2018.

Speaking at the Club’s Board meeting in Bangkok, Lars Rhodin, Managing Director of The Swedish Club, said that entered tonnage on the P&I side of the business was sustaining controlled growth, a continued appreciation from the Club’s members for the zero general increase previously declared for 2016/2017.

Mr Rhodin told Board members: “This positive result has been ahead of expectations and has demonstrated the importance of the Club’s continuing balanced underwriting approach in a competitive market.”

The Swedish Club Board agreed upon an alternative cover in FD&D of USD 10 million (above the standard of USD 5 million) for legal and associated costs for any one dispute. The general increase was again set to zero per cent.

European Shipping Week 2017 welcomes keynote speakers and panelists

6th December 20169th December 2016Elaborate Communications

European Shipping Week 2017 (ESW2017) is pleased to announce its line-up of high level industry speakers at its flagship conference to be held at Steigenberger Wiltcher’s Hotel in Brussels, on Wednesday 1^st March 2017.

Moderated by Julian Bray, Editor-in-Chief of Tradewinds, the flagship conference will attract up to 400 top industry ship owners and regulatory personnel who will hear from industry specialists on key issues under the overarching theme of: European Shipping Policy: Delivering Global Competitiveness, Quality and Sustainability.

It will begin with delegates being welcomed by the Chairman of ESW2017 and ECSA’s Secretary General, Patrick Verhoeven, who will then hand over to Julian who will introduce Violeta Bulc, European Commissioner for Transport; Michael Cramer, Chairman of the TRAN Committee at the European Parliament; and also Joe Mizzi, Minister of Transport and Infrastructure in Malta, who will start the Conference by touching on the institutional keynotes.

The Global trends affecting shipping session will include presentations by Märtha Rehnberg, Associate Partner, Dare Disrupt Trade and Alexander Stubb, Member of the European Parliament, Finland. They will then be followed by Jos Delbeke, Director-General DG Climate Action in the European Commission. After a Q&A session, Kyriakos Anastassiadis, CEO, Celestyal Cruises; Marialaura Dell’Abate, Amoretti Armatori Group; Mark Dickinson, General Secretary, Nautilus International; Trond Hodne, Business Director, DNV GL Maritime; Henriette Thygessen, CEO, Svitzer and Melina Travlou, CEO, Neptune Lines will contribute to the presentations.

Extension of EUNAVFOR mandate is necessary and welcome to counter continuing piracy threat

5th December 20169th December 2016Elaborate Communications

The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) has welcomed the extension of EUNAVFOR Operation Atalanta, following a decision by the EU Council, which will continue to see military forces deployed for counter piracy operations in the Western Indian Ocean until December 2018.

ICS Secretary General, Peter Hinchliffe said: “The presence of military forces is an essential component of the package of government actions that has helped to suppress the activities of Somali pirates, in support of the protective measures that continue to be taken by the shipping industry. Ship operators and seafarers will be very pleased that EUNAVFOR has announced its ongoing commitment to these vital counter piracy activities.

ARMITT GROUP SIGNS CONTRACT WITH HUTCHISON PORTS TO BUILD STEEL HANDLING FACILITY AT LONDON THAMESPORT

2nd December 20162nd December 2016Phil Page

The Armitt Group, a respected UK shipping agent and specialist logistics company, has signed an agreement with Hutchison Ports for a purpose built, 120,000 square feet specialist steel handling facility at London Thamesport.

Construction of the first phase of 60,000 square feet is currently well underway with completion expected by the end of April 2017. Freight will move through the facility as early as May 2017.

The opening of a specialist steel terminal at London Thamesport is significant. This deep water facility will offer reduced sea freight distances for both short and deep sea steel importers as well as superb rail links straight into the heart of the United Kingdom.

Commenting on the agreement, Nicholas Marshall, Commercial Director of The Armitt Group, said:

“With no lock, beam or draft restrictions to be concerned about, delivering break bulk into London Thamesport is an attractive proposition for importers.

“Sailing times will be cut by three to four days compared to ports on the UK’s west coast or those further up the east coast. When you consider the savings to be made on fuel, travel time and port costs, plus the reduction in CO2 emissions, delivering into London Thamesport is an easy decision for importers to make.

“We have had significant enquiries from current and prospective clients who realise the multiple advantages in sailing directly into a rail connected, deep water facility and being able to use larger vessels over shorter sailing distances.”

BraemarSA favours traditional training to counter the over-reliance on technology

30th November 201630th November 2016Elaborate Communications

Addressing delegates at the 4th Asian Marine Insurance Conference, BraemarSA’s Far-East Regional Director, Graeme Temple spoke of the root causes of machinery damage, citing a lack of focus on traditional training as a major concern.

Hill Dickinson’s Maria Pittordis wins at the Eclipse Proclaim Personal Injury Awards

28th November 201628th November 2016Elaborate Communications

International Law Firm, Hill Dickinson LLP, is proud to announce that Maria Pittordis, head of marine, trade and energy has won Defendant Personal Injury Lawyer of the Year at the Eclipse Proclaim Personal Injury Awards.

The Eclipse Awards, which aim to encourage and reward high standards of practice, are now in their ninth year and growing, with well over 400 guests in attendance at this year’s event, held on 24^th November at The Grange St. Paul’s Hotel, London. Read more →

Mark Woodhead Named KVH Senior Vice President for Training and Content

23rd November 201623rd November 2016Phil Page

Mr. Woodhead will succeed Nigel Cleave, retiring CEO of Videotel, and will guide KVH’s growth in maritime crew welfare, safety, and productivity

MIDDLETOWN, RI, and LONDON, UK – November 7, 2016 – KVH Industries, Inc. (Nasdaq: KVHI), announced today that Mark Woodhead has been named to the newly created position of KVH senior vice president for training and content, effective on the first of January 2017. In this position, Mr. Woodhead will direct KVH’s market-leading maritime crew welfare, safety, and productivity services, which include Videotel maritime training packages – currently in use on more than 12,000 vessels worldwide – and numerous news and entertainment brands, such as NEWSlink – currently used by more than 9,000 vessels globally.

Mr. Woodhead has been managing director of KVH’s news and entertainment brands since 2013 and will succeed Nigel Cleave, following the planned decision by Videotel’s CEO to retire at the end of the year. Mr. Woodhead’s new position will bring KVH’s maritime training, news, and entertainment under one umbrella for the first time.

“Mark has nearly 20 years’ experience providing commercially licenced, industry-leading content to the commercial maritime, retail, and hospitality sectors, and we are thrilled to have him direct our comprehensive efforts to provide top quality maritime training programs and tremendously popular news and entertainment services as part of a total KVH solution,” says Martin Kits van Heyningen, KVH’s CEO. “Using KVH’s market leading mini-VSAT Broadband service to deliver this content makes KVH a complete provider for improving shipping industry productivity and economic performance.”

KVH Announces NEWSlink Live Service with Richer Content to Enhance Digital Life at Sea

23rd November 201623rd November 2016Phil Page

NEWSlink Live provides 24/7 world news and ‘play-by-play’ live sports reports to a wide variety of seafarers’ own devices

MIDDLETOWN, RI, and LIVERPOOL, UK – November 14, 2016 – KVH Industries, Inc., (Nasdaq: KVHI), is introducing NEWSlink^TM Live, a new digital content service for crew, at the CrewConnect Global conference, in Manila, November 15-16. This next-generation service enables seafarers to receive richer, more dynamic news, sports, finance, and entertainment content on their personal devices, and builds on KVH’s industry-leading NEWSlink service, in use on more than 9,000 vessels worldwide. NEWSlink Live offers crew a powerful digital wireless experience that supports all computers and mobile devices for easy access, while optimising satellite communications bandwidth and costs. NEWSlink Live delivers the existing daily NEWSlink print editions in an enhanced digital format, and also provides free access to a 24/7 world news feed, a unique ‘play-by-play’ live sports feed, and additional supplementary feeds and media services. This enhanced service is enabled by a customised mini-media player, supplied free of charge with every subscription.

“NEWSlink Live creates an improved experience for seafarers and provides a logical ‘next-step’ service to enhance NEWSlink’s existing daily and weekly newspaper service,” says Mark Woodhead, KVH senior vice president for training and content. “NEWSlink Live extends KVH’s commitment to provide the best content services at sea. We can now deliver news in whatever format best suits the vessel and its capabilities – NEWSlink print editions, the richer content of NEWSlink Live, or KVH’s unique IP-MobileCast^TM content delivery service, which provides even more with NEWSlink TV.”

As a thought leader in the maritime industry, KVH is the platinum sponsor of the 2016 CrewConnect Global conference, together with maritime training provider Videotel^TM, a KVH company. In addition to the NEWSlink Live presentation, there will be a Videotel demo during the conference to showcase a next-generation virtual experience using the latest and most powerful technology of the HTC Vive virtual reality (VR) system. The VR demo will enable users to explore a virtual 360˚ engine room space, and be able to perform a maintenance task with the use of wireless motion tracking controllers. “This virtual reality demonstration is a great example of how Videotel is constantly looking to the future and staying ahead of the industry to provide better services and a better understanding of how crews’ competency and well-being can have a dramatic impact on vessel performance,” says Mr. Woodhead. In addition to the NEWSlink service and Videotel maritime training programmes, KVH offers a wide range of solutions for the maritime industry. These services include mini-VSAT Broadband^sm connectivity, TracPhone^® VIP-series satellite communications hardware, the IP-MobileCast content delivery service, and the comprehensive KVH OneCare™ service and support programme – a complete solution that KVH refers to as the Power of One^TM.

More Fleets Turn to KVH’s IP-MobileCast Service for Competitive Advantage

23rd November 201623rd November 2016Phil Page

New and expanding customers cite cost containment and improved recruiting and retention as among the business benefits

MIDDLETOWN, RI – November 21, 2016 – KVH Industries, Inc., (Nasdaq: KVHI), announced today that numerous global fleets have subscribed to or expanded their deployments of its IP-MobileCast^TM content delivery service in recent months, reflecting the increased importance that ship managers are placing on the competitive advantages of a focus on staffing optimization.
Major fleets that have selected the IP-MobileCast content delivery service recently include:

Navigator Gas, operator of a fleet of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) tankers with worldwide clients, selected IP-MobileCast for 28 vessels.
OSG Ship Management, one of the world’s leading energy transportation services companies, has chosen IP-MobileCast for more than 20 vessels.
Wisby Ship Management, operator of a global fleet of tankers, is providing 18 vessels with IP-MobileCast content delivery.
Klaveness Ship Management, an Oslo, Norway-based global fleet operator has selected IP-MobileCast for more than 10 vessels in its container and bulk fleet.
Valles Steamship (Canada) Ltd., of Vancouver, a long-time customer of KVH’s mini-VSAT Broadband^sm SATCOM services, recently added IP-MobileCast content delivery for six vessels.
United States Seafoods, a major North American seafood company, has subscribed to IP-MobileCast for three vessels, enabling their seafarers to receive content via their personal devices.

Drive to Promote Hazard Awareness Delivers Results

22nd November 2016Debra Massey

The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) and The Standard Club have announced the successful conclusion of their ‘Spot the Hazard’ competition for seafarers – part of a major joint initiative to promote hazard awareness throughout the shipping industry.

Seafarers across the world were invited to identify ten hazards within five typical scenes – bridge, deck, engine room, galley and port terminal. The scenarios were supplied in the form of posters which were delivered to shipping companies worldwide. To reinforce the safety messages, after the competition new posters were then issued identifying the hazards on the original scenarios. The level of engagement with the campaign was impressive. More than 1,300 entries were submitted by seafarers from 78 shipping companies, comprising a wide range of nationalities. The competition was also shortlisted for “Innovation of the Year” at the Continuity, Insurance and Risk (CIR) Risk Management Awards.

Competition winners were those entrants who identified the most hazards correctly and whose safety ideas were considered to be the most original and potentially effective for the improvement of onboard safety. Each winner received US$2,000 in recognition of their achievement in beating off stiff competition from over 600 other seafarers. Read more →

Mersey Maritime Gears Up For Third Industry Awards

21st November 2016Catherine Varney

Mersey Maritime CEO Chris Shirling-Rooke

Plans are underway for the highly-anticipated Mersey Maritime Industry Awards (MMIA) 2017 with the four Diamond Sponsors and the Drinks Sponsor already secured for the third annual event.

The MMIAs are organised by sector representative body Mersey Maritime, and the Awards recognise the excellence and diversity that exists across all sectors of the maritime industry in the North West and the Isle of Man.

The 2017 MMIAs’ four Diamond Sponsors are demolition and remediation experts Beech Group, Liverpool John Moores University, port operator Peel Ports Group, and training provider in the maritime industry Stream Marine Training.

The Swedish Club Runs Groundbreaking Seminar in China

17th November 2016Debra Massey

The Swedish Club opened its doors to senior shipowners and brokers from across Asia last week, welcoming them to the Club’s latest Marine Insurance Seminar, specifically designed for the Asian markets.

The event was held in China, at the Zhuhai Marriott Hotel. Run over two days, almost 100 delegates representing China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore and Vietnam participated in the wide ranging programme.

Managing Director and Area Manager in Asia, Ruizong Wang, was delighted with the enthusiasm of the participants: “The Swedish Club works very hard to build strong, mutually beneficial business relationships with members of our local shipping and insurance communities,” he said. “We are one of the few insurers who provides such training to Members in Asia. Feedback from seminar attendees was very positive and we were pleased to learn that the initiative has proved of great value to them. “

We MUST future proof our industry, says InterManager

16th November 2016Elaborate Communications

InterManager, the third party and in-house ship management association, has urged the maritime industry not to neglect its duty in ensuring a sustainable future.

Speaking at CrewConnect Global, InterManager’s President Bjørn Jebsen and Secretary-General Capt Kuba Szymanski spoke of the necessity of working closely with key decision makers to maintain a resilient industry.

Use Training to Direct the Future of Shipping Says ICS Chairman

15th November 2016Debra Massey

Manila 15 November 2016: Training acts not only as a career enhancer, but also plays an essential role in the modernisation of the shipping industry as a whole, said Esben Poulsson, Chairman of the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) today, as he delivered the keynote speech at this year’s Crew Connect Global Conference in Manila.

“The future sustainability of the industry requires an evolutionary response to the training and retention of seafarers,“ he stressed. “We need to do more than simply respond to changing needs, we must learn to anticipate them and thereby control the development of the industry. “

In an uncertain time for the global economy and world trade, and therefore the shipping industry, he pointed out the inevitability that structural change will follow and that operations and trading patterns will also change.