Year: 2020

Indian Register of Shipping (IRClass) launches vessel for Unichart Navigation

Phil Page

M.V. ROKNOOR-32, a General Cargo vessel, built under the classification of the Indian Register of Shipping (IRClass), was successfully launched from the Delta Shipyard in Chattogram, Bangladesh. Ordered by Unichart Navigation Limited, M.V. ROKNOOR-32 is the first in the series of five vessels and is also the first Bangladesh flag vessel being constructed under IRClass.

The launch follows closely on several other vessels which were built under IRClass’ classification and successfully delivered during this unprecedented global pandemic. It underpins IRClass’ dedication and proven track record to fulfil clients’ needs, ensuring that work carries on even during these unpredictable times.

Executive Director of Delta Shipyard, Mr. Syed Monzur Hossain said: “We will like to thank IRClass for all the support provided during this pandemic. The timely approval of plans allowed the construction to proceed smoothly and the team’s unsurpassed attention to detail ensured that any issues were resolved early on in the process.”

M.V. ROKNOOR-32 is approximately 82.5m long with the capacity of 3200DWT and is designed to meet the latest IMO conventions and codes for worldwide operations.

Mr. Amit Bhatnagar, Regional Manager East Coast of India and Bangladesh for IRClass commented: “I am delighted with our team in Bangladesh who have worked tirelessly during this period to facilitate the successful construction and launch of the vessel. The team has been very committed from the start and quickly adapted to the “new normal” of safety measures, implemented to allow safe operations for both our clients and surveyors.”

OCEAN TECHNOLOGIES GROUP ACQUIRES MARLINS AND ENTERS INTO STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP WITH V.GROUP

Phil Page

V.GROUP, the leading global provider of ship management and marine support services, and Ocean Technologies Group, the leading provider of maritime learning and operational technologies, have entered a strategic partnership to offer best-in-class e-learning to V.Group personnel and customers.

Starting later this year, V.Group will leverage on Ocean Technologies Group’s digital platforms to provide innovative and industry leading integrated e-learning solutions to V.Group’s customers.  The new solutions will include bespoke V.Group content, cutting-edge technologies in micro-learning, adaptive and gamified learning and virtual reality training developed by Ocean Technologies Group.

As part of the landmark cooperative agreement, the Marlins Maritime English assessment product and Marlins global ‘Approved Test Centre’ scheme will be transferred to Ocean Technologies Group and become part of its growing list of offerings.

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MACN Announces Anti-Corruption E-Learning Initiative

Phil Page

MACN has announced the development of an e-learning training toolkit and platform on ethics and integrity, for ship owners, managers, agents, and maritime cadet schools. Funded by MACN and the TK Foundation, the training toolkit will target different specific user-groups of employees to make it fit for the learners, including captains and crew, employees supporting crew in operational roles, and senior management. The platform and training solutions will be delivered by Videotel and Seagull Maritime, now both part of Ocean Technologies Group.

Cecilia Müller Torbrand, MACNs Executive Director said: “The maritime industry is exposed to frequent demands for corruption including cash or in-kind benefits. Ultimately, it is the master who must manage the situation when government officials make demands for corrupt payments. This results in great stress and has a detrimental effect on the health and safety of the crew. Equipping the captain with tools and support functions to say no to demands is key to stopping bribery. It is also a valuable step in building a solid anti-corruption program. With our members insight and engagement, we are building a maritime specific course which will give Master and employees working in the maritime sector, valuable guidance to tackle corrupt demands.”

MACN’s current Integrity Training Toolkit was first developed in 2014 and has been successfully deployed by several MACN members. However, there is a demand from the membership to improve and further develop this training to include stakeholders such as port agents and maritime cadet schools.

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KVH Watch® Offers Remote Expert Intervention for Real-time Support at Sea Using High-speed Satellite Connectivity

Phil Page

Maritime innovator KVH’s VSAT-based IoT offerings are designed for deep sea use by equipment manufacturers and commercial vessels

MIDDLETOWN, RI – June 16, 2020 – KVH Industries, Inc., (Nasdaq: KVHI), a global leader of maritime satellite connectivity, announced today that it is expanding its high-speed VSAT-based Internet of Things (IoT) services, which are designed for an era of increased digitalization throughout the maritime industry. With the new offerings, KVH will provide a suite of maritime IoT solutions for everything from remote monitoring to real-time intervention, powered by a high throughput satellite (HTS) network that delivers fast and reliable connectivity worldwide.

KVH Watch IoT Connectivity as a Service, introduced last year, provides maritime equipment manufacturers, multicard service providers, and shipyards with access to 24/7/365 secure data from onboard equipment. Featuring a dedicated cybersecure terminal, KVH Watch enables an independent, air-gapped data flow that does not use the vessel’s primary satellite communications system.

Adding to the KVH Watch solutions, KVH will offer Remote Expert Intervention, a satellite optimized video collaboration application designed to enable on-demand high-throughput remote support sessions between vessels at sea and experts on shore. The focus on remote collaboration enables maritime equipment manufacturers to use their most experienced experts on shore to give real-time guidance to onboard crew for troubleshooting, repair, and identification of replacement parts that are needed, thereby avoiding costly service calls, minimizing delays in port, and making support more effective.

“By using deep sea transit time, Remote Expert Intervention goes well beyond simply monitoring the performance of onboard equipment,” says Sven-Eric Brooks, KVH’s senior director for IoT business development. “It enables maritime equipment manufacturers to take action and provide real-time support via video, voice, and text, even when the equipment is on a vessel in the middle of the ocean.”

KVH Watch services also include Flow, which provides high-performance connectivity for IoT platforms, and Flow Intervention, which boosts data capacity to speeds as fast as 10/3 Mbps for bulk file transfers, very high-frequency data investigations, and application updates.
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Videotel Wins Host of Awards for its Training Programmes

Phil Page

Maritime e-learning provider Videotel has won a host of prestigious awards for its recent releases underlying the continued focus on quality since becoming part of Ocean Technologies Group.

Videotel have been frequent award winners in their 40 year history across their comprehensive portfolio of training materials designed to help seafarers with a diverse range of ship safety, environmental, security and   other operational training materials.

The recent award wins are:

2020 COMMUNICATOR AWARDS

 

Entry: Personal Safety on Board Ship, Part 1 – The Essentials

Category: Film / Video-Training (for Corporate use) for Film / Video / Television

Award: DISTINCTION

Producer: Amanda Gross

https://videotel.com/stcw-training-catalogue/products/1317-part-one-the-essentials

 

Personal Safety is one of Videotel’s most viewed series with almost 200,000 views in the last 12 months alone. This updated programme deals with seafarer personal safety and is aimed at crew and the shore-side personnel who liaise with them.

 

WorldFest Houston Film Festival

 

Entry: ASBESTOS AWARENESS

Category: Film & Video Productions – Training

Award: Gold Remi Award

Producer: Amanda Gross

https://videotel.com/stcw-training-catalogue/products/1330-asbestos-awareness

 

This moving training package uses genuine seafarer stories to describe the risks of asbestos, where it may be found on the ship, how it should be managed for the safety of everyone on board, and what to do if the material has been disturbed.

 

WorldMediaFestivals | Television & Corporate Media Awards.

 

Entry: MARPOL ANNEX VI – PREVENTION OF AIR POLLUTION FROM SHIPS (EDITION 3)

Category: Training: Learning Programmes

Award: Gold

Producer: Katerina Sfaellou

Script Writer/Director: Robin Jackson

 

https://bit.ly/2zFCi8k

 

Part of an updated series on this key area of environmental legislation that demonstrates a move to shorter more targeted video training.

 

Horizon Interactive Awards 2019

 

Entry: Shipboard Maintenance and Painting (Edition 2)

Category: Video – Instructional

Award: Gold

 

https://videotel.com/stcw-training-catalogue/products/1367-shipboard-maintenance-and-painting-edition-2

 

This training package is intended for all ship’s personnel tasked with, or are responsible for seafarers who paint steel decks and surfaces.

All these e-learning titles are available as video and Computer Based Training (CBT) formats.

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Tero Marine Enhances Its e-Procurement Solution With A New Purchasing App

Phil Page

Leading fleet management software provider Tero Marine extends its e-procurement solution to mobile devices to optimize the supply chain for people on the move.

 “The new app improves the e-procurement work-flow as decision makers can approve purchase orders on the move, ensuring that supply chains are not hindered by POs stacking up in the pipeline awaiting authorization,” said Rune Lyngaas, Tero Marine’s CEO.

“The app strengthens Tero Marine’s TM Procurement solution, which is a fully integrated part of the fleet management software system TM Master V2,” he added.

In an industry where autonomy and automation is emerging, the timing of the launch of this app is perfect. The new app is available from 1st June.

Tero Marine is part of the Ocean Technologies Group, which is a global learning and operational technology company dedicated to accelerating the potential of innovative companies that serve the maritime industry in the 21st Century.

The Group also includes maritime e-learning training providers Seagull, Videotel and Maritime Training Services plus document and HSEQ solutions provider COEX.

Indian Register of Shipping (IRClass) overcomes challenges from global pandemic to launch of ADVAITA, in China

Phil Page

Advaita, a dedicated cement carrier under construction at Penglai Zhongbai Jinglu Ship Industry Co., Ltd, China was successfully floated out on 30th March 2020. The vessel is being built under classification of Indian Register of Shipping (IRClass). This event is exceptionally significant as many constraints were faced prior to the successful launch, in light of the COVID-19 global pandemic.

IRClass surveyors braved the constantly changing scenario of both global and local restrictions and immense challenges including movement of manpower, to ensure the float happened as scheduled. Advaita, is approx.160m long, 22200 dwt, dedicated cement carrier  and is designed  to comply to all  the latest IMO conventions and codes like SOLAS, MARPOL, Loadline etc for worldwide operations.

Mr. P K Mishra, Head (Operations) of IRClass commented: ‘I’m glad we were able to put into action and demonstrate our ability to adapt and respond quickly to the changing environment. This is a true test of IRClass’ competence and I am extremely proud of our team for putting in the tremendous effort in the face of these challenges and continuing to soldier on even in such exceptional circumstances’.

‘The safety and well-being of IRClass’ surveyors is the top priority for us and all safety measures and precautions are in place for them to carry out their roles. IRClass remains truly committed to its members to support their business needs and will continue monitoring the changing circumstances to ensure that their needs are met’, he further added.

 

BIMCO, Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers and Videotel partner in unprecedented online education collaboration

Phil Page

BIMCO, Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers and Ocean Technologies Group subsidiary Videotel have partnered to create a high-quality, accessible educational resource to help maritime students across the globe to continue their studies remotely during the coronavirus pandemic

 

BIMCO, the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers and Ocean Technologies Group maritime eLearning subsidiary Videotel have joined forces to provide access to a wealth of self-study material via the institute’s learning management system. The ICS Online Academy is free for all registered students until the end of July 2020 and will enable them to use eLearning material jointly produced by use BIMCO and Videotel in preparation for Institute exams by giving them greater access to quality education and maritime resources.

“ICS Online Academy is a really unique project which has allowed BIMCO and Videotel to collaborate with the Institute for the benefit of the maritime community, especially students who are struggling to stay on track with their learning during the current crisis. The combined technical, educational and subject-specialist skills that have gone into building the Academy really demonstrates the dedication to quality of learning rather than a purely commercial focus,” said Julie Lithgow, Director of the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers.

Angus Frew, BIMCO Secretary General & CEO said, “BIMCO is very happy to donate this material. In the hands of Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers, it will be put to good use and hopefully bring a lot of new people into the industry.”

The Academy was soft-launched earlier this year and has already been tested by over 300 students from locations as varied as Lagos, Kenya, Singapore, Tanzania, the UK and Canada. The Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers made the decision to bring forward the scheduled launch of the project to assist students suffering as a result of the restrictions imposed by the Coronavirus.

“As a global learning and operational technology company, Ocean Technologies Group is driven to help to make the industry safer, stronger and able to excel. Partnering with BIMCO and the Institute for Chartered Shipbrokers for this new initiative means that students in developing countries will have access to the same high-quality resources as they would find in well-established maritime learning centres and can continue their studies and training during the coronavirus pandemic,” said  Manish Singh, Chief Executive Officer at Ocean Technologies Group.

 

The ICS Online Academy can be accessed via computer using the following link https://icsonline.academy/ or using the free Moodle app for both iOS and Android. The learning platform is specifically designed to support learners in developing countries. Users in locations with poor or unstable connectivity are able to download courses, work offline and submit their work when reconnected.

 

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2020 Financial Statements – Britannia declares another strong set of results

Phil Page

Highlights

  •  Satisfactory year with an underwriting surplus of USD29.3m
  • Strong investment return (7%) yielding USD61.9m
  • Increase in total capital resources net of USD25m capital distribution
  • Steady tonnage growth during the year and a strong 2020/21 renewal
  • The Association is well placed to meet the financial and operational challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic

 

Financial overview

 After a third consecutive renewal with a zero general increase, total calls and premiums for 2019/20 were down marginally on the prior year.  However, lower claims incurred in the financial year resulted in a satisfactory underwriting surplus of USD29.3m and a net loss ratio of 79.9% (2018/19 – 83.8%).  The well diversified investment portfolio produced a strong return of 7% overall, with equities being the strongest performer at 16.5%.  All asset classes produced a positive result and the overall investment gain was USD61.9m, nearly twice the long-term target.

Capital resources grew by USD31.4m, after taking account of the USD25m capital distribution made to mutual Members in the year and remain above the economic capital target set by the Board.

In the period immediately after the year end, investment markets were impacted by the uncertainty caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and much of the investment gain made during the year was reversed.  However, the Association’s strong financial position leaves it well placed to face the challenges posed by the uncertain global economic conditions likely to be experienced in the months and years ahead.

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Thome Group’s Successful Remote Audits with DNV GL

Phil Page

The Thome Group has successfully undergone a series of remote audits with DNV GL in various locations due to the widespread lockdown restrictions across the globe.

Thome Mumbai office’s annual ISO 9001:2015 audit was performed online using video conferencing software which enabled document sharing and discussions to take place to verify that all requirements had been met. This was the first remote inspection that Thome had carried out and, because of its successful conclusion, it encouraged the Group to use the digital option for other audits as well.

So, when the annual Document of Compliance (DOC) surveys were due for Thome Ship Management, Thome Shipping and Thome Offshore Management, the remote option was the obvious choice.

DNV GL in Singapore co-ordinated the audits with relevant Thome personnel in each of the aforementioned companies and the Hong Kong, Liberia and Marshall Islands Flags also had representatives present to remotely witness the audit. This is currently the largest remote annual DOC audit performed by DNV GL´s Singapore office.

Taking the lessons learnt from the above audits, Thome decided to develop its own remote vessel internal audit procedures to ensure its managed vessels were not only compliant under ISM Ch.12.1 requirements, but also, to ensure that its management systems were verified to be effectively implemented, despite the COVID-19 restrictions.

Thanks to the efforts of Thome’s Quality Assurance, Marine & Safety and IT departments along with co-operation from one of Thome’s managed vessels, methods such as teleconferencing, screen sharing to demonstrate usage of onboard systems and documents and sharing of photos and videos to verify the physical condition onboard, were all employed to complete a successful audit which has meant that remote internal auditing is now being rolled out to the entire fleet.

“I am really pleased how our teams both onboard and in our offices, have worked with our class and flag partners to find ways to share information remotely to allow surveys and audits to take place during the lockdown restrictions. All parties have taken a very pragmatic and practical approach to satisfy regulatory requirements using digital technology. I think that once lockdown restrictions are eased, we may see the continuation of remote audits and inspections as they are proving to be an efficient use of everyone’s time and energy which is advantageous for everyone concerned,” said Claes Eek Thorstensen, Thome Group’s President and CCO.

Ocean Technologies Group Appoints Pioneering Chief HR Officer

Phil Page

Global learning and operational technology innovator, Ocean Technologies Group, has appointed Susan Steele as Chief Human Resources Officer.

Steele, with over 25 years’ experience in HR, is known for her pioneering use of artificial intelligence and automation to develop employees and improve operational efficiency.

“The digital transformation taking place in the shipping industry as well as the industry’s increasingly complex regulatory framework create an urgency for us and for our clients” said Ocean Technologies Group CEO, Manish Singh. “Susan’s expertise will be invaluable as we attract, develop and retain colleagues around the globe.”

Prior to joining Ocean Technologies Group, Steele held HR leadership roles at Cision, IBM, WPP and Deloitte.

“Throughout my career, I have been drawn to Learning and Technology innovators” explained Steele.  “Ocean Technologies Group is poised to disrupt the global shipping market by harnessing the collective Learning expertise of Seagull, Videotel and MTS and the Technology innovation of Tero Marine and COEX. I am excited by the opportunity to create the employee-centric environment, experiences and culture critical to accelerating competitive advantage for our clients.”

Steele will be based in Ocean Technologies Group’s London office.

KVH Adds Mediterranean Region to KVH Elite Unlimited VSAT Streaming Service for Yachts

Phil Page

Following the launch of KVH Elite in the Caribbean, KVH will offer the service to yachts in the Mediterranean beginning on June 1

MIDDLETOWN, RI – April 30, 2020 – KVH Industries, Inc., (Nasdaq: KVHI), announced today that beginning June 1, it will add the Mediterranean region, a premier superyacht destination, to its KVH Elite™ service for unlimited HD-quality streaming onboard yachts. The dedicated service, which includes no overages or data limits, was initially launched last October in the Caribbean, where it was well-received by both private and charter yachts.

KVH will continue to offer KVH Elite in the Caribbean—including Florida, the Caribbean, and the islands of the eastern Caribbean—in addition to beginning service in the Mediterranean, including the Adriatic Sea and the Black Sea. The Mediterranean yachting season begins in June and has historically attracted superyachts not only from Europe but also from the Caribbean, although global travel restrictions may prompt many yachts currently in the Caribbean to remain there for the balance of the year.

“Yachting is a source of enjoyment for yacht owners and charter guests, and they want to be able to stream movies and other entertainment content just like at home,” says Mark Woodhead, KVH executive vice president for mobile connectivity. “The yachting market, especially during this unprecedented time, is seeing an incredible demand for VSAT connectivity. KVH Elite unlimited streaming service is one more example of how KVH’s premium VSAT connectivity can enhance the yachting experience.”

KVH Elite enables people onboard to use their favorite apps for streaming popular HD movie and TV content, music, and more, on an unlimited basis with no overages or data usage limits. The streaming service uses KVH’s award-winning VSAT antenna systems— the 1 meter diameter TracPhone® V11-HTS with download speeds as fast as 20 Mbps, and the 60 cm diameter TracPhone V7-HTS with download speeds as fast as 10 Mbps—and is designed for ease of use, with simple over-the-air activation that does not require any hardware changes to the antenna system or its belowdecks control unit. Yachts currently using the TracPhone V11-HTS or V7-HTS are KVH Elite-ready for activation.
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Indian Register of Shipping (IRClass) celebrates commissioning of coastal research vessel Sagar Anveshika

Phil Page

Research vessel set to strengthen oceanographic research capabilities of India’s National Institute of Ocean Technology

With the commissioning of coastal research vessel Sagar Anveshika earlier this year, the Indian Register of Shipping (IRClass) celebrated yet another collaborative success with the Indian shipbuilding ecosystem.

Built under IRClass, Sagar Anveshika is a DP1-capable vessel fitted with state-of-the-art equipment that allows her owner, National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT/ Ministry of Earth Sciences,Govt of India) to carry out environmental indexing and bathymetric surveys in both coastal and offshore waters.

Sagar Anveshika is the second of two coastal research vessels built for NIOT, by M/s. Titagarh Wagons Ltd, with the first being Sagar Tara which was delivered in August 2019. The two vessels are set to augment NIOT’s  research capabilities.

Apart from classification, IRClass provided assistance to the owners in seamless integration of research equipment including the laboratories and deck machinery, to ensure that both the vessels satisfy the Scientific Mission Requirements, while complying with applicable rules, conventions, regulations and the flag state.

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Learning in Lockdown- Creating Good Distance Learning Experiences

Phil Page

Raal Harris, MD of Videotel and Creative Director of Ocean Technologies Group, is running a webinar to teach those with training responsibilities how to manage the transition from face to face learning to online teaching.

Called “Learning in Lockdown- Creating good distance learning experiences”, the webinar is designed to give tutors a guide on how adapt their training formats and techniques to take into account the differences of teaching delegates online, a medium which is being increasingly used in the maritime  industry as current travel restrictions prevent face to face classroom based learning.

“It is more than just a question of putting your classroom course online and hoping for the best,” said Raal Harris.

“Teachers need to invest time in assessing the right software to use, making sure it is easy to register and join the webinar with a facility for those having technical difficulties to be able to contact the organizer of the session for help,” he added.

Having worked for Videotel for 15 years, Raal has considerable experience in running online courses and so this webinar outlines the pitfalls to avoid and gives some great tips and hints in how to run an engaging and successful distance learning course.

The webinar will begin at 10.00am (UK BST) on Thursday 23rd April and is aimed at those responsible for their organisation’s training strategy, those looking to transform their classroom courses to online ones and tutors keen to understand how best to deliver programmes of training and education using video conferencing technology.

To register simply use the link below:

https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/6577159116829249294

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Indian Register of Shipping (IRClass) increases the use of Remote Surveys to beat Coronavirus restrictions

Phil Page

The Indian Register of Shipping (IRClass) is taking a pragmatic and practical approach in rendering services to its clients during this period of unprecedented challenges posed by global restriction in personnel movement to reduce the spread of COVID-19 pandemic.

IRClass’ aim is to manage and adapt to the ever-changing circumstances to minimise the impact on its customers by adapting remote surveys in maintaining the validity of ship’s certificates and thereby supporting the global trade, while ensuring the well being and safety of its staff. All of its office based staff are now working remotely from their homes and the company has also provided specific guidelines to its surveyors to follow precautions and country specific advisories when planning the conduct of surveys.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, some ships may experience operational challenges such as non availability of drydocks, spares, technicians, etc. In addition, surveys and audits may, in some cases, not be conducted because surveyors are unable to attend the ships due to travel restrictions or quarantines.

Depending on the specific circumstances, IRClass may grant survey extensions as allowed by its rules and application of force majeure provisions to ships due for surveys but facing difficulties due to COVID-19 scenario.

IRClass is working very closely with its clients and may also consider the postponement of non-critical work, where appropriate.

However, where possible and with flag approval, IRClass is increasingly turning to the use of remote surveys/inspections which are based on self-checks by the Master/Chief Engineer of the ship or the Senior Staff of the works, using the IRClass survey checklist and remote asesssment of supporting documentation, photographs/videography by an IRClass surveyor. Facilities for video conferencing including live video streaming for viewing specific sections of the ship or equipment for cross verification, are also proving to be invaluable tools for IRClass’ surveyors.

“These are challenging times for everyone, as the Covid-19 scenario is constantly changing. IRClass is actively monitoring the global situation and is committed to working with all its clients to support their business needs,” said Mr. Suresh Sinha, Managing Director of IRClass.

“Our remote survey system is working very well indeed and is a practical and  innovative way for our surveyor to carry out  the emergency safety assessment of a ship around the various restrictions in place. Our surveyors can now deal with surveys, audits and inspections from the safety of their own homes and, subject to various flag approvals. I can see remote inspections continuing to revolutionise classification services long after the COVID-19 outbreak using digital technology and real time, risk based, data driven decision making process – in not too distant a future,” he continued.

Ocean Technologies Group Backs Maritime CEO Discussions

Phil Page

Global learning and operational technology innovator, Ocean Technologies Group, has backed a series of Maritime CEO Leader discussions hosted by Splash editor Sam Chambers.

Launched on the 14 April, the Maritime CEO Leader Series brings together some of the key people in shipping to discuss issues affecting the sector as a whole which is particularly relevant at the moment given the current restrictions in place due to the COVID-19 outbreak.

Participants will also be quizzed on how they unwind and relax to cope with the hours of self-isolation during lockdown.

The first episode features Esben Poulsson, chairman, International Chamber of Shipping (ICS), Heidi Heseltine, CEO, Halcyon Recruitment and Bjørn Højgaard, CEO of Anglo-Eastern and chairman of the Hong Kong Shipowners’ Association.

The first season will run two episodes a week through April and May with more programmes planned across the maritime spectrum later in the year.

The series host Sam Chambers said, “The Maritime CEO Leader Series, powered by Ocean Technologies Group, aims to be both insightful and yet not too dry and heavy-going, giving viewers a glimpse of the real inner thought processes of many of the top names in the industry plus a look at their living rooms.”

The series will be produced in the UK by leading maritime distance learning provider, Videotel, which is one of the companies that operates under the Ocean Technology Group banner. Other companies that are part of the Group include Seagull Maritime, Tero Marine, Coex and the recently purchased Maritime Training Services.

“We are delighted that Ocean Technologies Group is backing the Maritime CEO Leader Series with Splash,” said Videotel’s MD Raal Harris.

“Splash and Maritime CEO has always managed to attract the top people in the industry to provide their insights and opinions on shipping and what their hopes are for the future. I am sure this will be a very engaging and thought provoking series,” he added.

Indian Register of Shipping (IRClass) classes its first vessel under Lebanese Flag

Phil Page

International ship classification society IRClass, has classed its first vessel under Lebanese flag.

The vessel is named Jouri and was converted from a vehicle carrier to a livestock carrier under the survey of IRClass which included structural modification, plan approval and reapproval of stability conditions.

The modification process was complicated and was carried out under the close supervision of its surveyors to the complete satisfaction of owner – Etab Shipping S.A. and Technical Manager – M/s Safe Sea Service  S.A.R.L Beirut.

“The project took around 4 months to complete, including overcoming technical challenges like the location of permanent ballast and arrangement for storage of cattle feed to take into account the stability of the vessel,” said Rajeev Pratap Rao, IRClass’ Regional Manager for Middle East and Africa.

“Class societies are increasingly being seen not just as regulators but also as enablers and this project is a perfect example of this with our Plan Approval team and surveyors using their technical expertise to advise and guide the modification team. As this project was such a success we are now working on a similar conversion for the City of Barcelona.” he continued.

Maritime Training Services Joins Ocean Technologies Group

Phil Page

 

On 27th March 2020 Seattle-based Maritime Training Services (MTS) joined the new Ocean Technologies Group, home to COEX, Seagull Maritime, Tero Marine and Videotel.

The combination ensures that MTS will accelerate its growth and develop its services, providing certainty to MTS customers and team following the untimely passing of the company’s Owner and Managing Director, Matthew Gasparich, last year.

MTS will add value to and also benefit from the diverse range of skills and experience available within the Ocean Technologies Group while also being able to draw on the significant investments in R&D being made by the Group in new technologies, content and courses.

Ocean Technologies Group aims to invest in the latest e-learning technologies and pedagogical methods such as gamification, micro-learning, virtual and augmented reality, as well as 3D animation and best-in-class video content.

MTS is well known to both Seagull and Videotel, having collaborated with both companies over many years on the production of maritime e-learning content and distribution of their respective training libraries.

“It is great to be able to welcome MTS to the Ocean Technologies Group. The company will add a significant expertise in the production of bespoke client-specific training programmes having worked with blue-chip customers in commercial shipping, maritime administrations, cruise sector and adjacent markets” said Manish Singh, Ocean Technologies Group Chief Executive Officer

“The combination enhances the responsiveness of MTS, by leveraging on Ocean Technologies Group’s global foot-print. Similarly the Group has better in-region footprint to serve the maritime market across the Americas. With colleagues based from Seoul in the East to Seattle in the West, we are a truly global partner to our customers” he continued.

The combination of MTS with Ocean Technologies Group comes at a crucial time, as Industry leaders Seagull Maritime and Videotel have been working proactively to offer a growing diversity of e-Learning opportunities tailored to specific client requirements.

“Joining this exciting new group gives MTS and our customers an incredible opportunity to build on the good work we have been doing together and take things to the next level.” Said Michelle Bollaert MTS International Operations Manager.

“Having watched with interest the Group developing around Videotel and Seagull, we feel that MTS will be valuable in enabling our new group to cater for all market segment needs and provide a comprehensive range of training solutions to the maritime industry. The MTS team is excited about the greater opportunities arising from being part of the market leading Ocean team” she continued.

 

Videotel Launches New Distance Learning Course on the IGF Code

Phil Page

Leading maritime e-Learning training provider Videotel, has launched a fully approved distance learning course on the use of gases or other low-flashpoint fuels covered within the IGF Code.

The Code, which came into force on 1st January 2017, aims to minimise risk to the ship, its crew and the environment by acknowledging the special nature of any gaseous fuels that are being loaded, stored and burned.

New minimum requirements for the training and qualifications of masters, officers, ratings and other personnel on board ships are also addressed in the Code and any seafarer responsible for designated safety duties associated with the care, use or emergency response to fuel on board ships which are subject to the IGF Code, must now complete an approved course of basic training.

“The use of gas as a fuel on ships has increased in recent years due to the sulphur cap and targets set by the IMO to reduce GHG emissions by 50% by 2050, when compared to 2008. So, this distance learning course comes at an appropriate time to help seafarers get up to speed with the handling and management of these fuel types,” said Raal Harris, MD of Videotel.

“There is no pre-requisite sea service needed to enrol on this course or to be awarded a certificate of training,” he continued.

Videotel provides courses allowing thousands of seafarers globally  to study for and obtain certificates in a variety of STCW and other subjects  by distance learning. The company is part of the newly formed Ocean Technologies Group which also includes Seagull Maritime, Tero Marine and COEX.

The combined services of Seagull Maritime and Videotel provide e-learning programmes to around 1 million seafarers and supply them with learning, education and a diverse range of ship safety and operational information.

Ocean Technologies Group is dedicated to accelerating the potential of innovative companies that serve the maritime industry and helping them to meet the challenges of 21st Century shipping.

The new IGF Code training programme can be found on the Videotel website.

Coronavirus- How to Beat it

Phil Page

In the wake of the pandemic COVID-19, leading maritime training companies Seagull Maritime and Videotel have launched a new programme called: “Coronavirus- How to Beat it.”

Available free to the maritime industry, the programme outlines the common symptoms that seafarers need to be aware of and details the key precautions that individuals onboard can take to minimise the spread of this highly contagious virus.

Frequent hand washing is one of the ways to reduce infection and the programme demonstrates the correct way to thoroughly wash hands using liquid soap and warm water.

It also gives advice to crew on the procedures to follow onboard if they think they have become infected, to reduce the likelihood of spreading the infection.

“The spread of COVID-19 has had serious implications for our seafarers and for the maritime industry a whole, with some port call restrictions, delayed crew changeovers and container shortages which are hampering the supply chain and causing severe disruption to the world economy. So, producing this programme seemed the obvious thing for us to do to help minimise the contagion,” said Raal Harris, Videotel’s Managing Director.

“Now that Videotel and Seagull are part of the same group, we have been able to combine to make this programme in record time. This important information will reach our combined client base which numbers the majority of the world fleet, but we also want to make it freely accessible to all seafarers to ensure everyone can benefit.  Having completed similar exercises with the Ebola and Zika outbreaks, we thought it prudent to continue to support the industry in this way,” he continued.

The programme “Coronavirus- How to Beat it” can be accessed from the Videotel and Seagull websites.

Seagull Maritime and Videotel are part of the new Ocean Technologies Group headed up by CEO Manish Singh, comprising of learning and operational technology companies and dedicated to accelerating the potential of innovative companies that serve the maritime Industry.