Scottish maritime technology company, MarineMTS, has secured a partnership deal with global maritime software firm, Nautisk Forlag AS.
The deal will see Stonehaven-based MarineMTS supplying key components and communications protocols that will enable the delivery of live, automatic updates to navigational charts on vessels that use an electronic chart display and information system (ECDIS). Nautisk will use the components and protocols in a revolutionary new voyage planning suite, launched this week at Nor-shipping (30th May – 2nd June, Oslo).
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Real-time chart updates are not currently available with existing ECDIS. MarineMTS’s solution – packaged in a single ‘plug and play’ box – is set to revolutionise maritime operations. It comes with anti-virus software, it converts and encrypts data for transmission and is compatible with all current ECDIS, offering a secure, cost-effective and fully integrated solution for mariners.
Wynne Edwards, managing director, MarineMTS said: “Our partnership with Nautisk means customers will be able to unlock the full potential of their existing ECDIS through our innovative bolt-on technology. It will vastly improve the functionality and capability of their system, giving them access to superior data to streamline operations.”
Nautisk’s Head of Innovation and Product Development, Kjetil Bentsen said: “We approached MarineMTS to work with us to develop a service that would facilitate automatic updates of ENCs onboard vessels sailing global routes.
“The solution that we are launching is revolutionary as it is non type-specific, meaning that it will work with ANY existing ECDIS and through any communication channel.”
Over the last five years, MarineMTS has been focused on a period of intensive research, testing and development of next generation navigational software and tools. It is now poised to take advantage of the commercial opportunities created by mandatory ‘roll out’ of ECDIS and other technology. The International Maritime Organisation (IMO) has introduced regulations that is forcing ship owners of all sizes to replace paper navigation charts with electronic systems.
Wynne Edwards added: “Compared to other industries, the maritime sector is behind the curve in adopting digital technology and big data. However, change is upon us, partly driven by legislation, but also by a growing recognition of the value of high quality data and integrated systems. The industry is heading towards the creation of truly smart ships. Our products and services are based on a solid foundation of testing and development. They provide flexible and effective solutions, which are fully compatible with existing systems, exceeding anything else currently in the marketplace.
“The partnership with Nautisk is the first major deal we have secured to deliver one of our refined, next generation solutions to the global maritime market. It marks a significant step in our plans for business growth and expansion.”
