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Top 10 Most Disruptive Maritime Solution Providers-2020

Page 1

NOVEMBER 2020

TOP

10

MOST DISRUPTIVE

MARITIME

SOLUTION PROVIDERS

2020

Tech Tomorrow Leveraging Technology for a Better Tomorrow Compassion is Key Caring for the Elderly Amid Covid-19

Providing Digital Direction to the Maritime Industry

MariApps


EDITOR’S NOTE New Horizons: A Probable Future of the Maritime Industry

A

Chinese curse could in a positive way be the state of the maritime industry in times to come. ‘May you live in an interesting age’ though it speaks of the uncertainties that competition and competing technologies bring to the fore, also bring with it interesting possibilities that not only show ways to cut costs and do things efficiently, they sometimes show entirely different and novel ways of doing things far removed from the present, like for instance the concept of ‘slow speeding’ which stands completely opposed to the idea of speeding across ports to give better delivery times in the shipping industry. We bring to you a list of probable changes in the maritime industry that in times shall take it on a very different though interesting trajectory. 5G and the art of communicating remotely! A few details about 5G as a service and what it entails: Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ

10 to 100 times speed improvement over 4G and 4.5G networks making speeds up to 10Gbps possible Latency as low as 1-millisecond (1/1000th of a second) 1000x bandwidth per unit area Ability to handle up to 100x more devices where compared to a fully enabled 4G LTE network 99.999% availability i.e., practically zero downtime 90% reduction in network energy usage!

All these shall change the way a vessel is steered and handled! Remote controlled ships with minimum staff could be a possibility within a short while! What it means is that staffing could be less painful than it presently is. Kun Yang, Board Chairman and Project Administrator of the world’s first maritime 5G communication project says “Maritime 5G will play an important role for the remote control of autonomous ships in the future.” This could have a direct impact on cost implications in the maritime industry. IoT-assisted systems that communicate between themselves and take important decisions on maintenance and consumption With 5G, the next big change that could come about could be IoT-assisted systems that communicate between themselves and give the best performance to shipping companies besides others including port operations and even places like canals and repair facilities. IoT promises to reduce maintenance and upkeep charges with machines “speaking” among themselves and finding ways to overcome issues and situations within existing conditions and circumstances. Digital twin systems which help pin-point engine and system usage How does a Medical Practitioner operate upon a patient without fully know what the problem is? It could potentially be fatal besides not finding


a complete solution to the problem at hand. This is a very real possibility in the case of maritime assets including vessels, port infrastructure and even the condition of various channels leading to and from ports. Modern science has a way out and that too without cutting open anything and without taking decisions based on vague ideas and judgements. Digital Twinning it is called. More powerful than modelling and simulations, given that it leverages digital data through varied resources including historical data and real-time data generated thru IoT-based systems, it helps every initiative come out with realistic and possible solutions to many “what if” scenarios across industries. Within industries, it helps identify potential pain areas where the number of possibilities for things going wrong remain high. With its ability to be continually calibrated through a lifecycle by integrating real time digital data, it is the real “high-fidelity” model of reality most industries including the maritime industry always needs in order to keep costs down for faster ROIs.

the good old days of shipping!) to take advantage of strong winds. Just a cog in the global supply chains. As of now the maritime industry, and more so that part which deals with goods transport worldwide consist of either stand-alone shipping lines with varied owners or a consortium of shipping lines. They future may see them being part of global supply chains where their role remains the same, but the kind of importance associated exclusively with ships and their operations could see a drastic downward slide. With aggregation being the norm in any logistics entity, shipping and maritime could go the same way. Also, e-commerce organizations like Amazon could become eventual owners of maritime assets like ports and vessels which today are separate entities with enormous clout. Biggest generators of junk!

Environmental concerns Slow-speeding is a fairly new though established concept these days which shall find increasing application in days to come for two simple reasons. One, the price of fuel which keeps fluctuating worse than the swells of the sea, and two, environmental concerns which arise out of exhaust discharges besides likely fuel leaks into the sea. Besides slow-speeding (where circumstances so permit), the other newer technologies coming to the fore include the use of solar and wind power where maritime assets shall see the increasing use of solar panels in place which permit putting up the same without disturbing vessel operations, as also the use of sails (yes, sails like they used on ships in

With the likely entry of the final consumers in the ownership of maritime assets including fleets, terminals and intermediaries, assets including ships, buildings and other means of movements which could otherwise be used to provide end-toend service could see quick and systematic disposals to increase operational efficiencies while taking care of depreciation and tax-related issues. Put together, this industry could be the biggest creator of junk rolling-stocks worldwide, something that could itself buoy the steel and second-hand industry.

every likelihood of breaking these, it’s the maritime industry. Even when an asset moves within the littoral limits of a nation, there is every possibility of an inadvertent flouting of laws. You either escalate things which means loss of time, money or reputation or you design a system of automated checks and balances such that when a designated event occurs, the system automatically raises a red-flag which by itself results in action down the line and an eventual receipt/ payment of damages and penalties. If the same sound preposterous, be informed that it is already happening! EY, Guardtime and leading industry participants have launched the world’s first marine insurance blockchain platform that can support over half a million automated ledger transactions effectively managing risks concerning over a thousand commercial vessels in its very first year! There exist plans to expand it to other kinds of business insurances including marine cargo, global logistics, aviation, and energy Ships do not travel at the speed of aircrafts. What do, are innovative ideas that help achieve more for less while keeping the earth and its resources safe. This is a truly interesting space to be in! This edition titled, Top 10 Most Disruptive Maritime Solution Providers, 2020 brings to you, insights into the current scenario of the maritime industry and how the companies featured in this edition are making a significant impact within the same. Also take a note of the articles penned down by expert CxOs, detailing their opinions on diverse topics. We hope you enjoy reading this edition as much as we did while curating it for you.

Block-chains to free the maritime industry of legal bottlenecks! If there is one industry that stands squarely in the way of international treaties, laws and conventions with

Abhishaj Sajeev abhishaj@ciolook.com


COVER STORY

10 MariApps Providing Digital Direction to the Maritime Industry

ARTICLE

32 22 Leader’s Viewpoint The Future of the Car Servicing Industry Post COVID-19

Networking and Business A Connected World

44

52

Tech Tomorrow Leveraging Technology for a Better Tomorrow

Compassion is Key Caring for the Elderly Amid Covid-19


Almaco

Helping Clients Sail through Dynamic Tradewinds

18

Aros Marine

28

Arviem AG

36

i4sea

40

METIS Cyberspace Technology S.A.

48

OutďŹ tting Vessels one can Be Proud of

Delivering Innovative Maritime Visibility Solutions Worldwide

RedeďŹ ning the Benchmarks of Maritime Innovation

The Most Sought-after Smart Shipping Solution Provider in the Maritime Industry

C O N T E N T S


Abhishaj Sajeev Editor-in-Chief

CONTENT

Senior Editor Alan Swann Executive Editors Rohit Chaturvedi Alex Spellman

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November, 2020


Company Name

Featuring

Brief

Almaco almaco.cc

Bjorn Stenwall CEO

ALMACO is a full turnkey provider of all hotel, and catering areas including laundries in the marine and oshore industry.

Aros Marine arosmarine.com

Mantas Dubavicius Chief Commercial OďŹƒcer

Aros Marine provides turn-key solutions for interior design & HVAC installations by adding detailed engineering and design solutions that vary in scale & complexity.

Arviem AG arviem.com

Stefan Reidy CEO

Arviem has developed services that expand the traditional concept of freight visibility which, till a while back, relied on carrier dependent milestone-based data.

i4sea i4sea.com

Bruno Balbi Co-founder

i4sea is a company founded by oceanographers to eliminate uncertainties related to the impact of nature on the economy.

JiBe ERP jibe.com.sg

Eitan Low COO

Jibe ERP is the only fully integrated, web-based ship management platform in the market.

MariApps mariapps.com

Sankar Ragavan CEO

MariApps Maritime Solutions is a young and passionate company committed toward developing the best solutions for the marine industry.

Maritech Services Limited sea.live

Eli Perpinyal MD

Maritech is software as a service company, bringing true digital transformation to the global shipping industry by creating and bringing to market technology for the maritime industry.

METIS CyberTechnology metis.tech

Mike Konstantinidis CEO

METIS is on a mission to develop products that will apply the technologies of the 4th Industrial Revolution in Maritime Transportation, playing a leading role in the inevitable evolution of the Maritime Sector

NautilusLog nautiluslog.com

Otto Klemke GM

NautilusLog is adapted to the needs of the maritime industry and helps you to combine the mandatory reports and tracking with innovative technology.

ShipNet shipnet.no

Matthew Cooper Commercial Director

ShipNet fuses world class ERP software solutions with extensive insight and experience in the shipping/maritime sector.


COVER STORY

Top 10 Most Disruptive Maritime Solution Providers 2020

MariApps Providing Digital Direction to the Maritime Industry

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MariApps' comprehensive digital tools offer efficiency

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and expertise for maritime professionals to succeed in a business environment that becomes increasingly demanding.


COVER STORY

F

rom the onset, the digital sector has been transforming the global business landscape on every front. Data is generated, shared, stored, and analyzed in large quantities and at speeds that are increasing exponentially each year.

is not to be the largest solutions provider in the marketplace but to be the best in providing niche solutions to clients.

Today, the data we create, navigate, and monitor has a direct impact on both how we work as individuals and how businesses work collectively. This digital information flow drives processes and task automation and consequentially have a significantly positive effect on security, efficiency of business operations, and the environment.

MariApps' flagship product smartPAL, has been connected on over 1500 vessels and provides quality services to some of the leading names in the shipping industry.

Digitalization and data use have had an immense impact on the maritime industry gradually over the years. Ships have had to become sophisticated hubs for sensors and data generators that produce and transmit data in real-time and often expected to do so from anywhere. Concurrently, satellite communications advances have improved connectivity, which allows for a substantial increase in the volume of data transfer at diminished costs. The integration of data streams from multiple sources enables the maritime industry to make effective and critical decisions, more efficiently. The way the industry handles knowledge and how ships and components are planned, constructed, and tested, is beginning to have a significant effect on emerging cloud-based technology such as BMPs and digital twin technology. Recognizing the significance digitalization plays within the marine industry, we see it only fitting to start off this special issue, Top 10 Most Disruptive Maritime Solution Providers-2020, with MariApps, a pioneer in providing digital solutions to the marine industry. MariApps Maritime Solutions is a young and passionate company committed toward developing the best solutions for the marine industry. The company's vision

The Core Philosophy

According to the team at MariApps, the ship operation systems and digital solution applications are available in different forms of more comprehensive and effective modules. Consequently, MariApps not only offers solutions, but rather goes the extra mile in offering the customers an opportunity to form partnerships. MariApps follows through in overseeing organizational changes, communications, project management, and implementation. Training is also an important aspect in the service MariApps provides and it will continue to serve the customers , by ensuring that the service offered is extended in training all the departments within the organization of their clients. Comprehensive Services MariApps provides users with the possibility of monitoring ships, retrieving real-time financing, results, access to crew-information and activities, assets and operational data in order to ease decision-making, especially in times of crisis. The flagship maritime digital solution is the right choice for all ship management and ownership needs. With extensive research and the delivery of end-to-end digital solutions covering all facets of modern marine fleet management, MariApps has advanced rapidly into the market. Leveraging the technical expertise of a


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The extensive continuity program, is a contingency plan to keep the services in operation in the event

‘‘

of unforeseen setbacks like

COVID-19, with minimal disruption.

talented pool of mobile developers, it has built marine applications that can run on various mobile platforms such as Android, Windows, and iOS, thereby equipping customers with the accessibility to their vessels' operational data as well as the convenience of attending to any situation anywhere and anytime.

MariApps' expansive portfolio of solutions includes, Maritime Application Development, Mobile Application Development, Project Management and IT consulting, Business Intelligence, and the MariApps Innovation Hub. This broad product range allows MariApps to provide the foundation for potential maritime applications through the incorporation of technologies such as artificial intelligence, machine learning that simplifies and substantially reduces errors in processes. The organization also has its R&D department, exploring the full spectrum of technical opportunities and incorporating them in the smart PAL suite. MariApps' LiveFleet module is a central platform for efficient monitoring of information related to vessel, expenses, performance, and voyage on one comprehensive display. The desktop module and mobile application are designed specifically for ship-owners to access significant vessel information concurrently. In the interest of saving time, owners can be updated and track vessels in near real-time on the go, with all the following key parameters highlighted to them: financial reporting, vessel position, crewing, operational performance, environmental performance, maintenance reporting, purchasing, and ship certificates.

The Business Intelligence module (BI) is powered with intelligent analytical tools to scan, monitor, and showcase trends of the near real-time data managed by the application, gathering data from across the smartPAL suite as well as external data. MariApps develops business intelligence solutions with a team of experts in the industry and the extensive data shared by customers allowing customers to look into analytics, prediction of OPEX, breakdowns, and how to continually reduce costs. Keeping up with the Industry and Fluidity of the Times MariApps' comprehensive digital tools offer efficiency and expertise for maritime professionals to succeed in a business environment that is increasingly demanding. MariApps has set in place an integrated business continuity strategy to reduce disruptions, even for their customers. The extensive continuity program is a contingency plan to keep the services in operation in the event of unforeseen setbacks like COVID-19, with minimal disruption. This program involves remote teams, core distribution team meetings, Azure facilities and other network management tools online, support for ships, and a workforce situated worldwide to better serve their customers. The company continues to focus on incremental improvements and enterprises in the process of improved maritime effectiveness and standards, connecting maritime workers, ship managers, and employees around the world. Meet smartPAL: Leading-edge Maritime Solutions from Mariapps The maritime flagship digital solution suite is the right choice for all involved in the operation of a ship. It helps maritime staff, ship owners, stakeholders, and ship managers with resources, automated supplies and financial systems, timely PO cycle purchases, effective invoice processing by automated bots, full travel performance analysis, business information, detailed intelligence and analysis of all transactions, processes, and day-to-day businesses. It provides personalized creation of maritime solutions, consulting, data building, application testing and


COVER STORY

‘

‘

MariApps has set in place an integrated business

continuity strategy to reduce

‘‘

disruptions, even for our customers.

project management, which can work on all mobile devices, desktops, and tablets. The 'Visibility' concept for the management of the vessels and shipowners has also been implemented by MariApps. SmartPAL digitizes all ship management features and has increased stakeholder engagement alongside apps such as Business Intelligence, LiveFleet, and eConnect. MariApps is currently creating a digital platform that incorporates smartPAL and telemetry data, propelling their customers forward in the digital world. From a Startup to one of the Leaders in the Industry Sankar Ragavan, CEO of MariApps managed to take MariApps from 30 people in the company with 1 client to a 500 strong team with over 40 clients within the short span of 5 years. With offices existing in 6 countries to date, MariApps is making its presence strong by gradually acquiring market shares in various

key geographic locations. MariApps will expand expand more actively into offshore, cruise, yacht, and seafarer travel with new solutions that have already been developed. Testimonials “After opting smartPAL, our company has benefitted greatly. Our operations have become streamlined and follow the company's strategy. We have established a great partnership with MariApps, and their dedication is evident in all the aspect of the ERP. Appreciate their attention to detail approach and integrity in ensuring quality and user friendliness of the system along with study on the functionalities we need daily.”- Shoaib Seedat, Tomini Shipping“MariApps smartPAL covers functional areas of ship management. They innovate on the product and brings in stability to our products across global offices.”- Yiannis Sykas, BSM


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Helping Clients Sail through Dynamic Tradewinds

D

igitalization is making foray into the maritime industry rigorously in the same way that it was brought into the car industry not too long ago. Ship operations are followed carefully with smart solutions, IoT and AI, although different segments of the industry have reached different degrees of adoption. The areas where they are most developed are in safety, navigation and avoiding human errors.

“Our company has come far in the development of smart solutions for ships, especially in catering operations, and we have seen that the best results are achieved when the systems are developed together with the customer, considering their needs and degree of digital maturity,” says Björn Stenwall, President & CEO of ALMACO Group. Björn is respected and well-known in the maritime community with a total of 30+ years of experience in the industry. His roots come from MacGregor where he was in charge of its Global Service Division, after which he was headhunted by ALMACO to run the Catering Division and hold the COO position on Group level. This year in January, Björn was appointed President & CEO of the company.

When it comes to hotel areas, we see most progress in the service and maintenance operations. Smart solutions in service applications are typical, like automatic shutdown of equipment when not in use, galley management systems, intelligent scheduling and cooking pattern mapping, preventive and condition-based maintenance, and IoT. Besides from operational smart solutions, the technology could be used for automating some parts of the sales, engineering and construction processes as well, minimizing human errors, improving service, and ensuring time schedules are kept.

“

Enabling ’Turnkey’ Solutions ALMACO is a full turnkey provider of all hotel, and catering areas including laundries in the marine and offshore industry. Its motto is to manage large-scale full turnkey projects and make it look easy. It provides a comprehensive design, engineering and project management ranging from guest to crew and backend areas.

“We manage large-scale full turnkey projects and make it look easy”

The company’s catering solutions include galleys, bars, pantries, provision stores, refrigeration machinery and various smart solutions for operating, maintaining and optimizing the galleys. ALMACO is the only company that truly provides complete hotel areas including everything from cabins to public

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Bjรถrn Stenwall President & CEO

ALMACO Group

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areas such as SPAs, gyms, lobbies, and restaurants. ALMACO is known for providing the widest portfolio on the market, but also for being able to manage large-scale turnkey projects while making it look easy. It’s all about having big dreams and making the impossible possible. Key Differentiators ALMACO has three things that separates them from their competition, especially when you consider that all these three things co-exist in the same company. Ÿ ALMACO has a wide product portfolio. There is no other company in this industry that can deliver every single aspect of complete hotel and catering areas to the extent that ALMACO can. And, it’s not just limited to planning the project, it also involves building and delivering the material along with equipment. Ÿ

It’s a never-ending cycle of companionship and support throughout the lifespan of the ship or offshore platform. “Our aim is to make our customer’s lives easy so that they can concentrate on their core business,” says ALMACO’s team. When the ship sails off, ALMACO doesn’t stay at the port waving goodbye – on the contrary – it ’sails’ along-side its customers throughout the journey from the first drawing of the ship areas, to the engineering and construction phase, and all the way to providing maintenance and spare parts during operation, and eventually to complete refurbishments.

Ÿ

ALMACO is able to provide for and manage all aspects of the interior projects as full turnkey deliveries globally. This means time schedules are easier to keep and costs and risks can be minimized. Too many cooks spoil the broth, and this is especially true when it comes to project management.

Therefore, ALMACO takes a lot of pride in being the best-known full turnkey provider of hotel and catering areas in the maritime industry.

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ALMACO’s Dynamics ALMACO can deliver any area of the ship or offshore platform interior. Its global presence and a global network of suppliers and sub-contractors are easy to move which helps in scaling fast. ALMACO only works with partners that provide high quality and have a proven track record. “We are able to sign supplier contracts based on big volumes, which means the terms and the service provided are excellent and the prices are competitive,” describes Björn. ALMACO is very actively involved with neutral organizations such as research and educational institutes, regulation authorities and different local and global maritime clusters. “We have found that the absolute best research there is still involves discussions with our customers in different forums,” shares ALMACO’s team. Staying in close contact with owners, yards, subcontractors, suppliers and other customers and partners is the best way to follow the needs of the market. It is their approach wherein the company gets a chance to be able to react and develop its offerings quickly in the right direction. To wrap it up, ALMACO can provide any interior area, anywhere in the world, while managing all aspects of the project so that it’s delivered on time, costefficiently and with high quality globally. “These differentiators make me, and our whole company, very proud of what we do,” concludes Björn.

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Leader’s Viewpoint

The Future of the Car Servicing Industry Post COVID19 - by Sean Buckley, Executive Director Ultra Tune Australia Pty. Ltd.

T

here’s no doubt that COVID19 has impacted all aspects of business globally.

Now, as business starts to return to the new “COVID normal”, we have witnessed a significant increase in business across the sector. Indeed, year on year, month on month, in various regions, Ultra Tune franchises has experienced their best months on record. I believe this reflects the era in which we now live, and this has (and will continue) to occur(ed) for the following reasons:

The aftermarket automotive servicing industry isn’t any different. At its peak of restrictions there was approximately a 30% downturn in our business across Australia.

Ÿ

Thankfully “car servicing” was deemed an “essential service” which, to some extent, has insulated Ultra Tune and similar businesses against the full impact of the pandemic.

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People are reticent to use public transport for fear of becoming infected with the COVID virus. Using their own cars provides a degree of certainty and safety. As such they want to keep their vehicles functioning well.

| November 2020 |


Sean Buckley Executive Director

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Ÿ

Borders are closed, people are unable to travel interstate or internationally for business and/or holidays. Consequently, they are investing in keeping their motor vehicles in tip top running condition so they can take motoring holidays and weekends away in their own States.

Ÿ

With many people having been financially impacted by the pandemic, the sale of second hand vs. brand new cars, has soared. Consequently, dealerships (of new cars) are struggling to attract vehicles for routine services. Ultra Tune for example is about 30% cheaper for the same service as a dealership. With money being tight, we’re an ideal servicing/repair option.

Ÿ

Ultra Tune, even during the pandemic period, has seen an increase of some 12-15 stores in the franchise network. Now sitting at approximately 270 stores across the country, over the next 18-24 months projections indicate Ultra Tune will be closer to 300 stores by 2022/2023. Expected technological changes in the automobile industry. Like any facet of society today: “Data is king”. Motor vehicles are, ostensively, computers on wheels”. At Ultra Tune we consider ourselves an IT company that just happens to service cars. As such we have invested heavily in our own purpose built IT platform that provides an end to end service for; (i) our customers (e.g. Recording pertinent servicing information about their vehicles, providing automated reminders that their service is due, etc.), (ii) our franchisees (e.g. Providing integrated online parts ordering for preferred suppliers at the click of a mouse, POS and invoicing and local marketing collateral) as well as our National Support Office (e.g. Seamless

Further to the previous point, after sales service providers such as Ultra Tune specialize in vehicles that are 5 years of age or older. With the upsurge of purchases of second-hand vehicles such as this – that are out of dealership warranties – we expect to see a corresponding increase in servicing and repair opportunities. This is already coming to fruition –

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reporting capabilities across the network, central billing for Fleet customers) and a whole lot more.

As such we introduced a new vehicle sanitation program whereby private and fleet customers can have their vehicles completely sanitized with a world leading, non-toxic disinfectant within 3 minutes, killing 99.999% of COVID19 and other potentially dangerous viruses and bacteria. Not only did this “new COVID normal” provide the Ultra Tune network with a new income stream, it also positioned the network to provide the broader Australian community with a much needed, valuable service.

We believe what we have created is a world leading automotive administration platform, so, in addition to disseminating the application across our network for the benefit of our franchisees, our intent is to whitelabel the platform and sell the application globally to similar companies providing yet another income stream back to Ultra Tune Australia Pty. Ltd. from a completely, as yet, untapped sphere.

At Ultra Tune, the COVID19 pandemic has necessitated /stimulated our executive team time to rethink our business model and “think outside the square”. That has resulted in the bolstering of our IT department, the instigation of a new, internationally based labour hire company designed to deliver expert, overseas trained mechanics to both the Ultra Tune network as well as – for a lucrative fee back to Ultra Tune – to our competitors, creating yet another income stream.

As mentioned in my previous reply to the “Future of the Automotive Service Industry Post COVID19” question; as I anticipate significant growth in this sphere, a comprehensively built IT application such as this will be crucial going forward business in this (and related) fields. Indeed, I believe our IT development division could well become as significant as our car servicing division. Changes in leadership roles and responsibilities for the new normal.

In today’s modern era if a company stands still it is actually going backwards. Here at Ultra Tune, since the inception of the company more than 40 years ago, we’ve made every attempt to read the trends and stay one step ahead of them.

The new COVID normal will be an ever-evolving reality. Life as we have known it previously has certainly changed forever and I personally can’t see us returning to any semblance of pre-COVID normality until a viable vaccine is identified, tested, proven and rolled out globally. Even then, the valuable experiences we’ve gained during the current period of COVID lockdown(s) around the world have proven most valuable.

COVID has provided a unique opportunity to do just this. If anything, COVID has accelerated a number of predictions we’d previously made about directions the aftermarket automotive service industry is/was heading and bought forward some of the innovations and changes we’d envisaged having to make anyway over the next 5 years.

For example, teleconferencing has become the new norm and I believe in the vast number of cases much of the business related travel we used to undertake can now be superseded by teleconferencing largely eliminating the time and financial costs of attended interstate/international meetings. Sure, there are instances (e.g. Large-scale conferences and tradeshows) were travel will still be necessary, however this COVID period has clearly indicated there are “different ways” in which to conduct business.

A number of smaller, independent operators have been forced out of business and the industry is consolidating/rationalizing. In the near future, I believe the independent aftermarket auto-service market will be dominated by 2 or 3 major national networks. Ultra Tune is well positioned to be one of those key players.

Additionally, Ultra Tune quickly realized that “sanitation services” will be with us well into the future.

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Outfitting Vessels one can Be Proud of

T

he last few years have witnessed a significant qualitative and quantitative expansion in the maritime industry. By adopting innovation along with regulations, many companies are playing a crucial role in shaping the landscape of maritime industry. One of the companies that has immensely contributed to the evolution of maritime industry is Aros Marine. Backed by a team of five people, Aros Marine was set up with a mission to make ships shipowners are proud of. Clients, shipyards, and ship owners realised that Aros means a focus on quality, excellent time keeping, and standing by its promises. This was when the rapid growth started. From the humble beginning of just five people to over 600 skilled and experienced employees worldwide now, the company grew rapidly. Right from the start, Aros Marine positioned itself as one of the leading companies in the marine industry. During its growth, the company also received the award for the strongest performing company in Lithuania. With impressive yard and owner contracts secured in the first 24 months, Aros moved on to provide turnkey solutions, and today the portfolio includes project management, detailed engineering, design, HVAC, interior work and repair refurbishment. The team at Aros Marine, is ready to go the extra mile to achieve the highest quality possible and make sure its customers are happy with the result. Value-added Integrated Offerings Aros Marine specializes in new build and refurbishment projects. The company also offers after sales service – mobile teams to support its customers. Back in 2016, Aros Marine started providing turn-key solutions for interior design and HVAC installations by adding detailed engineering and design solutions that vary in scale and complexity. In 2019, in order to control full supply chain, it welcomed new furniture production facilities with over 4200 m² fully equipped with modern machines that are able to facilitate its production volumes. Core Values Aros Marine considers its every single employee as a part of a family that works together and understands their impact towards the company and its clients. Its brand asset, the triangle, symbolizes all employees at Aros Marine and that it represents the brand and is happy to be a part of it.

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Even though the triangle is a small part of its logo, it is very noticeable once it is missing. It is the same with its employees, as without them Aros Marine believes that it would not be the same as it is today. The core values that the company firmly believes in are reliability, adaptability, commitment, efficiency, and professionalism. An Exemplary Leader One of the motivating forces behind the current position of Aros Marine is its Chief Commercial Officer, Mantas Dubavicius. He is responsible for establishing the sales objectives of the company by forecasting and developing annual sales quotas for regions and territories and projecting expected sales volume and profit for existing and new product. He also takes care of determining annual unit and gross-profit plans by implementing marketing strategies, analyzing trends and results. In a nutshell the role of Mantas is focused on managing, developing, coaching, controlling, and motivating the sales force to develop their skill to ensure that a high professional standard is achieved, sales target and KPI targets are met. “Our objective is to become a top five player in refurbishment, and the same in Europe for turnkey new builds,” outlined Mr. Dubavicius. Meeting International Standards Provision of top-quality services is the absolute priority for Aros Marine. Based on international practice in this field and in order to ensure constructive communication with clients, the company implemented integrated quality, environment, occupational safety and health management system meeting the requirements of ISO standards. Giving Back to the Community Aros cares about the well-being of its town and country and thus, actively participates in various social projects and support initiatives not just monetary, but with its attention. The company is of belief that nowadays honest conversation and undivided attention to communities is a gift that one cannot put a price tag on. When it comes to giving back to communities, Aros feels the funds should be divided thoughtfully.

“We are experts in Interior outfitting, HVAC systems, Turnkey project management, Design & engineering, and Furniture production.”

The charity funds of Aros Marine are in the directions of children's education and personality development, support of people with oncological disorders and diabetes, integration into the society and promotion of active lifestyle of the disabled people, promotion of healthy and active lifestyle, the welfare of the town and entertainment purposes.

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A Connected

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Networking and Business

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rom speedy access to the internet to the ability to instantly get in touch with almost anyone anywhere in the world by dialling just a few digits, the contemporary technologyoriented world has changed the way we connect and communicate. With smart devices, people have also become smarter. Though the processes of connecting have become simpler, there is a need for effective communication and service between users, applications, services, devices and so forth. This is where network infrastructure comes into the picture. Let’s consider the current situation. COVID-19 has compelled IT businesses to close their workplace and made their employees work remotely. As employees working from a different location on enterprise networks consists of traffic and thus, centralizing traffic could have been a challenge for business. To address this challenge, there arises a need for a suitable network infrastructure. Along with the employee's performance and excellent equipment, the agility and productivity of organizations also depend on the robust and secured network infrastructure. In today’s digital age, businesses cannot afford to have poor user experience and security issues that can impact employee productivity and thus, are realizing the importance of adopting comprehensive

network infrastructure. With sound networking solutions, businesses can ensure optimum efficiency and excellence in their operations. Even though enterprises have understood the importance of network infrastructure, choosing the right networking services partner is another challenge. Businesses are in search of partners with integrated networking solutions and a team that possesses the required skill-set and industry rich expertise. They are on the lookout for a solution provider which they can trust and rely on. Taking this need into consideration, many networking solution providers have come forward with cutting edge solutions and are ensuring the smooth running of the enterprises without any performance issue. The changes start with migration to 5G technology. It is built to increase the network speed and reduce latency. It will assist in the mobilization of employees allowing them to work from any part of the world. Next up is harnessing the prowess of Artificial Intelligence(AI) and Machine Learning(ML) in solving business problems in real-time. Right from hiring the most suitable candidate to process transformation and enriching customer experience, AI and ML can deliver solutions to help business flourish. Cloud Solutions are seen as the way forward to maintain business

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continuity and resilience and are being proven effective in today’s crisis. It has helped teams stay connected over work and seamlessly deliver services proving that physical distances can’t dampen the innovative spirits. Digital experiences supported by Cloud have found new takers during the pandemic and the technology is poised for steady growth. With so much dependence on networks, it is bound to grow complex. To reduce and manage its complexity and shift creation of network rules and its maintenance, Intent-based networking is one solution to look-out for. The idea is to put a network controller(deploying AI/ML) that can regularly monitor the network, suggest best paths and continuously adjust the network performance for maximum output. And while we are at it, how can we not mention Internet of Things(IoT). From empowering manufacturing, providing enhanced tracking to logistics, to helping the healthcare sector in remote monitoring and more, IoT is redefining the way industries work and behave. As connectivity grows, so does IoT’s application. Networking is evolving and with each new step that it takes, it presents a new opportunity for businesses to digitally transform and scale their services.

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Stefan Reidy

Founder & CEO

Arviem AG

Arviem AG

Delivering Innovative Maritime Visibility Solutions Worldwide

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A

“

chain is as strong as its weakest link. Longer the chain, more the likelihood of apparent weaknesses across it.” Worldwide experiences of over a century show that weaknesses in the supply-chain arise less due to operational reasons and more due to lack of trusted information. Supply chain stakeholders are operating in silos which leads to the development of blind-spots and areas of opacity resulting in overcompensation and services and costs not matching commitments. While in the short-term, this could lead to client dissatisfaction and their departure, in the long-term it could stall growth and give way to competition to enter the scene. Into this quirky quagmire entered Arviem AG in the year 2008, to bring respite to supply chain and logistics professionals looking for more transparency, visibility, and security across the entire spectrum. Ever since its inception, Arviem has developed services that expand the traditional concept of freight visibility which, till a while back, relied on carrier dependent milestone-based data. Arviem has changed the paradigm to reflect reliable, high quality, real-time data that is available on demand – even while the cargo is in transit. In doing so, it has practically wiped out blind spots, opacity and the formation of information silos that hold back information about goods, their whereabouts, and their condition while they are in transit by sea, air, rail, or road. Why Arviem? Today, revealing supply chain

inefficiencies is more important than ever. Besides increasing service quality and efficiencies, and reducing costs, it also leads to making supply chains more resilient. In some cases, experience shows that supply chain efficiencies have been the main value drivers in the acceptance of products. A crystal ball is how Stefan Reidy, the founder and CEO of Arviem describes the company’s range of services which, like the proverbial ball, reveal the flow of goods, finances and information by means of an independent, real-time, end-to-end cargo monitoring and supply chain visibility service. Constant, real-time and live datastreams about the location and condition of the cargo eliminates information silos enabling departments and businesses such as supply chain, logistics, procurement, finance, and customer service to work together while sharing a ‘single source of truth’ and make fast and intelligent logistics, purchasing, inventory and customer decisions. To give all its user the real ‘crystal ball’ feel, Arviem uses data-gathering and analysing systems quite extensively, helping clients make the best and quickest cargo-related decisions that are backed by real-time data. IoT devices including those developed in-house give Arviem the decisive edge over competition when it comes to the generation of accurate, real-time data that clients get in highly personalized report formats. Setting Benchmarks Logistics has a vast scope which engenders competition. Increasing

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“Our constant, realtime, live data stream on the location and condition of the cargo eliminates information silos within organizations. ”

competition brings related pressures on physical assets which may result in break-downs and slow-downs. Delays and disruptions down the line are an invariable outcome. What is not an invariable outcome, is a service provider’s response. Information, on time, can help change and avert the invariable which can help clients either save resources or in some cases, even increase sales, and consequent customer satisfaction. Arviem’s supply chain visibility dashboards and reports with their easyto-comprehend and appealing UIs, help supply chain professionals take datadriven decisions to optimize their supply and logistics chains, their working capital resources, transport and demurrage costs, insurance premiums, administrative costs besides

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ensuring product safety and quality at every stage of transit. Technology is the new driver of efficiencies in supply-chain and logistics. Reading the tea-leaves in his cup, Stefan has initiated their entry into the niche field of offering supply chain visibility services which involves IoT devices, their repositioning and also their maintenance as well as data analytics which in days to come, would bring its own share of recognition for Ariviem AG. The future in supply-chain linking! Interlinked fluid systems like the supply chain with its set of independent activities dove-tailing into each other, carry an inherent element of constant change, making it both difficult and challenging to create a one-size-fits all solution. It is then left to the likes of Arviem AG to constantly scan the horizon to analyze situations and come up with products that meet the interest of both shippers as also the logistics-service providers. Data collection and analysis at each stage and activity remains central. Having experienced immense success with the creation and propagation of a 24x7 platform for real-time supply chain visibility, Arviem’s developing new services to leverage its data: cargo-targeted supply chain risk management and risk assessment as well as transportation financing and working capital optimization services. Ariviem AG’s hands are full with interesting possibilities to address constantly changing links that define and confine supply-chains worldwide. With a visionary CEO-Founder at the helm, this is one ship that has all the marking of the true data warrior.

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I

am the vessel. The draft is God’s. And God is the thirsty one

Dag Hammarskjöld, the charismatic second Secretary General of the United Nations did not have shipping in mind when he quoted this line. But what he said makes apt sense for the shipping industry. Draft i.e. the minimum clear water between a ship’s keel and the sea (or ocean) is a necessity to keep a ship afloat. With the required clearance available, ships can pass through while carrying their full load. More the draft, better the vessel’s carrying capacities and more the shipping company’s earnings. Lesser the draft, lower the load that a ship can carry, and consequently, lower earnings. Worse, in unchartered waters, ships always run the risk of running aground, a situation not entirely unheard-of in shipping lore with places likes the English Channel being a prime example. To give the shipping industry worldwide a much-needed breather to carry on its operations efficiently, i4sea came about in the year 2015. Founder and CEO, Bruno Balbi and co-founders Mateus Lima and Dr. Davi Mignac were aware of the draft-related problems faced by ships while in ports from their past experiences in Preamar Gestão Costeira, a consulting company founded in 2013 that dealt with environmental studies and assessments for the maritime industry. Interacting with the industry, they distinctly felt the absence of sustained high-quality weather and oceanographic information leading to an adverse impact on the safety and efficiency of vessel operations in ports worldwide. In the half-a-decade of its existence, using a mix of consistent methodologies and technology including AI, i4cast® today helps predict dynamic weather conditions and under-sea environment up to seven days in advance. It also helps map the best time-windows and optimal drafts for ships entering or leaving specific ports. CEO Bruno Balbi, an Oceanographer and coastal management specialist who also holds an MBA degree in Business Management and Leadership from the Getúlio Vargas Foundation – Brasil, University of

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Central Missouri and Sullivan University – EUA, says that they have found this stream so lucrative that it pulled the shutters down on their consultancy business and they have since then focused all their time and energies on developing, validating and pitching the i4cast® platform to parties worldwide. Exhibiting Excellence i4cast® uses software assisted by numerical models, data analytics and machine learning techniques to forecast and manage the influence of weather, ocean and ship dynamics on vessel operations around port terminals. The outcome is the creation of optimal berthing windows of up to 7 days in advance for vessels entering or leaving a specific port. Doing so has reduced the scope of guesswork and scepticism and instead, helped identify opportunities where vessels can safely load more cargo, and economize their operations and management. Just a couple of years in business, and the results are already encouraging with some of their clients’ vessels witnessing an additional draft of 1 meter. This translates into an increase in cargo loading per vessel of not less than 9000 tons or 600 TEUs. It has positively affected port-side operations with a 5x increase in berth availability for safe operations! “We have identified in i4cast® solid opportunities for optimizing the terminal operations and an important contribution to navigation control and safety. Initial ongoing studies are critical for stakeholders to know the potential of the tools and how they can be employed as part of the port management processes,” says Heli Fernandes of CSN. Of special mention is the use of AI. Shipping, be it plying the seas or berthing at ports for loading or unloading, is a matter of concern for human and environmental safety besides efficient operations which help reduce costs, increase incomes and keep things in motion for the longest of time. AI and bigdata between themselves have helped the | November 2020 |


RedeďŹ ning the Benchmarks of Maritime Innovation

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Bruno Balbi Founder & CEO

i4sea

Voyaging New Horizons

industry find predictable and dependable information which has been helping them run their operations efficiently and smoothly.

Owning their entire existence to constant research, Bruno Balbi says of the future that they plan to implement new techniques for increasingly more accurate and scalable forecasts, as also develop new management tools for port-operations that help planners at ports worldwide take better tactical decisions in the light of reliable information that increase productivity and profitability in equal measures.

“The system developed by i4sea is an important ally in optimizing Açu Petróleo’s oil terminal (T-oil) operations planning, ensuring the full usage of our capacity, a constant interaction with the other actors of Port of Açu, and mainly the safety of the manoeuvres of our vessels,” adds Mauricio Zannin, COO at Acú Petróleo.

Additionally, according to him, modules in their software now calculate the potential benefits of i4cast® to client operations to give the latter a sense of the value of their investment in i4cast®.

Leonardo Belitardo of Tecon Salvador’s experience with i4cast® is quite telling. He says “I4sea’s technology, coupled with well-structured processes, offers more predictability and safety to Tecon’s docking and undocking operations. i4cast® is a tool that is constantly evolving.”

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Tech Tomorrow

Leveraging Technology for a Better Tomorrow Jessica L. Ollenburg CMC & CPCM

limitations, accuracy, standards, and ability to manipulate data. The goal for our organizational improvement is to control, guide and use information to our advantage. I pay infinite respect to the best of the best! Information lies in the hands of all, and all need to recognize their own roles and business-driven incentives within that framework.

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eyond today’s obviously critical arguments, the longer-term business leadership opportunities lie within reshaping how we approach technology. A bit of a math and science geek myself, my entrepreneurial know-how most easily rests in realms of invention, technology, financial strategy, operations efficiency, and behavioral anthropology.

Future technology should reinstate more active human judgment into the process, and improved problem solving in business and in life will be the result. Once we can agree upon the expectations and findings of data technology, we will be empowered in crisis management and facilitating change. Failure to agree upon facts stifles our ability to solve a problem or capture an opportunity, and while participative management remains the most commonly deployed leadership style, managed expectations are essential. Today’s technology can build software for the purpose of building other software. This in fact allows many technology “thinkers” to skip the building blocks of binary thinking, which is arguably essential to logic as well as predicting flaw. At the tech development level, an opportunity exists to better prepare our developers to better understand user expectations and the need for human judgment to collaborate with data.

As we scrutinize today’s technology, this old-time programmer corroborates that not all self-proclaimed tech gurus truly grasp how the CPU “thinks.” Technology is “breaking” frequently, many are collecting data and misapplying, and much-needed human judgment is being extracted from critical problem solving. Not only can we create a data-driven case to support any chosen narrative, but the same minds can as quickly and easily debunk that same “proof.” With every new tool comes the responsibility to learn safety protocol, and with data comes the responsibility to teach how data can be manipulated. We can create better invention and problem-solving organization-wide through the teachings of capabilities,

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About The Author Jessica Ollenburg, CMC, CPCM is Managing Partner at Ollenburg LLC, an award-winning executive consulting firm specializing in leadership playbooks, employment law and entrepreneurial ventures.

Analysis should be ideally collaborative between right and left brain thinking, as evidenced by the best problem-solving models. Expectations of what technology can and cannot do should be well-grasped and communicated throughout an organization. Technology should not dull the mind but should allow it to further stretch and advance. Technology should not make us lazy. The use of graphics should not interfere with data and independent thought but should rather engage better use and visual memorization skills.

between threats. Where there is business risk, there may be opportunity for silver lining improvement… an exploratory exercise of possibilities.

As we continue to rethink the terms “blue collar,” “gray collar” and “white collar,” we need to ensure equal respect for everyone’s genuinely best contribution, understanding outcomes measure the success. As today’s organizational roles should capture historic learning to keep the best, discard the worst and improve upon the partially successful practices; we need to constantly re-evaluate who should be designing our organizational technology.

As an inventor, most of my notable inventions have been related to information and technology, especially at the integration of the two. My earliest published project explored sine wave grading perception in humans, proving the uniqueness of “seeing” from one human to another. The next collaborative project built an interface between two leading tech platforms to avoid re-keying data, to speed operations and to avoid human error. This interface is universally used today, yet top executives initially argued “It cannot be done.”

End users, middle-management and highest-level executives must all weigh in and form consensus, as technology delivers both information and operations. Data collectors, analysts, end-users, and key executives should each weigh in for best results. No valid perspective should be irrelevant.

(It can be done, it was done, and it works great.) Several next endeavors created software utility. Consecutive missions relabeled everyday business terminology, and the strategic relabels then successfully drove behavioral improvements by safeguarding goal alignment. Through each of these and many more inventions as an entrepreneur leading change, I can attest that still too many leaders underestimate the power of information, good and bad. Technology, communication and problem-solving are critical organizational powers, heavily intertwined. Our best future relies upon both the proper capturing and the harnessing of those powers.

In the schemata of managing crisis or facilitating change, the fear of the unknown needs to be addressed. Whereas we cannot create panic which threatens, we cannot create an opaqueness which threatens either. As a crisis management “go-to” myself, I can verify that experience in what works and what does not is critical to the expedite. During the expedite, we properly sequence and channel audience-appropriate information to minimize panic and minimize fear of unknown. We lawfully architect the plan for very real and very effective outcomes. We quickly diminish the threat and build assurance. In coordinating others as swiftly as needed, data and human judgment are critical to the success and to the risk-management defense.

As we move forward with emerging technologies and as we continue to endure current and forthcoming battles, business leaders are called upon to carefully evaluate how technology and communication are deployed, how expectations are managed, and to ensure there are no needless lapses in the development and engagement of our best strengths in human judgment. Artificial intelligence is a fabulous resource if well-programmed, well-understood, risk-managed and aligned with our true goals.

In cases of COVID risk management and response, each of these protocols are essential. Where there is health risk, there is health risk of panic… a juggling act

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Mike Konstantinidis CEO METIS Cyberspace Technology S.A.

METIS Cyberspace Technology S.A. The Most Sought-after Smart Shipping Solution Provider in the Maritime Industry

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ompetition in the arena of shipping and maritime trade, world-wide environment and trade regulations, and a general trade scenario with their direct bearing on resource-usage including finance, have shrunken profits in the industry to unprecedented levels.

Our purpose at METIS is to provide a solution that empowers the employees of shipping companies to achieve more, be more productive and more effective on their everyday activities.

Like always, when the dark clouds of challenges and despair threatened to toss the industry around in rough waters, a silver lining has started to develop in the horizon: Digitization, and the introduction of unparalleled end-toend interconnectivity. On the same notion, METIS Cyberspace Technology S.A. came about in the year 2016, when seven engineers with shared values and a passion to innovate came together to utilize their extensive knowledge and first-hand experience in significant aspects of the maritime industry. Having held positions of consequence, they had a ring-side view of how things worked in the industry and how late

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adoption of digitization adversely affected profitability and service quality. They were equally aware of how half-baked solutions, paraded as quick-fixes to long-standing problems, came apart at the very hint of a problem instead of helping in any material way.

interconnection with all other equipment and servicesa forte of METIS, acts as one stop digital transformation solution making the former leaders in the smart shipping era. It also constitutes a great decision support tool for maritime executives enabling them to assess the performance of their assets including vessels, their operations in real time in the present, and most importantly a confirmed prediction of how these shall likely behave in the near future. It also affords senior executives’ useful and actionable information across activity, departments, and levels of management to take quick and decisive information. For employees down the line, relevant information at their fingers-tips helps them go a long way in communicating the right information in every direction and keeping clients happy and satisfied.

Delivering Distinction Data being the life-blood of businesses is not new. What actually is, is the way it is distilled and drilled down to find trends and productive and effective ways to do routine activities. It is in the latter that METIS helps the industry, while being an integral part of its existence and growth. The cornerstone of their existence, their USP today is their proprietary Data Acquisition System. Designed in-house, it has the unique and defining ‘Lloyd’s Register Type Approval Certificate’ for marine, offshore and industrial applications, which goes a long way in giving their clientele the confidence that they operate on a robust and reliable platform which conforms to recognized Industry Quality Standards, International Conventions and Lloyd’s Register’s strictest testing procedures. Data gathered on METIS’s platform is utilized in the in-depth analysis of the following elements: Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ

Exhibiting Excellence through Customer Success “METIS excels in customer service and efficiency. We are very happy that we have METIS offering us the ability to be alert of all operation matters 24/7 and provide us with accurate data for vessel performance while giving us the opportunity to be proactive for anything may arise.” —Korina Tapaktsoglou, CFO, PIONEER MARINE HELLAS S.A

F.O. consumption analysis & optimization Monitoring and performance evaluation of Machinery equipment Charter Party Agreement Management Voyage Analysis Hull Fouling Analysis Predictive Scenario Analysis Environmental footprint management

“METIS has demonstrated that it can reliably record and upload to the METIS cloud servers, data from all of the sensors on board our ships. METIS provides an elegant human interface to the users in our offices which allows anyone to find the answers to technical and operational questions by simply asking the question in more or less plain English. Vessel monitoring is still in its infancy, but the METIS human interface is unmatched by any other so far.” —Hamish Norton, President of StarBulk Carriers Corp.

Besides analysing and predicting on the likely scenarios in the industry, the METIS platform helps predict even mundane operational matters including weather patterns, wind-speeds, likely congestion and choke-points en route, and alternative routings, matters relating to vessel maintenance and upgrading, etc. to name some. Information thus derived helps achieve optimum vessel speeds which save on time, fuel, money, and maintenance while giving increased customer satisfaction and longer and trouble-free asset utilization.

METIS’s foray in Advanced Digital Applications According to Mike Konstantinidis, the CEO, despite it being an undisputedly significant technological development, AI remains nothing more than a buzzword with not many solutions providers actually making any significant use of it. Taking a steep departure, METIS has

Shipping and maritime by its very nature is a capitalintensive endeavour which calls for massive outlays, be it for vessels purchase or their maintenance and upkeep. Client shipping companies thus have invariably come to depend upon the concise and correct information coming through METIS’s platform that predicts future events and their implications on resources thus invested. For maritime entities like shipping companies, a platform based on hi-end technologies such as IoT, cloud computing, Artificial Intelligence that provides unparalleled

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applied AI in a very structured and effective way. More specifically, it has made effective use of machine learning (ML) to significantly improve the competitiveness of maritime entities. That being said, the existing scientific background based as it is on engineering, physics and mathematics is not exactly discarded or substituted by ML. It has on the other hand been extended and utilized significantly more. In addition, human resources in organizations using METIS, have not been replaced by intelligent systems. On the contrary they are being augmented to be much more efficient, intelligent, and quick in their decision-making and resulting actions. METIS’s foray into research While remaining committed to providing hi-end tech solutions to the shipping industry, METIS remains deeply involved in varied research projects, where it partners with recognized bodies worldwide including universities and organizations in the same field with which it shares common points and goals. Such tie-ups are bound to bring to fore, some of the best and most advanced of products that shall go quite a distance in making maritime business more efficient, effective and significantly faster in operations while controlling costs and brining surfeit of client satisfaction. METIS in the future! METIS envisions for itself a future that shall see the amalgamation of innovative thinking, maritime business know-how and hi-end technologies to empower shipping companies on their digital transformation journey towards a new era in shipping that shall be far more effective, efficient, safe and environmentally friendly. The path to their goals being anything but easy, METIS nevertheless remain focused and passionate about their vision and activity. A significant part of their future endeavour includes expansion and the establishment of their presence in all the important ‘shipping capitals’ of the world. A statement by one of their clients, aptly sums up things! “OLYMPIC SHIPPING with 31 vessels and 3 new buildings, has selected METIS platform for all our vessels due to the Data warehouse technology and the fully automated data Acquisition system. We are convinced that in the digital age, METIS human-like interface for Remote Monitoring and Vessel Performance Analysis, increases even more our daily efficiency and helps us utilize a stateof-the-art technology with significant future benefits for our company.” —George Karageorgiou, President & CEO of Olympic Shipping (Onassis Group)

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Compassion is key

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