NAVTOR’s CEO, Tor Andreas Svanes has been given the title of ‘Mr ECDIS’ in a new book that describes both his life story, as well as the crucial role he had in the development of maritime e-Navigation. Thanks to Mr Svanes, the electronic chart and display information systems (ECDIS) is now a must have navigational tool in the modern era, and is considered an essential navigation tool for all ships, regardless of their age.
From a young electrician apprentice in a small Norwegian town to a visionary business leader whom professionals all over the world listen to, the book highlights that with his extensive practical experience, comprehensive theoretical knowledge, creativity and unique ability to understand what the market needs, Mr. Svanes has come up with new products that have revolutionized navigation and made shipping safer.
However, Mr. Svanes may have been given the title Mr ECDIS, but – rather modestly – says that the book tells the story of digital development and how innovation can make life simpler, safer and smarter at sea, rather than any one personality.
Whilst writing the book, the author Tønnes H. Gundersen spent over two years researching, and interviewing, in order to write a book that would server as a biography, as well as a history book, combining Svanes’ personal development with the evolution of technology that is now essential to unlocking safer, smarter, simpler and more sustainable shipping and business operations.
Under this aspect, the book describes how Mr. Svanes led C-Map Norway as CEO, building the company, before a disagreement with Boeing-owned Jeppesen Marine forced him out in 2011. For Svanes, this turned out to be an opportunity to start afresh with a clean slate. He now had the scope he needed to build a new company based on his understanding of what the future would hold for maritime navigation.
This book is several things at the same time: A biography, a company history, a history of technology and a substantial piece of local history. Maritime technology is evolving like never before, and taking time to look back at the beginning can hopefully inspire new ideas and put things into perspective going forward
Said Tønnes Gundersen, author of the book ‘Mr. ECDIS’, in an exclusive quote to SAFETYSEA.
