SAFETY4SEA announced the winners of the 2021 SMART4SEA Virtual Awards on February 17th , recognizing industry’s outstanding practices for E-Navigation, Connectivity, Energy Efficiency, Cyber Security, Training, Technology, Personality and Leadership
The winners of the 2021 SMART4SEA Virtual Awards are:
PortXchange received the 2021 SMART4SEA E-Navigation Award for providing digital solutions that support the shipping industry in reducing its carbon footprint. Its innovative digital platform connects port communities worldwide to streamline their operations and reduce emissions from the maritime logistics chain. PortXchange has been implemented in the ports of Rotterdam, Felixstowe, Moerdijk, Algeciras, and Houston. Other short-listed nominees for this category were: KILO Solutions Ltd, Northsouth Maritime Co Ltd, NOVELTIS, ONE SEA – Autonomous Maritime Ecosystem
Transparent information exchange and collaboration make port calls more predictable, efficient, and sustainable. PortXchange is a digital collaboration platform that shipping lines, port authorities, terminals and agents can use to monitor all activities during a port call in real-time. The real-time exchange of planned, expected, and realized times is crucial to ensure that port call goes smoothly without delays and planning conflicts. With an innovative digital platform, PortXchange is on a mission to connect port communities worldwide to streamline their operations and reduce emissions from the maritime logistics chain. PortXchange started as the Pronto project in Rotterdam. After successful trials, PortXchange was launched as an independent organization in August 2019 with Maersk and Shell as its launching customers. Since then, PortXchange has been implemented in the ports of Felixstowe, Moerdijk, Algeciras, and Houston. PortXchange has committed itself to building digital solutions that support the shipping industry in reducing its carbon footprint.
Accepting the award on behalf of PortXchange, Mrs Dita Bruijn, Director of Operations stated:
‘’PortXchange was founded under the belief that collaboration, digitalization and sustainability will shape the future of the shipping industry. Our platform had tremendous success in our home ports. We want to bring that solution outside Netherlands to the global market to make a global impact and play our role in decreasing the shipping industry’s carbon footprint’’
StratumFive Ltd received the 2021 SMART4SEA Connectivity Award for its ‘Podium’ which is shipping’s first truly collaborative digital workspace that breaks new ground, unlocking market’s digital revolution by seamlessly connecting applications, data, and people, across the maritime community. Other short-listed nominees for this category were: Danelec Marine A/S, Inmarsat , Thome Group , Wärtsilä.
StratumFive realised that there was a need for a workspace that connects any data source or third-party application, visualising correlated data streams in an agile dashboard environment. StratumFive’s Podium is the first truly collaborative digital workspace that breaks new ground in maritime connectivity. Podium was born as StratumFive aims to solve the inefficiencies and costs caused by poor data acquisition, processing, and communication across applications and stakeholders. Podium enables owners and operators to better correlate the vast data reservoir at the fingertips. It also offers past vessel performance, real-time visibility of present performance, and predictive analysis of future performance. In essence, Podium enables informed decisions that can save fuel, cut emissions, and lower operational costs. It also enables streamlined voyage data collection through uniquely flexible onboard forms. With its simplicity, Podium is a genuine connectivity trailblazer which represents the next step forward for digitalisation, allowing shipping to reap the benefits of its data.
Accepting the award on behalf of StratumFive Ltd, Mr. Ross Martin, COO, StratumFive said
‘’Voyage informatics is defined as the application of information systems to increase the efficiency, safety and ecological sustainability of the maritime industry. Podium represents a unique holistic and future proof approach to these disciplines that enables high levels of transparency, predictability and visibility of these important goals.’’
WinGD (Winterthur Gas & Diesel) received the 2021 SMART4SEA Energy Efficiency Award for the launch of ‘Intelligent Control by Exhaust Recycling (iCER)’. This is the first development to be introduced as part of X-DF2.0, WinGD’s second-generation dual-fuel engine platform with the aim to slash methane emissions and cut fuel consumption. Other short-listed nominees for this category were: Marorka, V.Group, Wärtsilä, ZeroNorth
In June 2020, WinGD unveiled a new technology designed to slash methane emissions and cut fuel consumption in its X-DF dual-fuel engines. The launch of Intelligent Control by Exhaust Recycling (iCER) is the first development to be introduced as part of X-DF2.0, WinGD’s second-generation dual-fuel engine platform. The iCER system delivers enhanced combustion control through the use of inert gas. The result is a reduction in methane slip emissions of up to 50% when using LNG and a significant reduction of fuel consumption, of 3% in gas mode. The compound effect of using less gas fuel and reducing methane slip is an improvement in overall GHG emissions of nearly 10% in gas mode compared to first-generation X-DF engines. X-DF2.0 tackles one of the biggest obstacles to uptake of LNG; methane slip. By lowering this barrier, WinGD hopes that a wider range of shipowners will adopt gas as fuel and take advantage of the immediate emission benefits. iCER technology will also make X-DF engines more energy efficient when later running on clean fuels such as biogas or synthetic methane.
Accepting the award of behalf of WinGD, Mr. Dominik Schneiter, Vice President for Research and Development stated:
‘’The iCER technology, which is the fundamental of X-DF2.0, offers many advantages; a key advantage is the safety concern; the iCER system is much safer than any other approach. All these ideas came out from our powerful team that looks at each situation and comes up with the best possible smart and clever solutions that assist in enabling the transformation of shipping to a more sustainable future’’.
Marlink received the 2021 SMART4SEA Cyber Security Award for its ‘Cyber Detection’ service which scans network traffic for any targeted threats that may put operations at risk. All outbound and inbound network traffic is monitored and customers can view threats affecting their vessels through a web-based Cyber Dashboard. Other short-listed nominees for this category were: CyberOwl, Korean Register, Phish & Ships Maritime Cyber Newsletter , V.Group.
On average, the vessel’s IT network accounts for 22% of cyber threats. The Operational Technology (OT) network of connected machinery and devices accounts for 10% of cyber threats. The crew LAN remains the biggest area of threat at 68%. Marlink’s Cyber Detection service scans network traffic for any sophisticated, targeted threats that may be putting the confidentiality and continuity of business operations at risk. All outbound and inbound network traffic is monitored around the clock, while customers can view threats affecting their vessels. In particular, the service monitors all outbound and inbound network traffic 24/7, giving full visibility on possible threats through web-based Cyber Detection Dashboard or via user configured notifications. Notifications on critical threats may be configured to be received by email and/or SMS. Each alert clearly states the affected vessel, scope and recommended counter-measures to resolve the threat. Marlink’s cyber detection solution create a regime enables shipowners to tackle the people, procedures and technology aspects of IMO2021.
Accepting the award of Marlink, Mr. Tore Morten Olsen, President Maritime, stated:
‘’Marlink firmly believes that looking at the vessel holistically to make sure that we both care for the safety aspects of crew and operational communication but also on the IT and OT side is mandatory for going forward. We really appreciate such recognition with this award and we look forward to continuing to support the maritime industry’’
Wärtsilä Voyage received the 2021 SMART4SEA Training Award for its ‘Wärtsilä Cloud Simulation’ which overcomes COVID-19 restrictions to support seafarer training. The new solution has allowed instructors to deliver training courses to student-seafarers studying at any remote location. Feedback from schools indicates a more far-reaching change in attitude toward seafarer training. Other short-listed nominees for this category were: KILO Solutions Ltd., SEABLY , Thome Group, University of Plymouth.
Being aware of the impact the COVID-19 outbreak and associated challenges, Wärtsilä launched a new solution to support remote training. Maritime schools and ship management companies are facing challenges in being able to deliver courses remotely online, mainly where simulation plays a critical role in their training process. Wärtsilä Cloud Simulation overcomes COVID-19 restrictions to support seafarer training. Wärtsilä Cloud Simulation Solution has enabled seafarer schools and Ship Management companies to continue training despite the distancing restrictions imposed due to pandemic. It is being selected by a growing number of schools such as the Massachusetts Maritime Academy in the US and the University of Ljubljana in Slovenia. Also, Costamare MTS in Greece selected this solution to provide remote training during the pandemic. Notably, Anglo-Eastern Ship Management has opted for Wärtsilä Cloud Simulation Solution to provide online training for its 29,000-strong global crew pool. Feedback from institutions indicates not only a willingness to try new solutions during a period of disruption but a broader and more far-reaching change in attitude to seafarer training.
Accepting the award on behalf of Wärtsilä Voyage, Mr. Neil Bennett, Director Sales Americas, Global Simulation stated:
‘’When we realized the scale of the pandemic, at Wärtsilä , we moved quickly to reassign resources for rapid and agile developments of solutions that allow our customers from the training side to conduct simulate training online and have the ability to continue their business. This is really the first time that maritime simulation has moved online.’’
Airbus received the 2021 SMART4SEA Technology Award for its STYRIS®’ which is a product with the aim to enforce border integrity. It is dedicated to maritime surveillance and traffic monitoring, aimed at improving the safety of navigation as well as enhancing global security of the maritime domain. Other short-listed nominees for this category were: Anthony Veder Rederijzaken B.V., ClassNK, ERMA FIRST ESK Engineering Solutions S.A., ST Engineering.
Maritime safety and security demands highly modular, scalable and integrated solutions to enable multi-agency and multi-national coordination. For over 50 years, Airbus has supported its customers’ maritime missions by integrating advanced maritime surveillance systems. STYRIS® implements and delivers turnkey systems covering the full spectrum of Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) from both safety and security perspectives. Typical applications are for Vessel Traffic Services (VTS), Coastal Surveillance Systems (CSS) and maritime Critical Infrastructure Protection (CIP) systems. STYRIS® is the single product line from Airbus for collecting, processing, consolidating, enriching, distributing and displaying data from a wide range of maritime sensors. The software consolidates data gathered from sensors like Radars, Automatic Identification System (AIS), Radio Direction Finders (RDF), Cameras, Weather Stations and Sonars. Thanks to 24/7 monitoring of areas of interest and its best in class real time tracking and data fusion, STYRIS® increases maritime domain awareness by ensuring an accurate Recognised Maritime Picture. STYRIS® also provides intuitive command and control tools to accelerate decision making and stakeholder coordination, achieving the best ergonomic Human Machine Interface
Accepting the award on behalf of Airbus, Mr. lorian Thirion, Maritime Product & Industry Marketing Manager, stated:
‘’At Airbus, we understand the importance of increasing security and improving safety within the maritime domain. We see that there is a growing need for improved multi-agency coordination and for the authorities to have complete operational awareness within their territories. STYRIS® answers all these needs.’
Graham Westgarth, CEO, V.Group received the 2021 SMART4SEA Personality Award, sponsored by MacGregor, for leading a giant organization such as V Group towards digitization and recognizing at the same time the role of the seafarer, leading industry efforts during recent pandemic With his dynamic personality and outstanding actions, Mr. Westgarth continues inspiring the maritime industry towards a more digital future in which seafarer remains a top priority.
Graham Westgarth was appointed CEO of global ship management company V.Group in April 2019 and recently assumed the role of Chairman of the Board. A former Master Mariner, Mr. Westgarth has five decades’ experience in the shipping industry, including leadership roles with Maersk UK, Teekay Corporation and GasLog Ltd. Mr. Westgarth has always been an active and vocal advocate for the shipping industry, sitting on the committees of influential bodies, including INTERTANKO and UK Chamber of Shipping. A graduate of the Columbia Senior Executive Development Programme, Mr. Westgarth believes in continual professional development and still participates in leadership training courses. Recognising the importance of having a strong team, Mr. Westgarth actively promotes leadership training across V.Group. Mr. Westgarth has been instrumental in driving digitalisation across V.Group and oversaw a multi-million-pound investment into new technology, including the development of ShipSure. With over 44,000 crew and 3,000 support staff, Mr. Westgarth used his leadership skills to ensure the V.Group team remained united, supportive and motivated during COVID-19 challenging times, since the beginning of the pandemic. Further, Mr. Westgarth used his position to raise awareness of the plight of seafarers and stepped up to lobby for seafarers to be recognised as international key workers.
On behalf of the sponsor, Mrs Athena Kanellatou, Director, Digital Solutions, Customer Co-creation, MacGregor commented:
‘’Mr Graham Westgarth is a man of character, a person of influence, a voice of reason with care and thought for the future. The CEO of V.Group has a long distinguished track record in the maritime sector and has served several highly regarded positions in the industry. He has been the leading industry voice in prioritizing seafarers as key workers and supported V. Group resilience program called ‘keeping things in perspective’’ among other initiatives.’’
Accepting the award, Mr. Graham Westgarth, CEO, V.Group stated:
‘’I would like to mention seafarers in particular and the need to have them globally recognized as key workers. V.Group, along with many others, have been working to have this status accepted and while we have been had some success, there is much still to be done. Supporting the many efforts towards will continue to be a top priority for V.Group’’
Ronald Spithout, President, Inmarsat Maritime received the 2021 SMART4SEA Leadership Award, sponsored by MacGregor, for his contribution to smarter shipping, leading a key player such as INMARSAT and the industry in general in this smart shipping revolution over the course of recent years. Mr. Spithout has provided the tools, though leadership and initiatives, to embrace innovation, startups and fresh ideas that truly needed to shipping now more than ever. Also, with his unique leadership skillset , he continues inspiring the maritime industry towards a more digital future.
Ronald Spithout has been a driving force in shipping’s digital revolution. In 2012, he was appointed President Inmarsat Enterprise, before being named President Inmarsat Maritime in 2014, at a pivotal moment for the smart shipping revolution. Mr. Spithout oversaw the launch of Fleet Xpress in 2016, the first globally available, high-speed broadband solution for maritime and offshore operators. Since launch, Spithout’s significant role in the delivery of game-changing connectivity and platform solutions for the maritime industry is widely acknowledged. In December 2020, Mr. Spithout achieved a commercial milestone with the installation of the 10,000th Fleet Xpress vessel. As a leading advocate for maritime digitalisation, Mt. Spithout has also driven the launch of dedicated bandwidth for IoT-based customers. In addition, after the impact of Covid-19 on crew welfare, Spithout commissioned this year’s Open Innovation Challenge with Shell Shipping & Maritime, a competition rewarding technologies most likely to benefit crew wellbeing. Mr. Spithout has also commissioned and advocated original research into the digital maritime landscape whose reach and rigour are without parallel.
On behalf of the sponsor, Mrs. Athena Kanellatou, Director, Digital Solutions, Customer Co-creation, MacGregor commented:
‘’Leadership is the art to translate the unknown into reality, to lift people’s side into high levels, raise performance and build their personalities beyond their normal limitations. Mr. Ronald Spithout masters the art of people, providing a platform to develop ideas that do work. The President of Inmarsat’s Maritime business is a seasoned professional with a record of accomplishments and a passionate innovator who never stops exceeding possibilities to redefine what it means to stay connected in the open water’
Accepting the award, Mr. Ronald Spithout, President, Inmarsat Maritime, stated:
‘’Digitalization is happening already for a while but if the pandemic that we have around us is doing anything here, it is that it accelerates new ways of working. All stakeholders are now using more and more applications and different styles of working to not only survive in these difficult times but also strive and keep their companies afloat, making them more profitable. Also, the fact that digital services and applications are used for the social and mental wellbeing, gives me a lot of joy in this journey towards a smarter future’’.
Explore more about the nomination & voting procedure and the winners of 2021 SMART4SEA Awards at https://events.safety4sea.com/2021-smart4sea-virtual-forum/
