Transas brings THESIS to its 2017 forum for change

The speaker line-up at the next annual Transas Global Conference confirms that the innovative digital solutions company is catching the mood at the cutting edge of vessel operations by suggesting that, properly harnessed, operations and technology can transform maritime safety as well as efficiency.

“If vessels, shore authorities, ports, regulators and training facilities worldwide work together on technology on a common operating platform, there is the potential to achieve extraordinary gains in operating efficiencies, but also a step change in safety,” says Transas CEO Frank Coles.

Transas believes that digital technology holds the potential to benefit safety and enhance competitive advantages simultaneously, and this is the principle that lies at the heart of its THESIS concept, launched in 2016. THESIS weaves together the strands of vessel monitoring and traffic control, innovative vessel handling technology and connectivity, vessel performance optimisation and training into a unified solution that combines best of breed technology, expertise and content.

Confirming the forward-looking agenda being set by Transas, the keynote speakers at the Transas Global Conference 2017 (6-8 March in Malta) will be David Rowan, Editor of Wired UK – the magazine which focuses on the ideas in science, culture and business that are reshaping the world, and David Christie, Senior Vice President Corporate Maritime Quality Assurance, Carnival Corporation. Mr. Christie will be highlighting the cruise organisation’s approach to operations at the highest technical and safety standards. From developing next-generation training capabilities to the establishment of a fleet operations centre, the presentation looks at how this was put in to practice and the resulting achievements.

Additionally, Capt. Pradeep Chawla, Managing Director QHSE & Training, Anglo-Eastern Ship Management Ltd will share insights from the front line of merchant ship operations and training.

Meanwhile, Monica Lundh, Head of Division of Maritime Human Factors and Navigation, Chalmers University, will offer updates on the progressive study and analysis of the behaviours which inspire better training in a maritime setting. In addition, Transas has sought insights on ‘lessons learned’ from experts with related experience from outside the maritime sector, and has secured participation from Harry Nelson, Executive Operational Advisor to Product Safety, Airbus.

Regulation has helped to reduce some of the risks and dangers of working at sea, but it is not the complete solution. While insurers have recorded the number of incidents falling by nearly one half over the last decade, it is still the case that over 1,000 seafarers lose their lives every year.

“Tough financial conditions are only likely to exacerbate risks, as added pressure to balance the books can prompt the short-cuts that compromise safe operation,” Coles observes.

Once finalised, the Malta event agenda will offer the maritime sector a milestone on its journey towards understanding how technology can empower safety and crew decision-making, the latest design thinking on the human machine interface, and the lessons available from other industries.

“At Transas, we believe we have a responsibility to drive and influence positive change within our industry,” said Mr. Coles.

“But we cannot do this alone. It is a duty that lies on the shoulders of every player in the sector. Bringing about change requires motivation, a vision, political support, and sustained momentum. This forum continues our drive to initiate collaborative change, while offering industry leaders the opportunity to share the solutions and strategies that will benefit their current business.”