Sunnyvale: Shipowners, whether in liner or bulk trades, are increasingly searching out the best route optimization and weather software as they take every measure possible to reduce their sky-high bunker bills, argues Haydn Jones, the ceo of Applied Weather Technology (AWT) in today’s Maritime CEO interview.
AWT is in the process of introducing a group of new products. These include version 7.0 of its Bon Voyage System onboard ship weather forecast and route optimization software. This latest version provides high resolution weather and current data as well as having improved route optimization functions.
AWT is also upgrading its Fleet Decision Support System (FleetDSS) for shore-based managers. Originally developed mainly for liner trade applications, the latest version of FleetDSS has functionality designed for bulk carrier trades and other vessels on time charter contracts. FleetDSS provides important graphical and statistical tools to assist safe and efficient vessel operation including vessel performance analysis over time and performance comparison across ships of the same type.
“Just around the corner we have other more commercial tools for ship operators and cargo owners,” says Jones.
To support these and other developments AWT is strengthening its R & D and marine systems engineering capabilities, both at its Sunnyvale California HQ and elsewhere. It is also building up its capabilities and resources in the ship route advisory service area of the business to reflect growing activity in this area.
“All of these product and resource enhancements are being made to respond to the clear and growing need of shipowners and operators to improve bunker fuel efficiency and reduce emissions whilst adhering to safe ship operating procedures,” says Jones. “The need for ship efficiency is coupled to a growing demand for onboard ship system integration,” he adds.
AWT, founded in 1996, is seeing strongest growth in Asia these days where it has offices including in Singapore, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Seoul and Tokyo. “We are committed to growing business in the region still further on the basis of global market leading technical skills coupled with strong local and regional customer service and support,” Jones says.
Prior to joining AWT in early 2013, Jones held the role of marketing director and business development manager for Fugro Satellite Positioning of Oslo. His management career also included strategic management positions with Nera, the United Kingdom Hydrographic Office, and ChartCo. Jones began his work in the marine industry following his graduation from the Britannia Royal Naval College in Dartmouth, in the UK, working as a deck officer on a range of warships. While at sea he also taught navigation and bridge-watchkeeping duties to officer cadets. [23/01/14]
