Gulf Maritime witnesses launch of new marine products and solutions for the region

"Given the higher security concerns world-wide, the need for transparency of vessel movement and security of vessels has emerged as a major issue within the shipping industry," said Mr. Neil Baird, Chairman of Baird Publications, Australia, who are co-organisers of the on-going Gulf Maritime exhibition and conference at Expo Centre Sharjah.

"The IMO, for instance," Mr. Baird pointed out, "has recently made mandatory that vessels in certain categories be fitted with Automatic Identification Systems (AIS), Ship Security Alert and other navigational security systems."

Speaking at a seminar organised on this topic, Mr. Giles Whitby Smith, Vice President Sales of Pole Star Space Applications Ltd, who deal in Maritime Fleet Tracking Solutions said, " It is right that the recent regulations for vessels issued by the IMO should form part of the ISPS code, as by definition, ISPS is a security code for vessels and ports, and it is certainly right that time limits with a zero tolerance be imposed. Unfortunately the world is not and never will be the ideal that many would wish for and the need for constant vigilance is going to be normal for the foreseeable future," he said.

"Many shipowners," he commented, "have in the past seen the need for transparency as an infringement, but increasingly, shipowners are recognising that not only are the new requirements an added safety feature on their vessels but are also a worthwhile Fleet Management tool."

Speaking on Ship Security Alert Systems (SSAS), which are capable of delivering panic alerts at the push of a button in the event of an attack, Mr. Giles Withby Smith said, "Adherence to the ISPS code will ultimately save lives since; whilst we all know that the SSAS will not defeat potential vessel intruders, it may well deter them and shift the emphasis away from considering vessels as soft targets. The point is, it will give the shore based operatives of the vessel and relevant authorities the time and the knowledge that a serious incident is occurring onboard and they can then secure that vessel, thus preventing a large scale disaster," he said.

Jointly organised by Expo Centre Sharjah and Australia's Baird Publications, Gulf Maritime is witnessing the launch of a wide variety of new products and solutions for the regional maritime industry.

Some of the prominent names that are introducing their new technology to this region include Denbridge Marine from the United Kingdom, Norselight, NorControl IT, and Kongsberg Simrad AS from Norway, Orbimage from the USA, Japan Radio Company Limited, and Rolls Royce Commercial and Naval Marine.

Among the major exhibit highlights at the event are Norselight's heavy duty straightline wiper systems, remote controlled searchlights and powerful bowlights, Denbridge's Display processors, Radar Transmission Systems, Track Managers, Portable Radar Display systems, Database systems, and Recording systems, Japan Radio Company's 18.1" color LCD radar system and Orbimage's SeaStar Service, SeaStar Fisheries Information Service and SeaStar Fish Finding Maps.

"Ship owners must ensure the application of measures on board the ship designed to protect persons on board, cargo, cargo transport units, ship's stores or the ship from the risks of a security incident," said Norselight's Export Manager Rolf E.de Flon, while launching his company's product portfolio during the show.

Other notable products and solutions that are being showcased at the exhibition are various Vessel Traffic Management and Information Systems (VTMIS) by NORcontrol IT, High Precision Acoustic Positioning Systems by Kongsberg, and propulsion and platform management systems as well as an extensive marine products range by Rolls Royce.

"Norcontrol IT's mission is to continue to be the market leader for maritime solutions to customers demanding best value and innovation," said Norcontrol IT's CEO Jan A. Horntvedt.

"We always put our customers first, and from listening to our customer's requirements and ideas, we have developed advanced vessel tracking and Management Information Systems which optimise efficiency, security and risk management," he added.

Besides a range of product launches, a number of seminars are being conducted on the sidelines at the show. The seminars deal with safety issues, adherence to ISPS codes, fleet management, propulsions, engines etc.

The show is open everyday for trade visitors from 10 am to 6 pm until 21 April 2004.