Ocean Technologies Group - Experts & Thought Leaders

OrbitMI, a globally renowned provider of maritime intelligence and analytics solutions, is pleased to announce Michelle Chowey as its new Head of Software Solutions for the APAC region, as of 20 May 2024. Michelle Chowey brings a wealth of experience in maritime technology, with a career that includes leadership roles in customer success, sales, and business development within the navigational and crewing software sectors. Michelle Chowey  Michelle Chowey comes to OrbitMI from Ocean Technologies Group, and previously LR OneOcean, where she was instrumental in improving customer engagement and promoting sustainable practices in maritime operations. Her experience in maritime technology, coupled with her strong leadership skills, is an ideal fit for OrbitMI's goal of utilising data and technology to advance maritime operations. Maritime AI technology "Joining OrbitMI is a fantastic opportunity to work in the emerging AI industry alongside some of the brightest minds in the field," said Michelle Chowey. She adds, "I am enthusiastic about helping our customers operate more efficiently with OrbitMI's platform. My approach to my dual responsibilities of sales strategy and customer success involves leveraging my past experiences to elevate OrbitMI, build strong customer relationships, and solidify our presence in the maritime tech sector." Cloud-based SaaS platform The company’s solutions encompass maritime intelligence and analytics, sustainability, and compliance OrbitMI, founded in 2019, provides a cloud-based SaaS platform designed to help maritime organisations make better, faster decisions by unlocking the hidden value in their data. The company’s solutions encompass maritime intelligence and analytics, sustainability and compliance, chartering, vessel tracking, performance management, and weather routing. Sustainable operations Ali Riaz, CEO of OrbitMI, commented on the appointment, "Michelle's appointment marks an exciting new chapter for OrbitMI in the APAC region." He adds, "Her unique blend of hands-on experience and innovative thinking will be a tremendous asset as we strive to push the boundaries of maritime technology. Michelle’s proven track record in customer success and her passion for sustainable operations make her the ideal leader to expand our reach and impact." Service advancement Ali Riaz continues, "We are confident that her vision and dedication will drive significant advancements in our services and strengthen our presence in the market." For market expansion, Michelle Chowey intends to leverage the strategic partnership between OrbitMI and Bureau Veritas (BV). By utilising BV’s extensive network and OrbitMI’s innovative solutions, she aims to spearhead OrbitMI’s growth throughout the APAC region.

The largest-ever Asia Pacific Maritime (APM) 2024 opened across six halls of the Sands Expo & Convention Centre in Singapore. This three-day exhibition and conference features over 15,000 global brands on the floor and 150 conference speakers from some of the maritime industry's key pioneers in the region and beyond. The opening ceremony was officiated by Kenneth Lim, Assistant Chief Executive (Industry & Transformation), Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA). Sustainable development In his welcome address, Yeh Chien Ee, President, of Asia Pacific, RX Global, said, "The world stands at a crossroads of sustainable development. Maritime is challenged to be fully decarbonised by 2050 which requires massive investments." "Beyond cleaner fuels, the industry also needs to move faster towards digital solutions like data analytics and further automation to improve efficiency as well as sustainability.” Free to attend exhibition He continued, “To support the ecosystem towards a future-ready world, access to APM conference and exhibition is offered free to all attendees." "This is also our humble way to thank you and give back to all our partners who have been so supportive of APM over close to 34 years, especially during the difficult pandemic years.”  APM 2024 theme Exhibition floor and conference sessions address the industry's urgent need for digitalisation, efficiency APM 2024, organised by RX Global, runs from today to Friday, 15 March 2024. With the theme 'Future of Vessels, Solutions for Tomorrow', the exhibition floor and conference sessions address the industry's urgent need for digitalisation, efficiency, and sustainability amid the increasingly complex maritime needs. For the conference, parallel tracks will run across two stages on the show floor to enable more comprehensive knowledge-sharing about the latest maritime trends and technologies.  APM 2024 Day 1 Highlights The conference sessions focused on Sustainability and Innovation & Digitalisation.  Super keynote panel Following the opening ceremony, a super keynote panel titled 'A Net Zero Carbon Maritime Industry – Will We Ever Get There?' tackled the industry's path towards net-zero emissions. The session, led by Kenneth Lim, delved into the challenges, opportunities, and ultimate feasibility of this ambitious goal. The panelists, consisting of pioneers from profiles such as ship owners, ship operators, and port authorities, highlighted that while for years we have been focusing on bunker fuels, currently, this is no longer the case.  Focus on circularity The panelists addressed the need for improvements in training and developments for seafarers There needs to be multi-solutions driven by the entire ecosystem. While they acknowledge the challenges currently faced by the industry, the panelists were largely optimistic that net zero is very much possible. Beyond focusing on alternative fuels, they addressed the need for improvements in training and developments for seafarers, frameworks for industry players to reference (such as Life Cycle Assessments), and the use of green steels to encourage circularity. Renewable energy scene for the maritime industry One of the sessions in the afternoon, titled ‘Indonesian Maritime Future Energy – Opportunities and Challenges’, zoomed in on Indonesia’s growing renewable energy scene for the maritime industry and highlighted the need to further improve technologies that will increase the capabilities of its shipbuilding industry. While there is currently a mandatory implementation of biofuels across the country, as well as growing popularity for LNG dual-fuels and energy storage systems, the session outlined the need for Indonesian maritime stakeholders to learn from global case studies, and for more subsidies that can further accelerate local adoption of renewable energy. A platform for international brands to convene On the exhibition floor, attendees can expect to see a wide range of international pavilions, 18 spread across two floors of the exhibition – the biggest APM has managed to host to date. WH17, a next-generation high-performing engine WH17 runs on Weichai’s autonomous ECU common rail system that allows for more accurate control to save fuel In particular, Weichai, one of the world's largest automobile and equipment manufacturers, revealed the WH17, its next-generation high-performing engine, to industry associations, engine distributors, and decision makers from Asia. Developed in 7 years and after 10,000 hours of R&D, WH17 runs on Weichai’s autonomous ECU common rail system that allows for more accurate control to save fuel and lower emissions.  High-end intelligent transformation At the launch, Weichai Chairman Tan Xuguang said, “Engines, as a core component of modern industry, bear the significant responsibility of driving societal progress." "Our latest masterpiece, the WH17, has impressive capabilities that propel the high-end intelligent transformation and upgrading of the shipping industry. We are honoured to introduce this cutting-edge technology that will provide higher value to our customers in Southeast Asia.”  More conversations to follow at APM 2024 Day 2 will consist of sessions driven by the latest market intelligence insights, focusing on more Innovation & Digitalisation topics, Maritime Insurance, and Cybersecurity. Key sessions include: ‘Forecasting Ship Charter Rates and Examining the Various Factors Influencing Them’ Helmed by Daejin Lee, Global Head of Research, at Fertistream, this session aims to offer a comprehensive perspective on ship charter rates amid the dynamic shifts experienced in the industry due to global economic trends geopolitical developments, and technological advancements.  'Is the Maritime Sector Struggling to Innovate?' The session aims to dissect the factors contributing to perceived barriers to innovation in the sector The session aims to dissect the factors contributing to perceived barriers to innovation in the sector and explore avenues to enhance a culture of innovation. Speakers include Arne K. Lian, Director, Innovation Norway; Claus Nehmzow, Global Technology Advisor; Dr. Maurizio Pilu, Managing Director, Safetytech Accelerator; Murthy Pasumarthy, Assistant Vice President, Technology & New Product Development, Seatrium; Nakul Malhotra, Vice President, Emerging Opportunities, Wilhelmsen; Tan Cheng Peng, Executive Director, Singapore Maritime Institute (SMI); Tarun Mehrotra, Chief Strategy Officer, RightShip.  Day 3 sessions With the increasing need to secure our maritime manpower and their well-being, Day 3 will spotlight Manpower & Training and Sustainability. Key sessions include:  'Developing a Future-Ready Workforce' The session aims to explore strategies, educational pathways, and skill development initiatives needed to cultivate a dynamic maritime workforce that meets the demands of the ever-evolving maritime sector. Insights will be provided by Alex Ponomarev, Sales Director APAC, Ocean Technologies Group; Ashish Mediratta, Head of Crewing, A.P. Moller Maersk; Elaine Yu Kai, Chairperson, Institute of Charterer Shipbroker & Senior Freight Charterer, South32 Marketing; Elias Heng, Freight Trader, Cargill Ocean Transportation (Singapore); Punit Oza, Founder, Maritime NXT & International Vice President, Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers. ‘Diversity and Inclusion in the Maritime Workforce: Forecasting a More Equitable and Inclusive Industry’ Organised by WISTA Singapore, the discussion will be led by an all-female panel consisting Christie Thane, Chartering Manager, Lauritzen Bulkers; Hollie Scoon, General Manager, Marine Operations & Performance, Rio Tinto Shipping Asia; Jean Chen, Client Success Leader – APAC, Signal Ocean; Dr. Mimi Gao, Managing Director, Sea & Gao; Mustika Wardani, APAC QHSE Manager, ABL Energy & Marine Consultants; Rotem Battat, Chief Product Officer; Captain’s Eye, Capt. Tan Lay Ying, Senior Watch Manager (Vessel Traffic Management), Maritime Port and Authority of Singapore.  They will uncover barriers faced by the underrepresented groups in the maritime industry and discuss strategies and initiatives to champion equity, diversity, and inclusion at leadership levels.

Ocean Technologies Group (OTG), the renowned global provider of Human Capital Management solutions for the maritime industry, has launched a tender boat operator e-learning course for the passenger ship industry. As the cruise sector grows, some cruise ships are unable to berth in ports due to their size. An increasing number of guests need to be transported between ship and shore in smaller boats, known as tenders. For safety purposes, cruise lines need to ensure that safety training extends to crew members whom they designate to operate tender boats. OTG’s course OTG’s course is the first of its kind, delivering total familiarisation with tender boat safety OTG’s course is the first of its kind, delivering comprehensive familiarisation with tender boat safety. Delivered as e-learning, employers can now provide theory training to any crew at any time, pre-joining or on board ship. Employers can then focus on delivering the practical training element while at sea. Providing OTG with evidence of practical training, along with verification of completed e-learning, enables OTG to issue a certificate of training. OTG’s course follows the IMO suggested training requirements for tender boat operators and comprises six individual online modules covering launch and recovery; engine operation and instrumentation; passenger handling; navigational equipment and comms; operation and manoeuvring; and emergency procedures. Training and certification The training modules were made with the assistance of pioneering cruise operators offering their liners as locations for onboard filming. “Historically, the training and certification of passenger ship tender boat drivers have been managed by shipping companies themselves, either devising their own training programmes or outsourcing to shore-based training providers and issuing their own certificates,” said Joost van Ree, OTG’s Group Director Cruise and Yachts, adding “The aim of our new Tender Boat Operator course is to deliver a consistent approach to this type of training, which is repeatable, scalable and high quality.” Cruise-relevant hospitality courses Joost van Ree continued: “The benefit is that employers now have the flexibility to allocate tender boat duties to crew members at any time, when required, removing the time pressure and cost of training a limited number of crew pre-joining.” OTG has steadily broadened its appeal to the cruise sector with the full range of flag-approved STCW safety and security titles required for cruise personnel. It also recently announced a strategic partnership agreement with Lobster Ink adding more than 100 cruise-relevant hospitality courses to the award-winning Ocean Learning Platform (OLP).