In this issue

• Foreword by Per Anders Koien: Our advantage: "Used" software
• New Audit module aids Safe shipping
• Fired up Fleet in Asia
• SIS: An accommodating training partner
• Improving on "Great"
• Reliability personified: Jens Wilhelmsen
• If you can find it, you can WIN it. Enter our iPod Touch draw!

Our Advantage: "Used" Software

Other suppliers in the maritime IT business bemoan the fact that so few users get any value out of their functionality. Thanks to a user-friendly approach and close follow-up, we have some of the most effective and “used” solutions around.

Perhaps it is because we were one of the first and most dynamic providers of integrated fleet management systems around. Perhaps it is because we spent considerable time and effort on a robust infrastructure. We have consistently put more focus than our competitors on the successful relationship between solutions and users. We understand more than most that our job doesn’t stop with the software.

These differences are sometimes expressed in small, but significant changes. The new audit and inspections module we’re launching next month is a rearrangement of existing functionality, with some new procedures and forms. It was developed as the result of input from and close collaboration with users in companies like Norgas Carriers and Ocean Rig. Our users are an impetus in product development.

New sales are also partly driven by the fact that our software is familiar and easy-to-use. Time and again we hear from new customers that they had previous experience with our solutions, and – facing the choice of a software upgrade – wanted to use our solutions again. Why? They say we’re easy to use.  This is key.  Training costs go down and the quality of data and reports go up.  But it all starts with having a system that is easy to use!

“Easy to use” is not a happy accident. It is the logical conclusion of a philosophy that we as a company and our solutions are designed for one purpose only: To improve our clients’ operations and to save them time. The feeling that these improvements and savings are happening without any effort on the part of the user, that is what they call “easy to use”.

We are going to stick to this philosophy. Our competition may scoff at our claim of “used software”, but we only give users functionality they want and can use. We’ll see you at the next user’s conference. Send in your suggestions to where we hold it and what we discuss or just enter your company name and email address and maybe you’ll win an iPod – because you can use that too!

New audit module aids safe shipping

The new “Audits/Inspections Module” in Star IPS makes it easier and more practical to record non-conformities and follow them up.

All shipping operators face tough vetting regimes. For tanker owners, there is the rigorous vetting regime called TMSA. Rig owners face regular inspections from national authorities. Port state and class add to the number of audits.

SIS rig and shipping customers can look forward to a new module in Star IPS called “Audits/Inspections” that is designed to help them improve performance in audits and inspections.
“Vetting is a ticket to trade. With this new improved audits and inspections module, it will make it easier for us to pinpoint any weak areas,” says Vincent Denissen, a SHE&Q Coordinator/DPA in Norgas Carriers.

Norgas’ 18 gas carriers must satisfy different vetting regimes, among them TMSA. Denissen and other Star IPS users from companies like Utkilens, Ocean Rig and the contributed to the development of the new module. These users have urged SIS at user forums to organize audit and inspection functions under one dedicated category.

SIS product managers and developers worked together with the users to prepare the new module, which is set for launch for all users of Star IPS by May 2008.

In the audit/inspection module, users can:

• Track statistics on (for example):  type of inspection, chapter and question, immediate and root cause, consequences and immediate/corrective actions.
• Register data on non-conformities for follow-up
• Filter the non-conformity list to set focus on specific items for follow-up
• Connect non-conformities to a risk matrix, and
• Register audits and inspections in a straight-forward wizard.

The audits/inspections module is not a stand-alone product. Its value for users is a simplified environment and process for registering observations, and for following them up so that they don’t repeat. To the extent that this improves operators’ performance in audits, SIS contributes to safe shipping.

Fired up Fleet in Asia

SIS has won big business in Asia with customers like Japan Drilling, Frigstad Offshore, Seadrill, JET Drilling, Nortek, Seawolf, Awilco Offshore and several shipowners.

“Business growth in shipping and, in particular, the offshore markets have drawn many companies we know to Asia and Singapore. These are happy to see that we’re already here, and can support their fleet growth and development where they build, dry-dock and operate,” says Espen Spernæs, a Star Information Systems Pte Ltd Project Manager in Singapore.

Major shipowners who first sought to bring familiar Star systems with them as they ventured into offshore businesses like drilling and oil & gas production have convinced other companies in the offshore market to take a look at SIS.

Increasingly, offshore operators in Asia are adopting SIS; some of them are also bringing SIS into their maritime operations.

We take a look at some of SIS’s expanding portfolio in Singapore and throughout Asia.

Seadrill
This major Norway-based drilling company has ordered Star IPS for a series of massive newbuilding drilling rigs under construction in Singapore. One of the first, West Triton, left Singapore’s PPL Shipyard only months ago. Seadrill has also chosen Star CPS for its office.
“Seadrill had originally chosen another provider, but they were disappointed with this firm’s implementation. Then they chose us. That’s powerful testimony of our credibility and ability to deliver,” says Spernæs.

Japan Drilling
SIS signed an agreement in January to provide Star IPS with the full range of modules on as many as a half-dozen rigs over two phases. The first is a jack-up rig due to be delivered from the Jurong Shipyard in early 2009; it will be followed by installation on the Naga 1 semi-submersible drilling rig, then the Hakuryu-5 and jack-ups SGD-1 and SGD-2.

“This is a first conversion from manual maintenance to a digital PMS system. I know that they evaluated several solutions, so it is exciting that they’ve chosen SIS. The installations are accompanied by a number of demos and training programs. This delivery is very important to us both,” says Spernæs.

Frigstad Offshore
Frigstad Offshore demonstrated its faith in Star’s systems starting in 2006 when it chose SIS both for purchasing at its office (Star CPS) and for maintenance management on a newbuild semi-submersible rig: S/S Frigstad Oslo (which has since been purchased by Saipem). Frigstad has also chosen Star IPS for three jack-up rigs that it is taking over.

JET Drilling
SIS is taking over a maintenance system and building up a new maintenance database based upon purchase-orders history on the first of four rigs to install SIS solutions.

Nortech's FPSO
This company is converting a number of FPSOs, and has chosen SIS systems for the first of its units, to be delivered from the Pan United Shipyard in the first quarter of 2008.

“We’ve also won business with Awilco Offshore, Seawolf and a handful of shipping companies in the region. This office has grown rapidly with this expanding work base, and we’ll continue to grow,” says Spernæs.

The staff at Star Information Systems Pte Ltd in Singapore:

From left: Adam Peter Butt, Espen Spærnes, Jeff Lai, and Managing Director Einar Langø.

SIS: An accommodating Training Partner

A full version of Star IPS for each future officer studying at the Norwegian Maritime School in Trondheim is a SIS investment in a generation of SIS-trained seagoing personnel.

“Star IPS will be a major part of our curriculum for teaching future officers and engineers the economics of ship operations, maintenance and vessel planning. Systems like these will play an important role in their work-day; it’s vital to give them experience,” says Runar Iversen, an instructor at the Norwegian Maritime School.

SIS signed an agreement with the school earlier this year to supply next year’s (and forthcoming years’) officer and engineer classes with complimentary versions of the Star IPS software, as well as work instructions and a working database to manage. At a value in the hundreds of thousands of kroner, it’s a great deal for the school.

“For us, it’s about giving something back to the community here in Trondheim. And, obviously, it has the advantage of producing a generation of officers trained up on SIS solutions. There are several other schools training on our systems, as well,” says SIS Implementation Consultant Arne Wråli.

Iversen describes CBT (computer-based training) as a steadily more important part of the modern curriculum at maritime schools. “We can offer candidates classroom experience on the SIS maintenance systems, then see it in use during our yearly excursion with the Hurtigruten ferry, as they use SIS solutions to plan maintenance,” says Iversen.

He concludes that the school aims to integrate the SIS solution into their instruction of maintenance planning, budget, purchasing, docking planning and other kinds of management training.

Improving on "Great"

Already a SEATRADE Energy Transportation Award winner, a major, Dubai-based tanker owner and manager utilises Star software across its fleet to help continuously improve its Tanker Management and Self Assessment (TMSA) key performance indicators.

SIS had an initial, fleetwide Star management software contract with the company in 2003, with the fleet expanding to 16 double-hull tankers by 2005 after their purchase of another shipowner.

Brought into effect in the beginning of 2005 by the Oil Companies International Maritime Forum (OCIMF), TMSA guidelines are a best practice guide to tanker operations, and the KPI are closely followed by the oil majors. In it, tanker operators audit their own operational, safety, quality and environmental procedures to demonstrate continuous improvement. The goal of TMSA is to produce enhanced operational efficiencies, fewer accidents and less off-hire time.

While the tanker owner and manager already had customs in place to check upon various procedures, the TMSA guidelines brought more comprehensive routines to the fore. All of the information, however, was already available in the Star system – it just needed to be tweaked. “We didn’t need to add any new modules. SIS systems have always had the guidelines that TMSA tracks,” says Hans-Kristian Fjærem. He’s the head of SIS’ Vessel Support Services (VSS) department, and has been actively involved in Star system implementation across the owner’s fleet.

Since the introduction of the requirements, Fjærem and other members of the VSS staff have met up with the tanker owner and manager in several locations, discussing how the company can better retrieve TMSA-related information in the system. This has included both user conferences and visits to the Dubai offices. System improvements and adjustments are carried out on a running basis.

In calculating KPIs, the major tanker owner uses the Star system to improve data quality – including better reports on integral equipment, and more comprehensive spare parts information and maintenance routines for critical equipment. And not only is the data more complete, but ship superintendants are getting better facts faster as well.

“Previously the superintendants had to dig to get information about the vessels. Now, key data is tracked and placed in weekly reports that are sent directly to them. The ‘push’ technique is much more user-friendly, and helps track both positive areas and those that need more attention in a timely manner,” says Fjærem.

Reliability personified: Jens Wilhelmsen

Like many companies, Star Information Systems was started by a group of committed pioneers. We honour one of them, Jens Wilhelmsen, on the occasion of his 80th birthday.
Happy birthday Jens!

SIS’s CEO Per Anders Koien calls him a legend in maintenance systems. Jens Wilhelmsen contributed to the software systems that evolved into SIS’s core product through three generations, via three permutations (TSAR, RAST and finally STAR).

“Jens is knowledgeable in every aspect of shipping. He’s full of knowledge, and has never been afraid to learn something new. He’s pretty much written all of our user manuals. At 80, there are few people who know our products, or our business, better,” said Koien.

Still a shareholder, Wilhelmsen no longer works full-time, but he contributes to HSE efforts. For this column, Wilhelmsen agreed to  share a few of his experiences from five decades of shipping and software development.

“Since my early days, when I played in a shipyard among old whale catchers, I’ve always felt that my career would involve ships or shipbuilding. I studied naval architecture, graduating from Glasgow University in 1952. I was just in time to take part in the process whereby oil tanker designs grew from 10,000 dwt to 100,000 dwt.

Trying to be far-sighted,  I worked on nuclear propulsion for Norway, for Scandinavia and for the OECD – even if little came of it, at the end of the day. It did, however, bring me into contact with a group of automation experts just as automation was set to revolutionise Norwegian shipping.

“After my own crude research into marine insurance, I became convinced that safety and profitability were intimately connected. Safety and reliability in ship operation were two themes to steer by. Research with a tight group of colleagues eventually turned into a core of knowledge that inspired SIS.

“All has not been glorious. There have been stumbling blocks. Today, I am glad to see that SIS is a strong organisation of young, knowledgeable people. The value that we provide is great, and I think we’ve only scratched the surface.”

If you can find it, you can WIN it!

There’s a brand-new iPod Touch hiding on SIS’s web-site: www.sismarine.com. Have a look through the site and, if you find an iPod, click on it. You’ll be taken to a hidden page where you can register your name and contact details. Voilá! You’re in a drawing to win an iPod Touch.  (Take the time to enter last time the odds of winning were 1 in 8) Only entries received before May 18^th will be valid.

With a new Apple iPod Touch, you can listen to your favourite music, watch movies, play games and videos, catch your favourite TV shows, flick through photos, surf the web and send email while walking down the street. Get directions, check the weather, follow stocks and more.

The winner of the random drawing will get an email, when receipt of the e-mail is confirmed: you’ll get a brand-new iPod Touch in the mail. Good luck!