Australian Reef Pilots Wins International Award

Leading maritime company Australian Reef Pilots (ARP) and its technology suppliers have won a prestigious international award for world-first technology, which improves safety and efficiency for shipping on the Great Barrier Reef.

In a combined submission with VoyageBank and SevenCs, ARP was awarded the IHS Safety at Sea 2013 Award (Systems Category) for the unique VoyageBank pilot system.

The custom navigation program combines tablets, cloud computing, electronic charting and an on-shore safety management system to better protect one of the planet’s most sensitive and challenging maritime areas.

CEO Simon Meyjes said it was an honour to receive the award jointly with ARP’s partners, a Brisbane-based IT start-up VoyageBank and the German tech company SevenCs.

“This award wouldn’t have been possible without the professional relationship between ARP, VoyageBank and SevenCs, so we are delighted to be recognised as global maritime leaders,” Mr Meyjes said.

“ARP commissioned the development of VoyageBank because we are committed to guarding Australia’s precious Reef but the technology can be adapted to provide safer shipping around the world.”

The IHS Safety at Sea 2013 Awards recognise excellence across the international maritime market and were presented at a ceremony onboard the historic HMS Belfast in London last night.

Mr Meyjes said VoyageBank was an excellent example of three progressive maritime companies co-operatively working towards the common goal of improved safety.

“The VoyageBank system has shown remarkable results in its first six months,” he said.

“It sends real-time alerts direct to our pilots and pre-arrival information is sent to all ships.

“We have access to a 90,000 ship database and pilotage booking errors are down to zero.

“ARP’s safety management system is one reason why we have five year accreditation with the Australian Maritime Safety Authority and ISO accreditation for environmental management under the 14001 standard.

“This award will spur us to continue implementing world’s best practise safety standards.”

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ARP, June 14, 2013