The Netherlands: MeteoGroup Wins Contract to Provide SPOS for 1500 Boskalis’ Vessels

January 26, 2012

Royal Boskalis Westminster N.V. has awarded MeteoGroup Offshore a framework agreement to supply metocean services to its fleet of 1,500 vessels.

The framework contract, which began on 1st October 2011, includes the installation of the world’s leading onboard weather routing system, SPOS Onboard (Ship Performance Optimisation System) for a large part of the fleet.

MeteoGroup’s proprietary software, SPOS Onboard, will initially be installed on over 50 vessels from the 1,500-strong Boskalis fleet (of near-shore and offshore vessels). SPOS Onboard is the market-leading weather routing service for shipping. Using SPOS to optimise routing for its vessels, Boskalis will reduce overall fuel consumption, save time and reduce costs and CO2 emissions.

As the preferred supplier of metocean services for Boskalis, MeteoGroup Offshore will also provide products and services for Royal Boskalis Westminster Group’s global activities. This includes the high resolution, operational planning tool, Nowcasting Pro6 for near-shore operations.

Mark White, MeteoGroup Offshore Managing Director commented: “Royal Boskalis Westminster Group operates in diverse markets and we’re delighted that this framework agreement provides scope for MeteoGroup Offshore to supply suitable products and services for the different markets, including dredging, transport, heavy lift and salvage.”

Piet Jan van der Giessen, Plant Manager at Royal Boskalis Westminster commented: “SPOS Onboard will help us achieve three main goals: improved safety, reduction of CO2 emissions and cost savings. The detailed weather forecasts enable the crew to avoid hazardous weather situations and, by optimising our shipping routes, we will save on fuel, bringing down costs and reducing the environmental impact.”

“In addition to SPOS Onboard, the framework agreement includes other weather forecasting products and services from MeteoGroup Offshore’s portfolio and applies to the whole of Royal Boskalis Westminster. We’re delighted that these services will be available to all vessels and project managers at an operational level,” added Maurice Koerts, Senior Buyer, Royal Boskalis Westminster.

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Shipbuilding Tribune Staff, January 26, 2012; Image: meteogroup-maritime