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mize the impact of any downturn in one. ting of Bridge Navigation equipment in nectivity’ is another driver. Connectivity

Holland that you worked for ? ve years ago?

This also allows us to focus on market the cruise sector for example. Ef? cient is more than providing communication

It’s the same from the perspective that speci? c trends. Our business is also driv- and effective maintenance is also a driv- and crew welfare. We see a key bene? t our core business revolves around tra- en by new regulatory changes and the er for better business of the ship owners. in using VSAT as an enabler to monitor ditional Bridge Navigation/communica- retro? tting of old obsolete equipment Preventive maintenance will save money systems remotely on board a ship, which tion equipment and service and mainte- with more modern technology. Recently and lower operational costs, keeping the increases availability and lowers the cost nance around the globe. However, we we have been successful in the retro? t- ? eets at sea without interruptions. ‘Con- of operations.

are adding new solutions, innovation (such as remote monitoring, ICT), new technologies we offer and maintain, such as electrical, automation, and new main- tenance formats.

Times have changed, requirements of the market changes all the time, so it is

Radio Holland ‘reloaded,’ focused on our customers’ requirements and helping them achieve ef? cient operations, keep- ing their ? eet operational. That last one remained the same!

As Director of the Imtech Marine USA, you now lead a considerable team of system integrators for the marine in- dustries. Where do you think you and

Imtech will have the most impact in the coming years in this market?

For a number of years now there has been a trend in the shipyards to use Sys- tem Integrators for their new build proj- ects. But also re? t projects, like the proj- ect we started re? tting three bridges of

Holland America Line cruise ships.

At what point does the shipyard’s re- sponsibility and that of the OEM be- come yours – as the systems integra- tor? How will it all work when your goal of becoming “a supplier independent top three player in the global marine market.” What does that phrase really mean?

As a system integrator, our responsi- bility lies in the engineering, project management, scheduling, installation and commissioning of the OEM equip- ment. Clearly we have to follow closely the construction schedule of the vessel which is the ultimate responsibility of the shipyard.

As for the OEM, we have to ensure that the installation of the equipment is to their exact standards to ensure their warranty is validated and will be hon- ored to the client. As for what the phrase supplier independent means, it speaks for itself: we believe our core compe- tences in the key disciplines are appli- cable, regardless of who the equipment manufacturer is.

The world, as always, is in various eco- nomic stages, either emerging from the economic meltdown of 2008/09 or digesting the dramatic plunge in oil prices second half of 2014. As you look over your area of responsibility, by market niche, by geographic region (or both), where do you see the most promise for better business today?

We operate in most key markets to mini- www.marinelink.com 21

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