TWO of shipping’s largest suppliers, Transas and Japan Radio Company have announced a joint partnership to create new maritime products.
The two technology and system firms will work together in research and development, product distribution and project collaboration. Transas will provide software development and solutions, and JRC the hardware such as radars and bridge systems.
JRC is one of the largest marine electronics producer specialising in the design and manufacture of integrated bridge solutions, mainly through its Alphatron Marine brand. Transas is one of the largest providers of chart systems, bridge systems and bridge simulators. Together they have a significant share of the marine electornics and systems market.
The new joint solutions are for both the small boat and pleasure market as well as industrial shipping.
In a joint statement, Transas chief executive Frank Coles and Jun Nakazawa, general manager at JRC Marine System Business, both hinted to the partnership being a sign of a new trend or transformation in shipping.
Talking to fathom-news.com, following the announcement, Mr Coles said consolidation in the market is inevitable as there are too many vendors offering the same solutions.
“We need the best of breed software with the best of breed hardware,” he said “The industry cannot survive how it is, and digitisation can drive it.”
Transas is currently rolling out its idea of a digital future with its new digital data and communication resource, the Transas Harmonised Eco System of Integrated Solutions.
Known as THESIS, it aims to allow for improved inter-connection of ships, fleet operations centres, academies and marine traffic control sectors. Coles warns that the disruption of shipping is likely to be quicker than many think.
