SEAFAR, a pioneer in remote-controlled vessel technology, announces with great excitement its strategic collaboration with Fast Lines Belgium, marking its entry into the short sea shipping market. Leveraging its successful journey within the inland shipping sector, SEAFAR has rapidly evolved into an end-to-end technology and service provider for remote shipping operations, now operating a diverse fleet of over 40 vessels, ranging from crew-reduced to unmanned, remotely controlled, and monitored vessels.
SEAFAR’s relentless pursuit of innovation to address the personnel shortage in inland shipping has also garnered significant interest from the short sea sector, affirming the value proposition of its pioneering technology and operational expertise in optimising vessel operations.
Creating Valuable Rest Time and Enhancing Quality of Life Onboard
The primary objective of this collaboration is to alleviate the workload onboard vessels operating within a demanding trading schedule. SEAFAR’s advanced technology promises to enhance operational efficiency while maintaining the highest safety standards and creating valuable rest time for crews onboard.
By reducing the workload and automating routine tasks, crew members are afforded more rest periods, which is crucial for maintaining their health, well-being, and overall performance. Adequate rest is essential to prevent fatigue-related accidents and to ensure that crew members are alert and efficient during their shifts.
“Creating rest time onboard is not merely about reducing fatigue; it’s about enhancing the overall quality of life for our clients’ crew members,” notes Louis-Robert Cool, founder and CEO of SEAFAR. “With more rest time, crew members can enjoy better mental and physical health, leading to increased job satisfaction and productivity. Moreover, well-rested crews are less prone to errors, thereby enhancing the safety and reliability of shipboard operations.”
Additionally, the technology allows for the repurposing of crew members for other critical tasks onboard. Instead of being tied down by routine monitoring and manual operations, crew members can focus on more skilled tasks that add greater value to the vessel’s operations. This not only optimises resource utilisation but also ensures that crew members can engage in more fulfilling and intellectually stimulating work.
“Our goal is to elevate the role of crew members by leveraging technology to handle mundane tasks,” says Janis Bargsten. “This approach not only improves operational efficiency but also empowers crews to contribute more meaningfully to the ship’s operations, fostering a more engaged and motivated workforce.”
The Right Timing in Light of Progressive Regulation
With the recently signed MoU on Cooperation Regarding the International Operation of Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS) by several North Sea countries and the imminent release of the IMO-MASS code, SEAFAR and Fast Lines Belgium recognise the opportune moment to introduce SEAFAR’s remote control technology to the short sea shipping sector. Both entities are actively engaged in discussions with classification societies, flag states, and coastal authorities to facilitate the seamless integration of this innovative solution on the vessel MV Fast Sim.
“We are excited to take on this important step along SEAFAR’s journey together with our valued partner Fast Lines Belgium,” states Janis Bargsten, CCO at SEAFAR. “Our collaboration signifies a milestone in revolutionising short sea shipping operations through cutting-edge technology and collaborative partnerships. Together, we are poised to redefine industry standards and enable sustainable growth in a market facing a widening availability gap of qualified onboard personnel.”
Fast Lines Belgium shares SEAFAR’s enthusiasm for this venture. “Joining forces with SEAFAR represents a strategic alignment of our shared vision for the future of maritime transportation,” said Catrien Scheers, CEO/owner at Fast Lines Belgium. “We believe that integrating SEAFAR’s proven remote control technology will not only optimise our operations but also set new benchmarks for safety, efficiency, and sustainability in the short sea shipping market.”
Both SEAFAR and Fast Lines Belgium are committed to conducting comprehensive testing, including trials of communication equipment and overall system performance, to ensure seamless integration and compliance with regulatory requirements.
13th June 2024
Antwerp, Belgium
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