Category: Latest News

IMPORTANT BULLETIN: Software for ABC Stations

In September 2016 we were made aware of a time/date error in software of the Auto Bump Calibration station (ABC) for Marine 4’s.  To resolve this issue customers were sent instructions and an update on a USB labelled either Silver or Gold ABC Update. 

If the instructions sent with the update were not followed in full it can corrupt the system and make the station inoperable.

Until now, we’ve been replacing any corrupted stations regardless of the age or warranty status, this will cease from 1st August 2019.

The Silver or Gold ABC Update was a very specific upload to solve a very specific software issue, and the USB’s issued should never be used for routine updates or to fix unrelated problems. We know there are still some USBs out there so if you have one, please discard it.  It can be identified as it will state gold/silver on the label.

Don’t upload the Silver or Gold ABC Update to your ABC Station unless you have been instructed to do so by Martek Marine.

If you do experience an issue with your station that isn’t covered in the manuals, contact one of our experts in the technical support team. And, if you have any queries or further questions, please let us know – we’re always here to help.

Technical Support Team –
Dave.orourke@martek-marine.com / +44 (0) 1709 599 213
Bridie.pears@martek-marine.com / +44 (0) 1709 599 237

Spotlight on Shelley – 10 years at Martek Marine

Shelley might look like a fresh-faced new joiner, but she’s a Martek veteran.

After 10 years in the finance department (equivalent to 50 years in other roles, we’re told), We decided to catch up with Shelley about her time here at Martek and why she’s still here!

10 years – How did it all start at Martek?

I started with Martek back in November 2006. I joined as Credit Controller and Purchase Ledger Clerk and was one half of the 2-person finance team. Just a Finance Manager and I back then!

Shortly after, we got a 3rd team member, a Purchase Ledger Clerk, and my focus was solely on Credit Control.

Wanting to progress, I began to study for my AAT accounting qualifications. With study support from Martek, I completed the qual and moved into a new role as Assistant Management Accountant. We also gained another team member due to growth, 4 now in total.

And then you left… (spoiler: for a bit)

In Jan 2011 I decided to look for a change and new challenge.

But, there was something missing. I found the culture was too different elsewhere. Very corporate, stuck in their ways and a lack of personality that I loved at Martek.

I realised that Martek was where I felt more comfortable day to day. The social aspect is great and I developed loads of friends, not just work colleagues.

In December 2012, an opportunity opened at Martek and I jumped at the chance. I re-joined the team as a Management Accountant. I’ve been here since!

Looking back to 2006, what have been the biggest changes at Martek?

The introduction of freedom and responsibility (F&R) was amazing. In a nutshell: Take ownership of your responsibilities, do your work well, and enjoy the freedom that comes as a reward.

What time of ‘freedom’ has this meant for you?

I’m a mum of two, and one of my children has special needs. F&R meant I was able to be flexible with my working hours. I’m able to work from home for a few hours in a morning, which means I can manage the jobs at home too!

Martek stand by F&R, it isn’t just a tag. As I knew I could manage my workload around the office hours I chose, and had a proven track record, I felt comfortable using F&R. I’ve heard of companies where it’s advertised but not actioned and that’s not the case here.

Beside your AAT, have you had any other support in your 10 years.

Plenty! Martek take CPD seriously and really push us to be the best we can be. There’s a free audible account brimming with audio/actual books to keep learning.

Since returning in 2012, Martek supported me as I studied for and passed my CIMA (Chartered Institute of Management Accountants), and with this I’ve progressed to a department leader and now sit on the leadership team.

Without the support of Martek I wouldn’t be where I am today!

Any messages for potential new joiners, or those who have just started with the company?

Martek is a fantastic company to work for. The culture is fun, people focussed and there are plenty of rewards.

That said, expect to be challenged. If you’re prepared to be challenged, take ownership and put in the work where it’s needed the rewards are fantastic.

I wouldn’t work anywhere else!

To learn more about our staff at Martek click here 

IMDG Code: Free Supplement for first 100 customers

International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG) Code – New Edition

Essential Information

A carriage requirement for all vessels carrying Dangerous Goods and Marine Pollutants at Sea, this latest version will supersede the 2014 edition, which will become invalid.

The IMDG Code, 2018 Edition (inc. Amendment 39-18) comes into force on 1 January 2020 for two years and may be applied voluntarily as from 1 January 2019. The IMDG Code Supplement, 2018 Edition, once published, will render the previous 2014 edition.

The IMDG Code, 2016 Edition Amendment 38-16 came into force on 1 January 2018 for two years. The IMDG Code Supplement, 2014 Edition remains valid until further notice.

Purpose

The IMDG code covers MARPOL and SOLAS Convention requirements and is the guide for handling dangerous goods and marine pollutants at sea.

The IMDG code includes:

  • Recommendations for individual substances materials and articles
  • Recommendations for good operational practice
  • Advice on terminology, packing, labelling, stowage, segregation and handling
  • Emergency response action.

Free Supplement for first 100 customers

It’s time to go digital.

Too often we store guides, code, updates and supplements in paper form. There’s still the sense of preferring to hold the physical product.

The problems lay when you need to find something specific within. Time is of the essence and there’s only so much the contents page can help with.
Dogeared and tattered, these can become difficult to store and to read.

In an industry that embraces technology as a means of improved performance and efficiency, it’s time digital books became the norm.

Time-saving

Content pages and index are useful for narrowing down your search in paper versions but can still be time-consuming.

With an e-book you have the ability to instantly search for keywords or phrases, saving valuable time previously spent flicking through pages.

No more legs

With a digital library, your publications are always in the same place. Regardless of who needs to use what or when a digital copy will be on hand for instant access

No losses

In a chaotic moment, items can get lost. There’s also a high risk of damage, especially with printed products.

Digital charts and publications remain safe and in place. Files are backed up to ensure that even with a system failure or loss, there’s another device ready to step up to the plate.

Reduce emissions

The maritime industry is set to reduce emissions by 2050. Whilst an e-book may not look to solve this directly, it’s a contributing factor. Reducing the need for paper form publications, and the methods of carriage and delivery all work towards the bigger cause.

Your free supplement

To help with your move towards digital publications, and for those who already use them, we’re offering a free IMDG supplement to the first 100 customers who purchase the latest edition of the IMDG guide in digital format.

The supplement is worth £65 and is packed with:

  • The Revised EmS Guide
  • The Medical First Aid Guide
  • Recommendations on the safe use of pesticides in ships
  • The INF Code
  • Other appropriate resolutions and circulars pertaining to the transport of dangerous goods

Claim your IMDG guide with free supplement now and lead the way as an early adopter in 2019.

Want to save money on charts, without compromising safety?
Sign up for our 30 min webinar and find out why you’re wasting money on digital charts.

Automation for Maritime: The Future of Shipping and Ports

Automation is only going one way. How will it impact you?

It’s estimated that tens of thousands of dollars could be saved each day by introducing automation to a single container vessel – but is this realistically on the horizon?

We’ve spoken at length about drones being used in the future, but what about ships and ports?

Ports

Container cranes at Maasvlakte 2 are unmanned and pretty much fully automated. Aside from a few small processes, the whole operation is managed by computers.

Moving forward, this could be used on a larger scale to speed up the shipping supply chain process, but there are some concerns. Digital errors, unchecked by human eyes could cause damage or harm. There’s also the risk of criminals hacking into the system.

Automated ship
Zero emissions and zero human interaction

Ships

Entirely unmanned, or hosting a small skeleton crew, self-piloting and self-managing – possibly out for testing later this year.

The YARA Birkeland Autonomous Container Vessel plans to be operational on a sea route between Brevik, Herøya and Larvik ports in southern Norway by 2020.

The ship’s navigation and autonomous operations will be supported by a number of proximity sensors, including a radar, a light detection and ranging (LIDAR) device, an automatic identification system (AIS), an imaging system and an infrared (IR) camera.

As well as shipping, there are plans for autonomous cruise ships too.

The looming downside is, of course, a lack of jobs which will impact the shipping industry. That’s not to say this will see jobs lost immediately, with ships like the YARA Birkeland costing three times more than a similar sized conventional ship, and plenty of regulatory and legal requirements to iron out, we don’t expect to see fully autonomous shipping just yet.

Martek Marine will continue our mission to revolutionise ship safety, performance and crew welfare. Where automation is a benefit for the industry as a whole, you can guarantee we’ll be leading the way.

UNICEF & Vanuatu Government Select Martek for UAS Vaccine Delivery Trial

The humanitarian application of ‘drones-for-good’ is a compelling use case and Martek Marine (UK) has been selected by UNICEF & the Vanuatu Government to demonstrate their capability for vaccine delivery. Martek will self-fund the trial which will take place on Efate Island from 21-25 August 2017.

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Successful aviation is all about people

Martek welcomes Ben Daniel to their rapidly growing team of aviation experts

Rotherham, UK 3rd July 2017

We are pleased to announce the latest addition to our band of aviation experts, Ben Daniel BA(Hons) PGCL MCGI. Ben joins us in late August 2017 as Chief Pilot following a distinguished career in the Royal Navy as a maritime ‘junglie’ helicopter pilot spanning a vast array of aviation arenas: embarked, arctic, desert, jungle, support helicopters, ISTAR, etc. He has been active in unmanned aviation for several years as both a Safety Risk Manager and operational Remote Pilot.

Continue reading “Successful aviation is all about people”

Martek appoint leading UAS “Subject Matter Expert” as Technical Manager

Preparing to dominate the market

Martek Marine (Martek), the world authority on maritime drone applications is thrilled to announce the official appointment of drone specialist Martin Appel as UAS Technical Manager joining the rapidly expanding number of drone and aviation experts that make up the company’s UAS Division.

Continue reading “Martek appoint leading UAS “Subject Matter Expert” as Technical Manager”

Paul Forster: Martek Marine hire Head of UAV Operations with outstanding aviation experience

Martek Marine (Martek) are excited to announce the official appointment of highly-acclaimed aviation expert Paul Forster as their Head of UAV Operations. Paul brings over 30 years’ unparalleled aviation experience to Martek, in both high-profile operational and leadership roles.

Continue reading “Paul Forster: Martek Marine hire Head of UAV Operations with outstanding aviation experience”