E-navigation specialist NAVTOR has appointed Anders Holme for the role of Chief Technology Officer.  Holme is a veteran of many companies which include IBM, NOV, Aker Solutions and Lyse.  He will enhance NAVTOR with a wealth of business and software expertise, allowing consolidation and expansion upon its leading position in the delivery of innovative navigation solutions.

NAVTOR launched its breakthrough ENC service to the market in 2012 and has gone on to build a global client base, and network of offices. The company’s mission is to deliver products and services that make life simpler for navigators, and safer, more efficient and economical for shipowners and operators. Important milestones within the company include the launch of NavStation, the world’s first digital chart table, in 2014, and their Pay As You Sail ENC service in 2012.

Holme says the time has now come to build further market leadership based on satisfying tomorrow’s industry needs today.

“There is a growing appreciation within shipping that new technology can unlock real operational advantages and business opportunities,” he states. “NAVTOR’s product range has shown that, by digitising and automating previously manual tasks, huge economic savings can be made in terms of man hours, while safety standards, fuel consumption and fleet management can be optimised.

“But we see this as the start of the journey rather than the destination. By staying on top of broader technology trends and marrying them to market needs, NAVTOR can continue to develop products that give our customers competitive advantage in an ever tighter marketplace. For example, by encompassing more data, from more sources (including the ever-growing number of marine systems), we can continually refine our offering to deliver even better decision-making tools.”

“With increasing digitalization, building a platform for the possibility of eventual vessel autonomy, its vital to have the best digital solutions in place. E-navigation will play a key part in that development… and we’re committed to leading the way forward for our customers.”

Holme will now manage teams that work across offices in Egersund, Norway, Singapore, Japan, Sweden, Russia, the US and UK. NAVTOR’s main software development takes place at the company’s head office in Egersund and its dedicated base in St Petersburg.

“Anders doesn’t just bring technology understanding to the team,” states NAVTOR CEO Tor Svanes, “he also has a proven track record of growing businesses and helping them connect digital ideas to real world market demand. We’ve grown since our start-up in 2011 by developing technology that delivers tangible benefits to customers around the world. Anders’ vision and ability will help us ensure we stay abreast of the very latest developments and continue to deliver a portfolio that demonstrates the enormous potential of fully integrated e-navigation. We’re very pleased to welcome him on board.”