New interface feeds ABS Class information to Nautical Systems users
Survey information linked to Maintenance & Repair fleet management module

February 9, 2006

(Houston, TX---) Responding to client requests voiced at a previous User Conference, ABS Nautical Systems has developed an interface that allows shipowners to download ABS classification machinery survey status data directly into the Maintenance & Repair module of the NS-5 fleet management software. This is believed to be the first direct interface to have been created between class survey data and any commercial fleet management software package currently available on the market.

“Clients asked for this and we have delivered,” said ABS Nautical Systems President Jack Kitchura. “It will make life simpler and promote data accuracy for the operators of hundreds of vessels that use our NS-5 software system to manage their on-board operations.”

Prior to the development of this interface a shipowner or operator would have to access the survey status information on each vessel in the fleet from the classification society’s web-based system and then re-enter that information into the Maintenance and Repair module for each ship in the fleet. “It was an arduous task with a potential for error due to the double handling of the data,” Kitchura said.

The interface allows the ship operator to access the ABS survey database direct from the Maintenance and Repair module and to then download all the applicable Continuous Machinery Survey (CMS) information for the operator’s entire ABS classed fleet with a few simple key strokes.

The sophisticated Replication Manager module of NS-5 means that the next time one of the affected ships logs into the Nautical Systems program, the relevant machinery survey information will be automatically updated on the vessel’s own system giving the Chief Engineer all the necessary information to plan on-going maintenance and survey programs. The survey information will also automatically reschedule jobs that had already been entered into the Maintenance & Repair module.

“It should be emphasized that this is a one way data transfer,” Kitchura added. “The owner has access to the survey status on his vessels but ABS, as the classification society, can not gain access to the owner’s Maintenance & Repair data which remains confidential.”

The initial interface gives access to machinery survey information as this involves the largest number of survey items. A second phase of the interface will provide owners with similar automatic updates on all remaining survey items affecting the hull and statutory certificates. It is expected that this facility will be available later in 2006.

ABS Nautical Systems is one of the leading providers of integrated fleet management software packages available to the marine and offshore industries. It offers a fully integrated, modular approach to managing all the principal operational expenses associated with a vessel or offshore rig, ranging from crew payroll to purchasing, to maintenance and repair. ABS-NS systems are currently installed aboard more than one thousand vessels ranging in size from OSVs to VLCCs.