SPOS weather system for A.P. Møller vessels

In January 2002, A.P. Møller ordered the SPOS on board weather and route optimisation system for 40 of its owned and 27 chartered vessels. Only two weeks after the final decision, over 20 vessels were already using the system on an operational basis.

In January 2002, A.P. Møller ordered the SPOS on board weather and route optimisation system for 40 of its owned and 27 chartered vessels. Only two weeks after the final decision, over 20 vessels were already using the system on an operational basis.

This is an important step on the container market for Meteo Consult of the Netherlands, following earlier decisions from NSCSA and P&O Nedlloyd to apply the system. The SPOS system is a simple and low costs solution for providing the master with a complete and accurate weather forecast via his own e-mail system. The weather and wave maps generated by the system allow the master to get a clear sight on weather hazards and operational limitations. Especially when using the route optimisation facility (developed in co-operation with Shell Research), economic benefits may be gained.

Mr. Peter Stoter of Meteo Consults marine department comments: To our surprise, the introduction of SPOS four years ago started with a significant position in the tanker market. Later on, general cargo and RoRo/car carriers followed. With the container vessels being equipped now, several hundreds of ships currently benefit from a reliable and accurate weather flow, giving the master a tool to reduce damage and increase vessel performance".

It is expected that upon succesfull completion of the SPOS installations on the Maersk fleet, more long-term chartered vessels may follow. Information on SPOS can be obtained on www.spos.nl

BACKGROUND information for the editor:

Meteo Consult is a weather forecasting company specialised in adding value to regular weather services. The company has a staff of 140 worldwide; the head office is based in The Netherlands. The marine department offers various weather services for the oil and gas industry and the shipping communities. The applied ISO 9001 quality assurance system is quite unique in meteorology today and especially appreciated in the maritime sector.

More information or additional graphics can be obtained through: Meteo Consult, Marine Department, Mr. Peter Stoter

Tel: +31 317 399800   E-mail: offshore@meteo.nl
Fax: +31 317 423164   Web:   www.spos.nl