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A world-class South African maritime industry

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With the blue economy, or ‘ocean economy’ on everyone’s lips, spurred on by the government’s Operation Phakisa, the maritime industry is an exciting space in which to operate. Furthermore, savvy use of technology really assists in fast-tracking growth and development of the industry; and contributes to a growing economic sector – not only in South Africa – but around the entire continent.

MDSol
MDSol

This is the view of Steve Nell, Managing Director of Marine Data Solutions (MDSol), a Cape Town-based, ‘proudly African’ company specialising in world-leading maritime surveillance technologies, services and solutions.

“There are exciting technological developments taking place, particularly in the area of marine domain awareness (MDA). Globally-proven systems and solutions can have a significant impact on the safety, security and efficiency of the South African maritime sector, ultimately helping to build the economy. A safer, more visible marine environment has far reaching benefits for all stakeholders, both for this country and for the rest of Africa,” says Nell.

MDSol, with the largest installed base of MDA technologies on the African continent, was very pleased to with the opportunity to showcase its technology capabilities at the Eastern Cape Maritime Summit 2015, held on 13 November in Port Elizabeth.

Under the dynamic, entrepreneurial leadership of Steve Nell, MDSol has built up a strong customer base among South African and African maritime authorities and related industries.

In augmenting its customer value proposition, the company recently acquired a majority shareholding in Marine Radio Acoustic Devices (MRAD), a well-established provider of world class on-board electronic equipment for the maritime and fisheries industries.

“This acquisition has been in the pipeline for more than two years, and is an exciting step forward for both companies,” says Eddy Elschot, General Manager of MRAD. “We have established an extremely good relationship with MDSol and are looking forward to combining our respective fields of expertise to build efficiencies in the marine sector in both onboard and shore-based technologies.”

Founded in 2004, MDSol has a strong presence in the maritime sector, with over 65 installations both in South Africa and along the African coastline. Its range of internationally rated technology solutions includes Vessel Traffic Management and Information Systems (VTMIS), ports and coastal surveillance systems, Automatic Identification Systems (AIS), Aids to Navigation (ATON), among others.

“As home to three important sea ports, the Eastern Cape is pivotal to the growth of the maritime sector in this country. At MDSol we feel passionate that ensuring safety at sea and the efficient management of maritime traffic will feed into that growth.

“The Eastern Cape Maritime Summit has been a valuable opportunity for MDSol and MRAD to showcase our capabilities in the maritime sector and further share our vision with like-minded individuals and organisations in the maritime and business sectors, gathered for this important event in the Eastern Cape,” says Nell.

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Alan Straton

Chief Cook, Bottle Washer and Broom Mechanic at MyPE
Passionate about Port Elizabeth and definitely NOT packing for Perth. Alan's ethos is epitomised in the words of Nelson Mandela; "I have fought against white domination and I have fought against black domination. I have cherished the idea of a democratic and free society. If need be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die." See more articles by Alan.