March 31, 2022 – Marine Learning Systems (MLS) is pleased to announce that it has been chosen as the winner of the inaugural Inmarsat Ferry Open Innovation Challenge, a competition inviting start-ups and SMEs to propose digital solutions that promise to enhance the working lives of ferry crews. As the winning entrant, MLS secured a £10,000 cash grant to fund a proof-of-concept for its end-to-end seafarer training solution on board Attica Group ferry, Superfast XI.
The Challenge was launched in January 2022 by Inmarsat, the world leader in global, mobile satellite communications, Attica Group, the largest ferry operator in Greece, and Thetius, a UK digital consultancy. The jury sought entries in five innovation areas: familiarisation training for new crew, continuous regulations training, onboard safety training, onboard customer services training and the enrichment of crew leisure time.
MLS’s proposal comprises a training solution that can address four of the five training-related challenge areas. The solution can improve familiarisation for new crew members by supporting custom content and blended learning. It enables continuous regulations training by offering crew easy access to course content and on-demand reporting. It can improve customer services training by providing content that can be updated at any time. Finally, MLS enhances safety with standardised exams to test crew knowledge of emergency procedures.
MLS will use its secured funding to work with SMEs to develop Attica Group-specific training content and skill assessment forms, as well as dashboards and reports targeting knowledge gaps and training effectiveness. All content and applications will be accessible via mobile device or existing on-board computers, with Inmarsat’s Fleet Connect providing dedicated bandwidth to allow users to reach the MLS-configured remote training servers without interfering with vessel operations or crew communications.
Murray Goldberg, Founder and CEO, Marine Learning Systems said “We’re incredibly honoured and pleased to be chosen as the winner of Ferry Open Innovation Challenge. Marine Learning Systems is committed to advancing mariner safety and performance through technology that enables targeted, effective and measurable training. We are excited to learn from and work alongside Attica, Thetius and Inmarsat to support their efforts in improving crew training at sea.”.
Inmarsat Maritime Senior Vice President, Peter Broadhurst, part of the panel of seafarers and Inmarsat and Attica Group representatives responsible for selecting the winning entry, said “Marine Learning Systems is a worthy winner of the inaugural Ferry Open Innovation Challenge in crew training and entertainment, proposing a solution that addresses not one, but four of the five innovation challenge areas. Inmarsat now looks forward to working with Attica Group and Thetius as we support MLS in implementing its proof of concept on board Superfast XI.”
“Attica Group employees join an organisation that has guiding principles of integrity, innovation, quality, transparency and corporate responsibility, and one where training opportunities focus on personal and professional development,” said Babis Katzourakis, Director Information Technology & Telecommunications Division, Attica Group. “We look forward to providing MLS with the support it needs to trial and refine this very promising digital training tool.”
“This challenge saw high-quality entries come in from start-ups and SMEs around the world, and with four outstanding candidates making the shortlist, judging in the final round was incredibly difficult,” said Nick Chubb, Founder and Managing Director, Thetius. “That said, we are delighted that Attica Group and Inmarsat have chosen to work with Marine Learning Systems. The company’s proof of concept will enable value-added educational services for ferry personnel in four key areas of training.”
Press Contact:
Peter Frankel
Marine Learning Systems
peter[@]marinels.com
+1(885) 362-7463