Chartco Acquires Regs4ships

ChartCo, the world leader in maritime digital data services, has acquired Regs4ships, the highly regarded supplier of digital regulatory information, consultancy and training.

ChartCo, part of the Kelvin Hughes Group, created a range of digital services in 1998 in anticipation of the move from paper to digital charts and publications.  Subscriber numbers have since exceeded all expectations and continue to grow.  ChartCo now offers a range of services aimed at assisting the Navigator not only to maintain the chart outfit but both plan and execute his voyage.  The key PassageManager™ suite of software is built into many operators’ safety management systems.  It provides consistent and compliant procedures and facilitates external audit.

Martin Taylor, Managing Director of ChartCo commented:

“Regs4ships has been a long term partner and it is with great excitement that I announce this acquisition which will continue to build on the well-respected ChartCo brand.  Regs4ships has an excellent reputation within the maritime market for providing expert, high quality solutions to the ever growing list of compliance issues.  

We have already worked with the team at Regs4ships to define an exciting roadmap of new products and services that will help solve customer problems in an efficient and cost effective manner.  Regs4ships will also provide ChartCo, and the Kelvin Hughes Group, with a range of consultancy and expert services enabling us to work more closely, and in more detail, with our expanding customer base.  

A successful business is one that consistently innovates to solve customers’ problems.   This acquisition combines two recognised market leaders with these characteristics.  I often see major debates and discussions about the intricacies of electronic charting but the issue is so much wider than this – customers want to have compliant systems that work efficiently and can be monitored effectively – this is precisely the area where ChartCo has had so much success.”

Continued

Martin also stated:

"Port State Control raise almost 100,000 vessel deficiencies each year, with over 1,000 detentions.  Every deficiency is a potential safety risk and I will continue to work with my customers to provide systems to reduce these numbers.  Our acquisition of Regs4ships will greatly assist in this." 

Regs4ships, founded in 2001 by three ex-captains and MCA surveyors has grown to be the de facto provider of digital regulatory information, advice and training for the maritime industry.  

Richard Eastham, Regs4ships CEO commented: 

“I am delighted to now be part of the successful Kelvin Hughes Group, a long established British business with a reputation for excellent customer service and innovation.  Regs4ships will benefit from increased investment to provide a wider range of products and integrated services and I am looking forward to working with the team at ChartCo."

 ChartCo now provides digital data to almost 10,000 users within the maritime community.