OMC International Signs Agreement with MetOcean Solutions

Melbourne firm OMC International has signed a strategic alliance agreement with New Zealandbased MetOcean Solutions to coordinate research and development efforts and offer an expanded level of maritime forecasting and hydrodynamic services to port and harbor clients, CEO Peter O’Brien said today.

“We are very pleased to announce that we have agreed to align our ongoing research and development efforts to maximize the benefits of our respective technologies to our clients,” O’Brien said.

“Over the years we have come to recognize MetOcean Solutions as a world-leader in providing port-specific environmental models and forecasts of waves, tides and currents, and these are already inputs into our DUKC systems at several of our client ports.

“Accurate weather forecasts and experience applying those forecasts to operational decision making in ports and harbors are critical components of OMC International’s unique reputation for safe and efficient Under Keel Clearance (UKC) management.

“The recent successful implementation of a DUKC system at the Port of Geelong is a good example of the value of the alliance in producing an optimum outcome for the client. OMC International and MetOcean Solutions provide their respective services and the port’s client, Viva Energy, benefits by saving around $3 million per year in reduced shipping costs. Aligning our research and development efforts will help OMC extract additional economic benefits for our clients.

“At OMC we pride ourselves on the close and long-lasting relationships we have built with ports and harbors around the world and continuing to offer the highest levels of service to OMC International’s operational customers remains our top priority. However, we are pleased to be able to offer both our existing and new clients the additional services available through our strategic alliance with MetOcean Solutions.”

Combined, OMC International and MetOcean Solutions employ more than 80 staff, including engineers, naval architects, scientists and software developers. In addition, the alliance will receive support from MetraWeather, the international brand of the Meteorological Service of New Zealand, which is a 49 percent shareholder in MetOcean Solutions. MetraWeather have offices in Sydney, the U.K., Southeast Asia and New Zealand and employs more than 240 staff.

Maritime engineering firm OMC International, founded in 1987 by Executive Director Dr Terry O’Brien AM, is the recognized world-leader in real-time UKC management technology. OMC’s innovative maritime technology, which enjoys an unblemished 23 year safety record, continues to win international accolades, including the prestigious IBJ ‘Safety in Bulk Handling’ (Marine) Award in 2015.