MariApps Marine Solutions (MariApps), with expertise in maritime digital solutions for maritime organizations, announced an agreement that will enhance the digitalization of Kuwait Oil Tankers’ Company (KOTC) fleet operations. Kuwait Oil Tanker Company (KOTC) is a subsidiary of Kuwait Petroleum Corporation (KPC). The principal activity of the company is the ownership and operation of tankers used to transport refined petroleum products, liquefied petroleum gases (LPG), and crude oil. It also has a Marine Agency Branch that acts as the only agent for all tankers calling at Kuwait’s sea port, as well as 2 Gas Branches that fills and distributes LPG cylinders for local industry and home usage. As KPC’s transportation arm, it operates a modern balanced fleet of Very Large Crude Carriers (VLCCs), petroleum product tankers, and LPG carriers on a commercial basis to ensure strategic coverage of KPC’s oil exports worldwide, KOTC’s fleet has grown to 31 vessels over the years.
KOTC’s Deputy CEO Financial Affairs & Administration Hamad Essa
Al Meshari, MariApps’ Managing Director Khalil Rehman, KOTC’s Manager
Fleet Engineering and New Building Projects Eman Nasser, and KOTC’s
Manager Information and Communications Technologies Hani Behbehani
MariApps is set to implement the industry-leading smartPAL suite, which features over 25 modules to address every aspect of ship management and operations. MariApps will additionally implement digital logs, electronic oil record books, and smartOPS (for vessel performance monitoring) in addition to smartPAL. To manage their vessels in real-time, 24/7, MariApps will also assist KOTC in setting up a state-of-the-art fleet monitoring center in Kuwait.
Khalil Rehman, MariApps’ Managing Director said, “We are happy to enter into this agreement with KOTC given the strictly conducted tender process. MariApps has gained over 1000 vessels in 2023 alone, along with 17 new clients. KOTC’s accession to MariApps’ clientele will strengthen the company’s middle east strategy advance further.”
Hamad Essa Al Meshari, KOTC’s Deputy CEO Financial Affairs & Administration stated, “As the digitalization of the maritime industry increasingly propels forward, Oil and gas companies in the region are looking to digitalize themselves and we look forward to MariApps on moving KOTC from legacy software to a modern solution that elevates the digitalization of KOTC.
Red Sea Gateway Terminal International (RSGTI), Red Sea Gateway Terminal’s (RSGT) affiliate and its global investment arm, is responsible for all international port investments. RSGT, established in 2006, is Saudi Arabia’s leading port developer and operator, with its flagship terminal at Jeddah Islamic Port, the largest container terminal in Saudi Arabia and on the Red Sea with an annual handling capacity of 6.2m TEU and the ability to handle the largest vessels afloat. RSGT has a 3300-meter quay with an 18.5 m draft and 24 state-of-theart quay cranes with an expansion plan to reach 8.8 mil TEU capacity. RSGT is one of the Middle East’s fastest-growing port-driven container handling and value-added service providers. RSGTI is owned 60% by the Red Sea Port Development International (RSPDI ) and 40% by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF). A reputed shareholding group backs RSPDI with a strong record in transport and logistics infrastructure, port operations, and logistics services, including Sustained Infrastructure Holding Company (SISCO ), listed on the Saudi Stock Exchange and Malaysia’s top port operator, MMC Port Holdings and Xenel Industries, a leading Saudi infrastructure and services group.
Source: MariApps