BASS will supply Nakata Mac with four integrated software modules, including the administrative management solution EasyInfo, BASSnetTM Planned Maintenance, BASSnet™ Procurement and SAFIR, the companies advanced safety management tool. The subscription model contract, which includes the installation of these systems on six Nakata Mac product vessels.

According to regional sales manager, Frank Liang, Nakata Mac sought advanced software solutions to support their ship management department to clear OCIMF’s “TMSA” requirement. And since, the company was already familiar with BASS through third-party ship managers, they were satisfied that BASS software was the right choice”, added Liang.

The contract is further proof that BASSnetTM Fleet Management Systems are gaining market share in Japan, one of the toughest markets in Asia.

“For the past five years, BASS has worked hard to earn the trust of the somewhat cautious Japanese shipping industry,” says Liang. “All our hard work is beginning to pay off.” BASS also has a long term relationship with Japanese shipping giant, Taiyo Nippon Kisen Co., Ltd. (a subsidiary of K-Line Group).

Work to install SAFIR (SAFety Information Reporting system), a “Best Practice” software solution for users to register and systematically analyse un-desired events so that crew members can learn by sharing information, will be completed by the early 2006. along with EasyInfo, a process driven management information system which uses intelligent applications to streamline ship-to-shore communications.

Also concurrently, BASSnet™ Procurement, an advanced purchasing system which allows users to access a broad range of critical business information, will be complete in the first quarter of 2006. BASSnetTM Planned Maintenance, a software solution designed to enable users to plan and execute the maintenance of their fleet and manage their global stock of spare parts more efficiently, will also be operational by early 2006, with vessels going on-line shortly thereafter.

While Liang notes that the Japanese market remains challenging, he believes the Japanese shipping industry is changing. “We are very excited about this contract” says Liang, “and believe it is further proof that the maritime industry in Japan is beginning to embrace software solutions.”