Martek Marine saving lives at sea

A WORLD-leading Rotherham company is taking the lead again in life-saving marine technology with the launch of a new safety product.

Manvers-based Martek Marine, which makes environmental and safety monitoring technology for ships, has just released the Navgard.

The devis is designed to monitor activity on the ship's bridge, eliminating a major cause of shipping accidents by ensuring that a watch is kept at all times.

The system assesses the awareness of the officer on duty, automatically raising the alarm if the bridge is left unsupervised as a result of an accident, sickness, or a security breach such as hijacking or kidnap.

Martek Marine chief executive, Paul Luen, said: “The potential of Navgard to save lives at sea is enormous.

“New international maritime legislation means that over 100,000 ships will be required to fit alarm systems of this type.

“We are one of the first companies in the world to come up with an affordable, easy-to-use system that meets the new criteria.”

Navgard is the fourth new product in five years for pioneering Martek Marine, which employs 39 people, turns over £7 million and exports to over 60 countries.   

The company's raft of accolades includes two Queen's  Awards for Enterprise.

CAPTION:Making waves: the Martek team celebrates its new Navgard safety product. Front, left to right: managing director Ken Turnbull,  marketing director Steve Coulson and chief executive Paul Luen.