HOUSTON, May 28, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- ION Geophysical
Corporation (NYSE: IO) today announced the first successful digital
switchover from manual operations to Marlin™ SmartPort optimization
software for the initial project at Montrose Port Authority in
Scotland with support from
Scottish Enterprise. The migration to ION's digital solution
took place as the UK moved to sheltering in place during the
COVID-19 pandemic and Marlin SmartPort supported business
continuity and remote working. ION aims to provide better
real-time visibility of operations to transform the efficiency,
safety and sustainability of ports and harbors globally.
ION closely collaborated with Montrose Port Authority and
industry experts to develop a compelling technology roadmap focused
on driving real value in port operations of all sizes.
Scottish Enterprise has supported ION over a number of years and
the recent R&D grant enables the Company's Edinburgh-based Software group to complete its
next phase of technology development that enables better management
of marine traffic and berth allocations. Port call
optimization, back office digitalization and port community
engagement are intended to enhance decision-making and drive
increased revenue, efficiency and sustainability, such as reducing
standby and related fuel emissions.
Senior Vice President of ION's Edinburgh-based Software group, Stuart Darling, said, "Our software solutions
are renowned for optimizing operations offshore and there is a
great opportunity to bring that to the port environment as we
further enhance our software.
"The introduction to Montrose Port Authority and support from
Scottish Enterprise has been invaluable. We have direct
insight into the port's operational environment to develop our
software, and in return, it is great to see a positive impact on a
Scottish business.
"Building on this experience, we are now engaging with port
community stakeholders from a number of countries and discussing
opportunities for Marlin SmartPort to optimize port operations
globally."
Montrose Port Authority is a leading support and service hub for
the energy industry as well as the general cargo market and has
undergone an extensive program of upgrades in recent years as part
of its wider masterplan.
CEO of Montrose Port Authority, Tom
Hutchison, said, "The exciting move to Marlin SmartPort is a
major leap forward for Montrose Port Authority (MPA) replacing
highly manual port operation procedures with an efficient,
integrated digital system.
"The port is renowned for its ability to adapt easily to vessel
requirements, but the new software really propels us to the
forefront of the market, ideally aligned with our recent quayside
redevelopment and the new landmark contract with SSE
Renewables.
"The project also supports our ambitions to become Scotland's greenest port."
Director of National Opportunities at Scottish Enterprise,
David Smith, welcomed the digital
project and said, "The innovation shown by companies such as ION to
diversify and develop solutions for port and harbor operators
really highlights that Scottish companies are at the forefront of
digital transformation.
"The Marlin SmartPort project will benefit the environment as
well as the wider business of the Port in Montrose as vessels can
optimise fuel emissions so it supports our targets of achieving net
zero carbon emissions by 2045.
"The technology deployed in Montrose aims to address a global
marine market and it is fantastic the digital switch over that
started in Scotland could spark
ideas for projects across many industries."
To learn more, visit iongeo.com/Marlin.
About the Companies
ION delivers powerful data-driven decision-making to
offshore energy, ports and defense industries, enabling clients to
optimize operations and deliver superior returns. Learn more
at iongeo.com.
Scottish Enterprise is Scotland's national economic development
agency, which is committed to growing the Scottish economy for the
benefit of all, helping create more quality jobs and a brighter
future for every region.
Montrose Port Authority (MPA) is a leading support
and service hub for the North Sea energy industry. Offering around
1000 meters on both the north and south side of the harbor, the
quayside provides a sheltered haven almost half a mile long.
With water berths to a depth of 8m, open storage and over 40,000 square meters of
warehouse and office space, MPA is the port of choice for key oil
and gas suppliers, and the growing offshore renewables and
decommissioning sectors.
Contacts
ION (Investor relations)
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
Mike Morrison, +1 281.552.3011
mike.morrison@iongeo.com
ION (Media relations)
Vice President, Communications
Rachel White, +1 281.781.1168
rachel.white@iongeo.com
The information herein contains certain forward-looking
statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act
of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
These forward-looking statements may include information and other
statements that are not of historical fact. Actual results may vary
materially from those described in these forward-looking
statements. All forward-looking statements reflect numerous
assumptions and involve a number of risks and uncertainties. These
risks and uncertainties include the risks associated with the
timing and development of ION Geophysical Corporation's products
and services; pricing pressure; decreased demand; changes in oil
prices; agreements made or adhered to by members of OPEC and other
oil producing countries to maintain production levels; the COVID-19
pandemic; and political, execution, regulatory, and currency risks
. For additional information regarding these various risks and
uncertainties, see our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019, filed on February 6, 2020. Additional risk factors, which
could affect actual results, are disclosed by the Company in its
filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"),
including its Form 10-K, Form 10-Qs and Form 8-Ks filed during the
year. The Company expressly disclaims any obligation to revise or
update any forward-looking statements.
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SOURCE ION Geophysical Corporation