VDR manufacturer gets new Dutch owner

Under the agreement, NetWave, which makes its own VDRs for seagoing vessels and offshore installations, will manufacture Rutter VDR-100G3 systems as well as support and service all earlier models of Rutter VDR on a global basis. After a transition period, during which Rutter will continue to manufacture the current VDR-100G3 product line for NetWave, NetWave will build this product at its European manufacturing locations.

To accommodate the Rutter VDR related sales & service responsibilities, NetWave is expanding its customer service department in the Netherlands, from where it will continue to provide support, training and certification activities, including those required for Rutter VDR products. Spare Parts for NetWave and Rutter brands will continue to be readily available from distributors and NetWave locations in Rotterdam, Singapore, and Houston.

NetWave claims that this consolidation will benefit customers of both brands, through the largest VDR service network, comprising almost 900 service engineers located on major shipping routes. The company says that over 5500 vessels are currently equipped with either NetWave or Rutter VDRs, which, it claims, makes NetWave the largest manufacturer of VDR systems as well as so called ‘final recording medium’ capsules, many of which have been delivered as OEM equipment to other manufacturers.

According to Rob Post, CEO and president of NetWave: “VDRs have been the foundation and focus of NetWave since 2005, and it’s no secret to market-insiders that Rutter and NetWave have always had a successful OEM relationship with the ‘final recording medium’ capsules being developed and manufactured by NetWave. We have always been very proud of being a key supplier to Rutter, after all the very first, and today’s foremost market leader in VDR technology. The fact that Rutter have now sold their VDR business and thus entrusted service to their VDR customers, as well as the future of the Rutter VDR product lines to NetWave is a rewarding recognition of our efforts over the past eight years. With this consolidation we accept a leading position in the VDR market and it is our eminent role and objective to provide customers who have relied on Rutter or NetWave VDRs with a sound upgrade path to comply with future regulations.

“With obligatory ECDIS and bridge navigational watch alarm systems at the horizon and new IMO regulations and IEC performance standards for VDRs expected soon, our customers rely on us to provide cost-effective upgrade paths with extended data recording capabilities and new functionality. Combining the proprietary technologies of both companies in new developments and servicing the largest number of deployed VDR systems on the fleet today will allow us to continue to serve the market with profound and cost-effective solutions. Shipowners are becoming increasingly aware of the importance of a VDR manufacturer’s capability to provide an extensive service network all over the globe. This is especially important for ‘detainable’ items like VDRs, also requiring the annual performance test to be re-certified by the manufacturer.

“With this new consolidation in place, NetWave have not only strengthened the foundation for the ongoing development for the new generation of VDR products, but, with 300 service partners and 900 Rutter and NetWave trained and certified engineers along the major shipping routes, the most cost-effective service network in the VDR arena.”