technology 21 Pirates to be tracked from Portsmouth


Home to state-of-the-art technology, a new global anti-piracy centre in Portsmouth will be pivotal in monitoring and analysing the movements, assaults and trends of pirate action groups worldwide.


Manned 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, by a team of ex-Royal Navy warfare specialists and intelligence experts, it provides a lifeline to seafarers, telling them where pirates are, where they are headed and what they look like. When too close for comfort, the centre warns ships, which are diverted to safer waters.


“The new operations centre is a great asset to Dryad and to our clients in the shipping, super yacht and energy industries. Not only does the new technology help with the scalability of our operations, but it also gives the Centre a true futuristic feel, something that people always associate with intelligence,“ said Graeme Gibbon Brooks, managing director of Dryad Maritime.


Karen Jacques, chief operating officer, Dryad Maritime, continued: “We expect the threat from piracy to continue and we are investing heavily in infrastructure and technology to give our clients an outsourced operations centre that rivals any naval force. Utilising analysis-led maritime intelligence can save on average three to four days for a vessel in transit, with related savings to charterers and


Science and technology PR firm moves to Southampton


Southampton is the new home for one of the longest-serving public relations (PR) and marketing communications agencies in the south.


Established in 1988, MCC International brings to the city more than 24 years’ experience in the promotion of science and technology businesses, from its new home at the University of Southampton Science Park at Chilworth.


Based in Winchester for the past 11 years, the award-winning agency joins a growing community of science and technology innovators that have chosen Southampton for its heritage and University links and as a place for developing and launching new technology products and services. Each of its 10-strong agency team is a


communications professional with specialist expertise in marketing, journalism, social media, web design and PR.


Managing director Fiona Brewer said: “The city and surrounding area is a hotbed of technology talent, innovation and entrepreneurial spirit. We want to help fan the flames and be evangelists


THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE – SOLENT & SOUTH CENTRAL – APRIL 2012


for local businesses, telling their stories to the wider world and helping them to grow and succeed in the Solent region.“


MCC International already works with many national and international businesses based in the region, including Fibercore, NICE Systems and TDSi.


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intelligence world, became a partner in Dryad Maritime in 2010, having joined in 2009 after 14 years with the Royal Navy. During her naval service, she saw active theatre in the roles of navigator, boarding officer and warfare officer.


Above: Karen Jacques, chief operating officer Below: The centre’s state-of-the-art technology


With a BA Honours in Maritime Defence Management, coupled with lengthy sea service and commercial shipping expertise, she has a deep understanding of applied maritime operations and strategy, putting her in an ideal position to steer the helm for Dryad. Her specialism is maritime intelligence and it is in this sector that she and her team are driving forward the security of ships in hostile waters: “Our ops room is like a brain, constantly gathering, analysing and applying information and intelligence from across the globe to ensure all of our vessels avoid harm, not just piracy, but we assess maritime criminality and other information that can be used for reference.“


shipowners on bunkers, hire and the employment of physical security teams amounting to around $90,000 to $220,000 per transit.“


Jacques, who is one of a handful of women operating in the upper echelons of the commercial maritime


Married to a commander in the Royal Navy, Jacques chose to leave the Navy after maternity leave: “My priority became my son, and being away at sea for long periods became less appealing. I do miss it, but it has worked out for the best. I now have my dream job using my navigational expertise in the maritime arena, while also having a work-life balance which suits family life.“


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