The IBJ Awards, the major event in the maritime bulk industry’s calendar, took place in Amsterdam on 13th November.
Over 500 of the industry's executives and leaders were welcomed to the Beurs van Berlage, Amsterdam’s former Stock Exchange building, in the heart of the city, by IBJ Publisher, Ray Girvan. The Port of Amsterdam’s Head of Energy, Bulk, Agri, Breakbulk & Offshore, Femke Brenninkmeijer, then welcomed guests from all over the world to her home city.
The host for the evening, Dutch television icon Angela Groothuizen took to the stage to present shortlists, before sponsors representatives from the bulk industry announced the winners. Vistrato were shortlisted by the judges in three categories.
Vistrato Limited, which is supported by Enterprise Ireland, develop online immersive learning products for dry bulk ports and terminals worldwide. The IT Solutions award for cargo handling was sponsored by the Port of Dunkirk and their Chief Commercial Officer, Daniel Deschodtand presented the award to Vistrato for their development of a highly engaging dry bulk ship unloading product which improves performance of unloading operations and reduces damage and loss during the discharging of large bulk vessels.
There to receive the award was Managing Director Tommy Casey and Technical Director Capt. Kevin Cribbin.
"We were the only Irish company there and were punching way above our weight, we were shortlisted along with serious contenders such as TBA U.K. (part of the Konecranes group), CM Labs Simulators (Canada) and Euroports (Netherlands). So this is very valuable validation for us." Tommy Casey, Managing Director.