Our team has been recently joined by Logan Gallon, an experienced sales and business development leader. Having worked on projects in the marine market and offshore operations, Logan is now responsible for expanding and identifying opportunities globally for the FrontM communication and messaging platform across vertical markets with a specific focus on maritime. We spoke to Logan about his background, the evolution of the industry and how crew welfare is on every clients list now.

Could you tell us a bit about your background and experience?
I have worked primarily in the energy sector (Oil & Gas) for the last 20 years or so. Although my main focus was Oil & Gas I also had responsibilities for the related Marine market. My career within these verticals has been quite diverse covering Life Safety (Respiratory Products), Gas and Flame Suppression and Safety Critical Systems for Offshore. Latterly in logistics and Supply Base operations supporting Oil & Gas offshore operations. I have had the opportunity to work all over Europe, Middle East, Asia Pacific and North America.

While not directly, you have been involved with the maritime industry over the years, how have you seen it progress?
Determined by the country in question I have experienced different attitudes with regards to safety and communications and indeed crew welfare. I am pleased to say the importance of keeping people safe at sea is now recognized by most countries. I have seen major moves forward in this area. Duty of Care is now considered high priority.

You have led business development for a number of companies in the oil and gas industry. Is there any difference in the type of approach for the maritime market?
In the related marine sector for Oil & Gas I do not see much difference as in both these vertical market safety is of the utmost priority as is crew and staff welfare, this is also true of the wider Marine industry where they are focused on continuous improvements in communication and personal safety. Having a solution to help address these issues would be well received.

“Visibility on ship location (Collision Avoidance) and good reliable communication links especially for crew personnel in remote and harsh environments are some of the major pain points I have identified in the marine market. Being able to make a call onshore 24/7 with reliable connection capability is challenging. Improving crew welfare is again a priority.

What future emerging trends are developing in the maritime market and where do you see technology be a solution?
One of those is digitalisation of the Marine vertical specifically the development of sensor technology to allow the monitoring of ship operations and performance. As this technology develops and becomes even more sophisticated it will allow ships of the future to measure all areas of operation, including the detection of faults and maintenance requirements. Combined with this, it will provide more powerful communication capability, so most aspects of the ship’s operations will be controlled by land based operation.

What encouraged you to join the FrontM team? What problems do you think the company is solving?
I identified the industry wide need for FrontM’s capability, which can deliver numerous improvements in the well being of staff /operatives working in remote locations not just in Aviation or Marine. It is providing a new and more accessible way of communicating whilst creating a greater level of transparency.