MIS Marine, a leading marine assurance technology experts’ company, has announced the opening of its first US office in Houston, which bolsters its presence in the Americas.

Industry veteran Robert Kessler will head up the US office, reporting to Dominic McKnight Hardy, Managing Director at MIS Marine. Robert has more than 35 years’ experience in shipping and port call optimization, having previously worked at Voyager Portal, PortVision, and ABS. Robert will lead the further development and global roll-out of MIS Marine’s port and terminal product line, focusing on North America by building on the company’s success in the region. MIS Marine has secured 20 new clients since 2020, more than 50% of whom are based in Texas, including Philips 66 and Motiva.

The impact of increasingly complex sanctions and the evolving regulatory landscape has driven demand for marine assurance that can provide real-time updates and support in managing and analyzing the vast volumes of data that have become part of daily operations.

Following the increase in Gulf Coast LNG exports, MIS Marine has also seen a renewed demand for technology that can drive operational efficiency in streamlined supply chain communication, better port operations, and advanced techniques to select the best vessel for a charter.

MIS Marine is also very active in Latin America, following the appointment of Gonzalo Mera Truffini in 2021 as Americas Executive Manager, who leads the company’s presence and customer support in the region, as well as developing relationships with key industry organizations including OCIMF and SLOM.

This month, MIS Marine has joined the OAS (Organization of American States) to support the Inter-American Committee on Ports (CIP) to support with technical advisory committees on protection and port security; waterways, inland, and cruise ports; logistics, innovation, and competitiveness, as well as sustainable port management protection.

Dominic McKnight Hardy, Managing Director at MIS Marine, said: “At this critical time for shipping, as the industry navigates sanctions, emissions reduction, and regulatory compliance, to simply 'vet' is not enough. We need a new approach and mindset – what we call Marine Assurance 2.0 - that safeguards the entire operation and offers compliance, environmental, and efficiency throughout the supply chain. Opening an office in Houston is a natural extension of our global expansion and will enable us to be right next door to our existing customers and within reach of potential customers in the United States, spearheaded by Bob. As a world-leading hub in energy, Houston is a perfect fit for us."

Robert Kessler, Product Manager at MIS Marine, said: “Marine terminal operations and risk assessment for shipping is transforming, and MIS Marine is at the forefront of this change, providing innovative solutions for these complex issues. That is why I am excited to join MIS Marine and to contribute to its growth and success in North America. I am especially proud to be based in Houston, the energy capital of the world.

“I’m excited to apply my skills and expertise to optimize marine terminal operations in order to reduce emissions and increase operational efficiency for our clients in North America. There’s an incredible opportunity for growth in the region as new risks, technologies, and mindsets require a fresh approach that MIS Marine is uniquely positioned to provide.”