WrightWay (WWL) has been assisting Irish Ferries through its appointed ship management company, Matrix Ship Management, from March 2012 to date. In this time WWL has delivered Human Element, Leadership & Management (HELM) training for the vast majority of our officers, superintendents and wider shore management team. This training has been supported by HELM initiative mentors chosen from our officers and trained by WWL, so they were able to validate the training on board and ensure permanently changed behaviours onboard. This process has proved to be very successful and when coupled with our ‘Moving Matrix’ culture change process, which was also introduced by WWL, has been instrumental in materially improving both safety and efficiency.

A brief summary of key benefits attributed to the HELM & Moving Matrix initiatives developed and delivered by WWL are;

Significant improvements in crew retention: Rank retention increases of 15% to 25%across all ranks from 2013 through year-end 2015, with average rank retention of over 85%. The Moving Matrix initiative allowed ship’s staff to be involved in the culture change at all levels, which has positively influenced crew satisfaction and internal promotions and in turn directly improved crew retention. Significant savings have been enjoyed on recruitment, training and crew familiarization costs.

Significant improvements in both occupational and operational safety: Improvements from 2013 through year-end 2015 include a 20% reduction in crew accidents, a 15% reduction in ship reported incidents and a 28% reduction in passenger accidents. Crew safety awareness and accident prevention was noted to be significantly more vigorous, with crew participation in fleet wide safety initiatives roundly welcomed. Internal and external ISM & navigation audits noted significant improvements in the effective use of bridge and ECR procedures from 2013 through year-end 2015. Significant savings have been enjoyed on crew medical bills, crew legal claims, passenger legal claims, ship repair bills and a strengthening of position has been seen in insurance negotiations.

Significant improvements in Port State Control performance: Improvement of our deficiency per inspection ratio was noted from 2013 through year-end 2015. Matrix DIR= 1.5, as compared with 2015 Matrix DIR= 1.31. Note: The 2015 Paris MOU Average DIR= 3.08

Significant improvements in the relationship between ship’s staff and shore management, leading to increased efficiency, performance, profitability and customer service gains: The mentor programme, developed in conjunction with WWL, allowed massively improved feedback between the ship’s staff and office personnel. Unexpected benefits and significant savings were experienced in budget management improvements, purchasing efficiencies in all departments, onboard services profitability and efficiency improvements, due to staff initiatives being implemented and a reduction in passenger complaints – priceless.

I would have no hesitation in recommending WWL to any company that has the ambition, stamina and
foresight to strive towards world-class safety and business excellence.

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