Liberian Registry appoints industry veteran to focus on fleet safety

Kyle Hurst has joined Liberian Registry as senior vice president of fleet communications and technology following a three-decade career in maritime communications in commercial and naval shipping.

Mr Hurst will oversee fleet satellite systems, Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) and other communication technologies. 

He will use his 30 years of experience to assist this ship registry to address commercial and regulatory matters, ensuring the flagged fleet’s communication technologies are in full compliance with international standards, and building new systems to cope with the technological challenges of the future.

“This is an exciting time in the maritime industry,” said Mr Hurst. “There are numerous challenges in improving existing systems in safety and security, but also with future challenges like S-100 [for electronic navigation] and autonomous surface ships.”

Mr Hurst spent the past decade at US-based satellite owner Iridium, leading key elements of its maritime business strategy, including developing the recognition and implementation of Iridium’s GMDSS. He also held senior positions at London, UK-headquartered Inmarsat where he managed the introduction of L-band communications product FleetBroadband.

Mr Hurst has extensive experience in fisheries management, marine enforcement and served in the military.