A NORTH-EAST firm has become a world leader for providing technology that stops ships from blowing up.

Exis Technologies Limited, based in Darlington, is the first port of call for shipping lines who want to prevent explosions occurring on vessels carrying explosive materials.

The company supplies lifesaving computer systems to 14 of the world’s top 20 container shipping companies. Its technology identifies potential flashpoints where dangerous materials have been stored incorrectly to stop accidents taking place in some of the most challenging working conditions.

The firm, which employs about 25 staff, grew steadily last year and this year expects to accelerate its market-leading position by increasing its global customer base.

About ten per cent of containers in sea transport contain dangerous materials, which includes explosives, poisons and chemicals. That represents millions of potentially lethal cargoes in transit at any time, which continue to result in thousands of incidents a year worldwide.

For almost 30 years, the business has built an enviable reputation for safety, but as director Ken Burgess said: “In our line of work, there can be no room for complacency.”

He said: “Preventing chemical explosions at sea is a hugely complicated business.

If an incident occurs below deck, the result can be fatal to the crew. We enjoy a level of trust with our customers that has been built over time, and they are happy that we continue to provide a high-quality service. Zero accidents is the aim and insurance firms are desperate to prevent incidents which cost billions of pounds’ worth of damage each year.

The systems we provide help save money, but crucially, they save lives too.”

The company was originally a subsidiary of Whessoe, the Darlington-based engineering group, and it continues to have its headquarters in the town. Programming staff are recruited locally, with many coming through Teesside University’s graduate scheme. Mr Burgess said: “There is a wealth of computer expertise in this area which dates back to the region’s engineering heritage. What you also get in the North-East is a stability of staff. I have managed similar operations in London where workers are much more transient, whereas people here are loyal and reliable.

That is very important.”

Exis recently made the first appointment to its apprentice scheme and hopes to increase its workforce this year.