RUTTER INC RUTFF

NEWS.......VDR contract

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Rutter to Supply Vessel Data Recording Systems to Australian Domestic Ferries - Sydney Ferries Fleet Wednesday April 12, 7:00 am ET Rutter Inc. (TSX: RUT) ST. JOHN'S, April 12 /CNW/ - Rutter Inc. is pleased to announce that following a comprehensive competitive process, its Technologies Division together with its Australian dealer and service agent, Novamarine Instruments Pty Ltd., has been awarded a two year contract to retrofit Sydney Ferries Corporation's fleet of 31 vessels with Vessel Data Recording Systems (VDRS). Core to these systems is Rutter's next-generation voyage data recorder, the VDR-100G2S. ADVERTISEMENT VDR's are black boxes for ships which record onboard instrument and navigation data. They provide an accurate record of the circumstances leading up to an incident. As the data is saved to a water-tight storage capsule, it can be recovered and valuable safety lessons learned whether that incident is a near miss or something as drastic as the recent sinking of the ferry "Queen of the North" in British Columbia, Canada. "This is a very important contract for us," said Byron Dawe, President of Rutter Technologies, Products Division. "Ferries have operated on Sydney Harbour for more than 200 years and last year Sydney Ferries carried more than 14 million passengers over 155,000 trips. We are pleased that our VDR-100G2 technology and Novamarine's ongoing support capability were seen as meeting their high standards for information quality, reliability and safety," said Dawe. "Rutter is the world leader in VDR technology and up to now demand for this product has been driven by International Maritime Organization (IMO) regulations requiring certain classes of vessels travelling in international waters to carry a VDR," said Donald I. Clarke, Chairman and CEO of Rutter Inc. "This project with Sydney Ferries Corporation is unique and very progressive in that these Australian domestic passenger vessels are not travelling internationally and therefore not governed by a specific carriage requirement. In awarding this contract, Sydney Ferries Corporation is voluntarily showing global leadership in domestic ferry transportation safety," Clarke added. "Given that worldwide many domestic ferries travel routes that are as long as and no less dangerous than those travelled by international ferries, we expect to see other countries fall in line with this example." About Voyage Data Recorder Requirements - All commercial passenger vessels travelling in international waters are required to carry a voyage data recorder. Rutter estimates that there are 1,500 vessels built each year that are required under IMO regulations to be fitted with a VDR. The Company further estimates that there are between 13,000 and 15,000 cargo vessels currently travelling in international waters that, under IMO regulations, are required to be retrofitted with a VDR by 2010. While a number of nations are currently considering legislation to require domestic ferries and other passenger vessels to carry voyage data recorders, at present there is no such requirement. About Rutter Technologies - A division of Rutter Inc., Rutter Technologies produces Voyage Data Recorders, advanced radar signal processing technology, marine safety lights, interfacing solutions, digital video and audio capture technology and other innovative products. As well, Rutter Technologies offers full outsource technology manufacturing services. With offices in Canada and Europe, and a global dealer and service network, its mission is to deliver world class technologies and integrated turnkey manufacturing solutions that enhance the safety, security and efficiency of operations on a worldwide basis. For more information go to www.ruttertech.com. About Rutter Inc. - Rutter Inc. is a global enterprise focused on providing innovative, 21st century technologies and engineering solutions that improve the efficiency and safety of marine, transportation and operations in other industrial sectors. Key activities of the enterprise include product development and marketing, technology manufacturing, automation and control systems engineering and multi-disciplinary engineering services. For more information see www.rutter.ca. Forward-Looking Statements This press release may contain forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. These forward-looking statements reflect our current expectations and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties including, but not limited to, change in technology and general market conditions. Due to the many risks and uncertainties, Rutter Inc. cannot assure that forward- looking statements that may be contained in this press release will be realized. The TSX has not reviewed and does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. For further information please contact: Paul Snow, Director of Communications & Investor Relations, Rutter Inc., [phone] Byron Dawe, President, Rutter Technologies, Products Division, [phone]