Satellite Television News

Senesco Marine held a launch and christening ceremony for WindServe Marine's new Jones-Act-compliant crew transfer vessel (CTV), WindServe Explorer.WindServe Marine, a sister company to the North Kingstown, R.I. shipbuilder—both part of the Reinauer Group—will operate the CTV to serve the U.S. offshore wind industry. The vessel is slated to enter operations at a project in the U.S. Northeast.The BMT-designed aluminum catamaran is 27 meters long with a 9-meter beam and 1.7-meter draft.

Senesco Marine on Wednesday launched a new Jones-Act-compliant crew transfer vessel (CTV), WindServe Journey.WindServe Marine, a sister company to the North Kingstown, R.I. shipbuilder—both part of the Reinauer Group—will operate the CTV to serve the U.S. offshore wind industry. The vessel is slated to enter operations at a project in the U.S. Northeast.The BMT-designed aluminum catamaran is 27 meters long with a 9-meter beam and 1.7-meter draft. It is equipped with Volvo Penta D13 main engines (515kW at 2,300 RPM) and a Volvo Penta IPS 900 propulsion system.

Louisiana-based shipbuilder Metal Shark has delivered a custom welded-aluminum pilot boat to the Brazos Pilots Association in Freeport, Texas.The new vessel, “Brazos Pilot,” is a 64’ x 19’ Defiant-class monohull pilot boat designed by Metal Shark and built at the company’s Franklin, Louisiana shipyard. This new pilot boat is intended to replace the pilots’ smaller, single-engine 40’ pilot boat, improving safety for crews while enhancing service to operators and providing around…

The second of two new high-speed catamarans from Gladding-Hearn Shipbuilding has been delivered to the Massachusetts Bay Transit Authority (MBTA).Funded by a grant from the Federal Transit Authority (FTA), M/V Glory will pair with her sister-ship to provide year-round commuter service in Boston Harbor, replacing the high-speed ferries built by the Somerset, Mass. shipyard in 1997.Designed by Incat Crowther, the all-aluminum ferry is 88.7 feet LOA, 28.8 feet abeam, and draws approximately four feet loaded.

The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) has taken delivery of Champion, the first of two new 150-passenger, high-speed catamarans built by Gladding-Hearn Shipbuilding, Duclos Corporation. The new vessels – funded by a grant from the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) – will operate year-round commuter service in Boston Harbor, in addition to two high-speed ferries built by the Somerset, Mass., shipyard in 1997. Designed by Incat Crowther, the all-aluminum ferry is 90 feet LOA, 28.8 feet abeam, and draws approximately four feet loaded.

To operate marine electronics and communication devices, power converters such as inverters, battery chargers and power supplies are often installed to convert available DC or AC to the appropriate power outputs required. Complicating matters, both the power source (DC in varying voltages from battery banks and AC from generators or shore power) and the outputs (voltage, frequency, etc.) can vary for each piece of equipment. So much so, that finding the ideal converter can be difficult and often requires a customized solution.

Intellian launched the dual-band, 3-axis s100HD WorldView satellite TV system, featuring the company’s latest generation LNB (Low Noise Block-Down Converter) technology. The new system, set to debut this week at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, is an exact aesthetic match to the company’s GX100 and v100 products, which are the most popular satellite communications terminals in the world today. The newly designed 1 meter (40 inch) antenna system simultaneously receives two Ka-band satellite signals and one Ku-band signal for DIRECTV North America’s HD programming, enabling uninterrupted coverage across all channels and the full ‘just-like-home’ experience.

The KOTC operated crude oil tanker Al Kout is the fourth sister Very Large Crude Carrier (VLCC) of 317,300 DWT, part of the KOTC Phase III of the fleet newbuilding projects. The vessel has been designed and built under the survey of NK class and distinguished in the register by the following notations: NS*(CSR, TOB, PSPC-WBT) (PS-FA) (ESP, PSCM, IWS) (EA, BWTS, HMS, BRS1), MSN*, M0, Prime Ship-Hull care. According to the builder and the owner, the tanker Al Kout offers many advantages over traditional tankers in terms of efficiency, environmental friendliness, crew comfort and security.

KVH Industries is a manufacturer of solutions that provide global high-speed Internet, television, and voice services via satellite to mobile users at sea and on land. These solutions include the mini-VSAT Broadband network, TracPhone satellite communications antenna systems, and TracVision satellite television antenna systems. KVH is based in Middletown, RI, with research, development, and manufacturing operations in Middletown, RI, and Tinley Park, IL. KVH’s mission is to connect in-motion customers…

KVH Industries, Inc. informs it is introducing the TracVision TV-series, a powerful family of fully stabilized marine satellite television antenna systems designed to provide superior performance, including HDTV, for worldwide satellite TV entertainment at sea. TracVision TV1, TV3, TV5, and TV6 – the four systems that make up the TracVision TV-series – are unveiled at the Palm Beach International Boat Show in Palm Beach, Florida, and will remain on view in the KVH booth (830-831) through March 23, 2014.

The private ISWAN event on 21 November will take place in an appropriately maritime venue: The Ward Room of the HMS "President", a former Royal Navy warship docked in London and converted to a club and event space. George, the author of the acclaimed book, "Deep Sea and Foreign Going: Inside Shipping, the Invisible Industry that Brings You 90% of Everything," published in September 2013, is a lecturer and former ship master who received the MBE in 2000 for services to maritime safety. George spent five weeks on a containership while researching "Deep Sea and Foreign Going," which describes the challenging working conditions onboard commercial ships. Her book has received attention both inside and outside the shipping industry for raising awareness of seafarers' welfare.

Imtech Marine has been awarded a second Advanced Support Agreement from Jack-Up Barge for 24/7 remote monitoring and maintenance of the systems installed by Imtech Marine on board the newbuild, self-elevating platform JB-118. This follows an earlier and similar contract for the JB-117, where Imtech Marine completed equipment installation in 2012 and subsequently started remote monitoring. The JB-118 was built near Hong Kong in Shenzhen. Imtech Marine presents a live & operational remote control room at the Europort exhibition, hall 1, stand 1124.

With the christening of the new pilot station vessel Polaris Alphatron Marine of Rotterdam has completed the design, installation and commissioning of one of the most comprehensive deliveries since its founding in 1991. In close cooperation with Fysergo, a Dutch company specialised in ergonomic workspace design, an Alphabridge wheelhouse concept was designed in order to comply with the  severe demands of the Dutch pilots association in regards to sitting and standing vessel operations. A special workspace for the pilots was also included in the total bridge concept.

Imtech Marine (Radio Holland Netherlands) has been awarded an extensive contract from Jack-Up Barge for the communication and IT systems for its newbuild, self-elevating platform JB-118. This follows a similar contract for the JB-117, which Imtech Marine successfully completed earlier this year. Additionally, Jack-Up Barge and Imtech Marine have concluded an Advanced Support Agreement for the vessels, which includes 24/7 remote Monitoring & Maintenance and covers all of the systems onboard.

ZF Marine has taken delivery of a new 50 foot Viking Sportfishing yacht. The purpose of this vessel will be to demonstrate the ZF POD 4000 propulsion system. The vessel is equipped with two Caterpillar C18 engines each producing 1150 bhp. These engines are mated to ZF 500 series transmissions, which are connected to the POD units via Centa carbon fiber driveshafts. The ZF POD 4000 drives are the highest rated propulsion pods in the market today, rated to 1200 bhp. Control for the ZF POD 4000 comes from ZF Marine’s well established SmartCommand control system…

VSD, LLC has augmented its AL-7204 Television Direct-to-Sailors (TV-DTS) system by issuing the new AL-7204-CONT4 Antenna Control Unit Replacement Kit. The kit replaces the obsolete Antenna Control Unit, and includes new Servo Driver and Inertial Measurement units. It uses two of the three existing control cables and can be installed easily by the ship’s crew. The TV-DTS system is a means by which satellite television is delivered to naval ships.

Raymarine, Inc. introduced its new line of C-Series Widescreen Multifunction Displays (MFDs) to the U.S. market. The new MFDs expand the power of multifunction navigation with larger, higher resolution displays, increased performance, expanded networking and video integration. Widescreen technology offers more viewing area and larger split window configurations, enabling boaters to view more navigation data, increasing situational awareness while navigating the open waters. The C-Series Widescreen line is available in three sizes of sunlight viewable color displays: the 9" C90W, the 12" C120W and the 14" C140W. The theater-like widescreen display lets captains view more navigation data…

Intelsat, Ltd., announced that Michael McDonnell has been appointed Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, with an expected effective date of November 17, 2008. In this position, McDonnell will be responsible for the overall management of Intelsat’s financial operations, including the accounting, treasury, financial planning and information technology functions. McDonnell joins Intelsat from MCG Capital Corporation, a publicly-held commercial finance company, where he served as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer/Chief Financial Officer. Prior to joining MCG Capital in 2004, McDonnell served as the Chief Financial Officer of direct-to-home satellite television operator EchoStar Communications Corporation, now known as DISH Network Corporation.

Bisso Marine announced the addition of the DSV Joseph Bisso to its fleet of equipment. The vessel is 180 x 44 x 15-ft. and is powered by EMD 12-645-E2 main engines generating 3,000 bhp with a cruising speed of 12 knots. The vessel is equipped with a GM 8V71, 300 bhp bow thruster and GenSets providing 450Kw of electrical power.The dive support vessel is equipped with a 22 ton retractable boom hydraulic crane and two-drum MANITOWOC 390 winches which provide a four point station keeping system. The vessel was completely upgraded in 2007, and is USCG Inspected and ABS Classed. Bisso Marine is currently implementing a ISO 9001:2000 program for the vessel. Accommodations are for 36 persons and the vessel is equipped with satellite television, voice and data communications.

As use of communications at sea expands rapidly, evidence that this trend has entered hyperdrive was signaled recently as corporate Goliath Boeing announced its plans to roll out is high speed satellite capability to the marine business. Connnexion by Boeing, a business unit of The Boeing Company, announced an expansion of its service offering to include high speed satellite broadband capability for the maritime industry. "We're actively engaged in discussions with several of the leading maritime operators…

As use of communications at sea expands rapidly, evidence that this trend has entered warp speed was signaled recently as corporate Goliath Boeing announced its plans to roll out is high speed satellite capability to the marine business. Connnexion by Boeing, a business unit of The Boeing Company, announced an expansion of its service offering to include high speed satellite broadband capability for the maritime industry. "We're actively engaged in discussions with several of the leading maritime operators, as well as potential distributors, and have received a tremendously positive response to our service and the speeds at which we can move data," said Connexion by Boeing President Scott Carson.

Local and state dignitaries will converge on the Monmouth County waterfront to take part in the official unveiling and christening of the M/V SeaStreak New Jersey. and East 34th St. in Manhattan. The christening ceremony will be held on Monday, December 10, 2001 at 11:00 a.m. at the Atlantic Highlands Municipal Marina, Pier 6 in Atlantic Highlands. Honoring an ancient tradition and officially naming the vessel will be its Godmother, Miss New Jersey Julie Barber. Among those participating in the ceremony will be a representative of the Coast Guard Reverend Peter Larom of the Seaman's Church in Manhattan. Highlands and South Amboy have also been invited to participate in the festivities.

After a year and a half development process that included antenna upgrades and a new one-piece radome design, Sea Tel applied for and was granted Eutelsat Type Approval on their 4996T maritime VSAT system. This is the first time that a complete maritime "system" including antenna, pedestal and radome has been granted Eutelsat Type Approval. "Being granted Type Approval from Eutelsat is extremely valuable to Sea Tel. We believe it will be even more valuable for our customers who will save many man-hours of required testing time that they will now be able to waive because of this Type Approval," said Robert C. Matthews, Sea Tel Vice President of Technical Sales.