Communications Software News

Lloyd’s Register has selected the ITP platform from communications software specialist Aia Software to create and manage its certificate creation process. Selecting ITP is part of a larger project to improve the creation of their complex and technical documentation, LR explained. It will enable the organization to improve both productivity and quality control, ultimately improving their services to clients. The initial project will focus on Lloyd's Register's Type Approval Scheme…

Iridium Satellite LLC (Iridium) and Telaurus Communications LLC (Telaurus) have teamed to provide satellite communication equipment and services for a six-month Northwest Passage Filming voyage. The voyage got underway from Rhode Island on June 13, 2009 and will end in Seattle on Oct. 31, 2009. The voyage’s vessel, the Bagan, is equipped with an Iridium OpenPort high-speed maritime communications terminal and Telaurus Se@Comm software. Iridium OpenPort enables the Bagan to transmit voice and data communications in the Arctic Region where no other service is available, including services based on geostationary satellites. So, the captain and crew of the Bagan are able to speak on the phone at the same time, even during data transmission.

SeaWave LLC released its newest maritime communications software, SeaWave Navigator Version 1.1. SeaWave Navigator is a low-cost, user-friendly communications solution, providing Internet e-mail, NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) color weather charts, NOAA text weather forecasts, and other communication services to professional mariners. SeaWave Navigator is the software component of SeaWave’s marine communications system, which utilizes high frequency (HF) radio technology to securely transmit digital data to vessels at sea. Eliminating the need for costly capital investment, SeaWave Navigator employs standard Single Sideband (SSB) hardware and does not require specialized and expensive equipment.

Telaurus Communications LLC becomes one in a long list of companies offering "next-generation" communication solutions to the marine industry. The company, based in Cedar Knolls, NJ, brings to the market the se@COMM application family of communications software and the Telaurus Global Network. Telaurus claims to offer a "thinking" network that combines the best of multiple communication paths, including the Inmarsat system, into one single maritime network that is transparent to the user. "At Telaurus, we believe in providing everyone in the maritime industry, from the captain to the crew, the same communications reliability, ease of use and cost-effectiveness whether at sea or on land," said Christopher Oldham, CEO of Telaurus Communications.

Rydex released of Rydex Express, a new entry-level ship-to-shore email service. "Rydex Express is our answer to the industry's demand for a value oriented email service backed by the high quality technical support and product performance that Rydex is renowned for," said Rydex CEO David Lloyd. This software is fully user installable including automatic recognition of satellite communications equipment, dramatically reducing the cost of installation. "The user-install features of Rydex Express combined with the low-cost of entry-level PC's make reliable email service an affordable option for any vessel equipped with suitable Inmarsat equipment," said Mike Antoniak, Rydex' VP of Customer Service. Rydex communications software allows users to easily manage their ship-shore email activity.

TEAMtalk Satellite has renewed its contract with Columbia Ship Management for the provision of its prestigious communications software package, Super-Hub Professional, to the entire CSM-managed fleet. Following enhancements to the Super-Hub products earlier in the year, the Professional package is now available with a web-based message tracking system, called Super-Hub Performer, which allows clients to access and monitor all message traffic information. The monitoring feature of Performer is one of the new additions to the service, which enables a large organisation, such as CSM to manage its operation more efficiently. Super-Hub Professional also provides all the standard features required for ship-shore communications…

Saab TransponderTech received orders from the Prefectura of Argentina to supply Automatic Information Systems (AIS) and other navigation systems, in a move to upgrade coastal surveillance capabilities for coast guard cutters. The contract calls for Saab to provide R4 AIS systems with secure communications software on nine vessels. In addition, Saab will supply Electronic Chart Display and Information Systems (ECDIS) for three ships. The ECDIS will be integrated with the ships’ AIS installations. Also included is a Saab R4A airborne AIS, which will be integrated with a moving display on a Prefectura helicopter. The systems will be installed and commissioned by America Consulting Group S.A., Saab’s representative in Buenos Aires.

Saab TransponderTech has received orders from the Prefectura of Argentina to supply Automatic Information Systems (AIS) and other navigation systems, in a move to upgrade coastal surveillance capabilities for coast guard cutters. The contract calls for Saab to provide R4 AIS systems with secure communications software on nine vessels. In addition, Saab will supply Electronic Chart Display and Information Systems (ECDIS) for three ships. The ECDIS will be integrated with the ships’ AIS installations. Also included is a Saab R4A airborne AIS, which will be integrated with a moving display on a Prefectura helicopter. The systems will be installed and commissioned by America Consulting Group S.A., Saab’s representative in Buenos Aires.

SailorNews Services (P) Ltd and Rydex Corporation announced an agreement for the provision of news services to Rydex customers enabling seafarers to remain conveniently in touch with their families, and remain abreast with happenings at home and the rest of the world. Under the terms of the agreement, SailorNews will provide news exclusively to the clients of Rydex. With a worldwide network of agents and offices, Rydex currently provides ship-shore communications software and services to ships worldwide. Part of the Inmarsat Ventures plc group since 2000, Rydex enjoys the support of the leading global mobile satellite communications company.

Boatracs, a business unit of Advanced Remote Communication Solutions (ARCOMS) has formed a strategic alliance with Nobeltec Corp., a developer of charting and navigation software. Together, they will spotlight ChartView Celestial Mariner, Boatracs' and Nobletec's nautical charting navigation and communications software, which was presented at the 1999 Fish Expo in Seattle during November. The product was shown again at the International Workboat Show in New Orleans in December. ChartView is a complete electronic charting and navigation solution for the marine navigator. It includes all the renowned planning and navigation features that mariners need, while offering auto-pilot controls, an integrated captain's log and the GPS Data Manager.