Communication Network News

Marlink reports it is providing new capabilities to long-term customer TUI Cruises on its Mein Schiff fleet, augmenting its managed hybrid network solution with Starlink LEO connectivity.Marlink will install its Sealink NextGen network solution – combining low-latency LEO connectivity with global 4G/5G and C/Ku-band VSAT - on the combined fleet of six existing Mein Schiff vessels and two newbuildings. These different connectivity links will be orchestrated by Marlink’s SD-WAN solution…

Global maritime communications powerhouse Inmarsat earlier this year announced a pair of new tech offerings – ORCHESTRA and ELERA – that are touted as ‘the communications network of the future.’ We caught up with Ronald Spithout, President, Inmarsat Maritime, for additional insights on how these services will power the future of maritime IoT.As digitalization and IoT continues to drive innovation across the maritime sector, satellite communication will serve as the conduit, and smaller, faster and cheaper is the mantra.

Dometic’s Vancouver facility has received RINA Approval and Certification for its Optimus 5000 Electronic Power Steering System (EPS), opening the door for growth in yachting and commercial marine markets.The Dometic Optimus 5000 EPS is engineered for inboard vessels ranging from 40 to 100-plus feet in length. Its manufacturer believes the Type Approval from the Italian classification group on the Optimus 5000 EPS for both pleasure and commercial vessels under 500 metric tons will positively impact on its marine business globally.

British satellite telecommunications company Inmarsat plc will extend its service portfolio for customers with the launch of Fleet LTE, following an agreement with subsea fibre and offshore LTE network operator, Tampnet.The new service which is primarily aimed at offshore support vessel (OSV) operators, but could also be used by fishing and ferry operators operating in the area,  leverages low-latency, high data speed communications available via a dedicated Access Point Name (APN) on the Tampnet North Sea LTE network and could be extended to other regions such as the Gulf of Mexico if successful.Inmarsat’s new Fleet LTE service means customers can access high speed 4G…

The satellite communications provider Marlink is introducing an all-encompassing new hybrid communication service, called Sealink Global 4GThe Sealink Global 4G, as a turnkey solution it provides everything needed to leverage fast, low-latency mobile services when in network range while complementing VSAT connectivity when in regulated regions.Devised as a single global capability with full predictability on performance and costs, Sealink Global 4G is a ready-to-go solution bringing a new dimension of low-latency and flexible connectivity to Marlink’s global multi-band maritime network.The subscription is part of Marlink’s suite of 4G…

Valmet will upgrade the Damatic XDi automation system to a Valmet DNA system onboard the Mariner of the Seas cruise ship owned by Royal Caribbean International. With this upgrade, the operators of the machinery and air conditioning systems will have a modern and efficient Valmet DNA user interface, including a state-of-the-art history storage and data analyzing and reporting tools. The order was included in Valmet's fourth quarter 2017 orders received. Valmet's delivery will take place in April 2018 and will be completed in late June 2018.

USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) departed Norfolk Naval Shipyard (NNSY) for Sea Trials July 21 following a 10-month Planned Incremental Availability (PIA). Truman's Commanding Officer, Capt. Ryan B. Scholl, praised ship forces, NNSY and civilian contractors for working together to stay on schedule and making an on-time departure from the shipyard. "The number one goal for this ship over the last year was making it better than when it arrived here," said Scholl. "This excitement, enthusiasm and teamwork is what propelled us out of the shipyard. Critical work during the availability, which began last September, included upgrades to the ship's internal and external communication network…

Classification society DNV GL teamed up with innovative Greek owner Consolidated Marine Management (CMM) for a test on the health of a control and communication network on board seagoing vessels. The pilot project, conducted on one of CMM’s state-of-the-art chemical tankers, investigated exactly what it takes to carry out a successful test of a vessel’s communication and control systems, in order to strengthen their overall robustness and resilience. “On-board communication networks have become the ‘nervous system’ of vessels’ integrated machinery,” says Mate J.

The European Council has extended the mandate for European Union Naval Force Somalia (EU NAVFOR) - Operation ATALANTA - until 31 December 2018, which means Cohort company MASS will continue to provide the Classified Mission Network for the enduring Operation. Operation ATALANTA was launched in December 2008 to contribute to the deterrence, prevention and repression of acts of piracy and armed robbery off the Somali coast. The operation also protects vessels of the World Food Programme and other vulnerable shipping, monitors fishing activities off the coast of Somalia and supports other EU missions and programmes in the region. MASS provides the core operational mission network for the effective command and control of this multi-national Operation both ashore and afloat.

While the true uptake of broadband across the maritime sector has been slow to develop, a number of market conditions are conspiring to drive the service mainstream. Intelsat’s Kurt Riegelman discusses the matter with Maritime Reporter & Engineering News. While the advent of full broadband in the maritime sector is the exception rather than the norm, the tides are changing as companies increasingly deploy fast, modern ‘land-like’ comms in an effort to achieve everything from attracting and retaining crew, to streamlining business operations at sea and enhancing safety.

Following its inauguration ceremony in Rotterdam on February 27, 2015, Allseas’ Pioneering Spirit will start its first job offshore Norway this summer with an integrated Dynamic Positioning (DP) and manoeuvring system based on state-of-the art Kongsberg Maritime technology. The Kongsberg Maritime delivery includes forward and aft bridge systems in addition to an extensive automation network and the HiPAP subsea position reference system. Eight years in the making, Allseas’ Pioneering Spirit single-lift vessel is the largest construction vessel in the world.

Kalmar, part of Cargotec, has implemented the Kalmar SmartStack solution at Durban Container Terminal (DCT) in South Africa for real-time container inventory reporting and management. This is the first terminal to implement Kalmar SmartStack using the narrowband communication network involving re-engineering from the standard WiFi deployment. DCT is currently running 11 Kalmar straddle carriers with SmartStack and further eight are to be phased in over the coming weeks. In addition, 11 Terex straddle carriers will be phased into the SmartStack solution and are currently undergoing equipment testing trials by the customer. The final machines to integrate with the solution in this project are two Kalmar empty container handlers.

EU Naval Force Warship 'FGS Berlin' has conducted local maritime capacity building in the Seychelles informs EUCAP Nestor. Three Local Maritime Capacity Building (LMCB) activities have taken place during EU Naval Force Warship FGS Berlin’s recent port visit to the Seychelles. LMCB are conducted by the European Union  to build the capacity of security forces of regional partners in the fight against piracy, supporting further training provided by EUCAP Nestor. First, firefighting training was conducted for the Seychelles Coast Guard. This included instructions on the right use of various fire extinguishers, techniques how to open (hot) doors, and the different use of members of the firefighting team.

Broadband Satellite Services Limited (BSS), an investment company based in the North East of England, has completed the acquisition of AND Group & the Satcom Global group of companies. Focused on the satellite communication and telecommunication markets, BSS acquired the two businesses as part of its growth strategy, to expand into all of the key vertical markets within the mobile satellite services sector. The merged group has a geographical footprint covering all of the core markets and revenues of over $100 million. "Combining the network assets of AND Group and Satcom Global fits perfectly within our strategic framework of strengthening our end-to-end solutions capabilities in key areas…

Simon Møkster Shipping’s fleet of 23 offshore supply and specialist vessels is now fully connected to the Microsoft Lync platform through Sealink, Marlink’s customized VSAT service. Sealink has enabled the established Norwegian offshore vessel operator to roll-out Microsoft’s standardized business collaboration and communication platform across its organization on land and at sea, resulting in operational benefits in addition to substantial savings in the cost of crew calling.

Rolta India Ltd wins contract for establishing "National NAVTEX Network" from a subordinate office under the Ministry of Shipping, Road Transport & Highways, Government of India, that provides general aids to navigation along the Indian coast. NAVTEX is an international automated medium frequency service for delivery of navigational and meteorological warnings and forecasts, as well as urgent marine safety information to ships. NAVTEX is a component of the International Maritime Organization / International Hydrographic Organization, Worldwide Navigation Warning Service (WWNWS) and is also a major element of the Global Maritime Distress Safety System (GMDSS).

U.S. The Rescue 21 system increases the speed and accuracy of maritime search and rescue operations while improving Coast Guard effectiveness in responding to security and maritime environmental threats. The U.S. Coast Guard has formally accepted the General Dynamics C4 Systems-built Rescue 21 search and rescue communications system now serving Sector San Juan. With the command center located in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico, Sector San Juan is responsible for all Coast Guard missions throughout the Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands region. Using advanced direction-finding technologies and digital communications, the life-saving Rescue 21 system enables Coast Guard personnel to respond rapidly and efficiently to calls from distressed mariners out to at least 20 nautical miles from shore.

Globecomm Maritime Extends Ericsson Mobile Connectivity to Worldwide Fleet. Globecomm Systems Inc., a global provider of communications solutions and services, announced that it has been selected by Ericsson as a subcontractor of the maritime GSM/VSAT managed operation for an Ericsson mobile communication network. The network will be implemented on up to 400 container vessels worldwide over the next two years, providing end-to-end 24/7 automated monitoring and real-time information control. Globecomm will provide below-deck equipment and provide operation services, under a seven-year subcontract to Ericsson Denmark. Globecomm will provide its VSAT service…

Metso has been awarded major automation system contracts for 3 advanced vessels to be built in Finland. One contract is for 2 Multifunctional Icebreaking Supply Vessels (MIBSV) by Arctech Helsinki Shipyard Oy for Russian Sovcomflot. The second is a Multipurpose Deck Cargo Carrier by STX Finland Oy for Finnish Gaiamare Ltd. belonging to Turku based Meriaura Group. The MIBSV’s are designated for the Sakhalin-1 Arkutun-Dagi gas field and will be used as supply vessels for the Exxon Neftegas Ltd gas platform. They are designed for the harsh environmental conditions in the Sakhalin area with drifting ice and temperatures down to minus 35°C.

Statoil and HitecVision have signed an agreement under which HitecVision will acquire Statoil’s subsidiary Tampnet AS. Tampnet operates a large high capacity communication network between offshore installations. Established by Statoil in 2001, Tampnet has since grown to serve 34 oil and gas fields and carrying traffic for over 60 platforms operated by a multitude of oil companies. Pioneering the industry, Tampnet has developed a high capacity, resilient and low latency communication network of fibre backbone cables and radio links, serving both the Norwegian and the UK sector of the North Sea. Statoil’s core business is oil and gas production…

Jeppesen Marine has signed a contract agreement with NYKCool AB to install its Vessel and Voyage Optimization Solution (VVOS) aboard a class of refrigeration carriers trading from the Caribbean and Central America to Northern Europe. The decision to fit VVOS on the ships was made by NYKCool following an extensive sea trial that revealed a measurable improvement in fuel conservation, seakeeping and schedule integrity. The ship officers utilized both the on-board VVOS program and Jeppesen Marine’s 24/7 routing guidance center during the trial. Tom King, Jeppesen Marine senior business development executive, noted that Jeppesen Marine offers…

TeleMedic Systems announced that its new lightweight VitalLink3 medical vital signs monitoring system has completed testing over Iridium’s worldwide communication network, and is now available to support mobile medical data transmissions on a global scale. TeleMedic developed the VitalLink3, a mobile vital signs monitor, for use in remote applications. Designed to be a universal interface between medical devices and IT systems, the VitalLink3 acts as a communication gateway for the dissemination of acquired medical data and the integration of other specialist medical/IT systems. VitalNet’s secure portal supplies medical professionals with remote access, integration of patient records and an audit trail of actual or attempted access to any part of the system.

Kongsberg Maritime has signed a contract to supply Integrated Monitoring and Control Systems for five new 13,000 Dwt Product/Chemical carriers being built for Greek owner IASON Hellenic Shipping Co. Ltd at the Vinashin Group owned Pha Rung Shipyard in , east of the Vietnamese capital . The Kongsberg Maritime integrated monitoring and control concept chosen by Vinashin Group against strong competition includes an integrated solution for machinery control and cargo management.