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Communications Solution News

31 Jan 2023

Greensea Launches OPENSEA Edge

Image courtesy Greensea

Designed for military use but now available commercially, OPENSEA Edge is designed to be a modular edge computing module with perception support for autonomous underwater robots based on Greensea’s OPENSEA open architecture software platform, advancing ocean robotics into the next generation.Greensea launched its latest product which the company says promises to bring true autonomy to ocean robotics.Based on Greensea’s open architecture platform OPENSEA, OPENSEA Edge offers the next level of operator capability.

28 Feb 2022

Thuraya Launches Push-to-talk Comms Solution with Cobham SATCOM

(Image: Thuraya)

Thuraya Telecommunications Company, the mobile satellite services subsidiary of the UAE’s flagship satellite solutions provider, Al Yah Satellite Communications Company PJSC, announced it has launched its new IP-based radio communications solution, Thuraya Push-to-Talk (PTT).Thuraya PTT has been developed with Cobham SATCOM, a provider of satellite communications solutions to the maritime and land markets. The solution will enable users to extend the range of their voice communications…

16 Dec 2021

Inmarsat ORCHESTRA Hits Milestone with LEO Satellite

Inmarsat CEO Rajeev Suri (Photo: Inmarsat)

Inmarsat ORCHESTRA, the future network for global mobility and government communications, achieved its first milestone in space today with the successful activation of a low earth orbit (Inmarsat ORCHESTRA) satellite payload.The LEO satellite is testing new concepts and system configurations for ORCHESTRA’s proposed LEO constellation, which will seamlessly integrate with geosynchronous orbit (GEO) and highly elliptical orbit (HEO) satellites, and a terrestrial 5G network, to deliver…

10 Nov 2021

Iridium Certus 100 Service Launched

(Image: Iridium)

Iridium Communications Inc. announced the commercially availability of its Iridium Certus 100 "midband" service for maritime, land mobile, IoT, aviation and government customers. Iridium Certus 100 provides a blend of capabilities for satellite connectivity, enabling small, low-profile antennas and battery-powered devices designed for maximum mobility, but with IP data speeds that efficiently support sending important pictures, emails and other vital information from remote places…

21 Oct 2021

Eastern and Partners Open C5ISR Facility for OPC Program

(Photo: ESG)

On Monday, October 18, Eastern Shipbuilding Group, Inc. (ESG), Northrop Grumman, L3Harris, and industry partners commissioned the new Command, Control, Computers, Communications, Cyber, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (C5ISR) Production Facility (PF) in support of the U.S. Coast Guard Offshore Patrol Cutter (OPC) program at ESG’s Allanton Shipyard. The ceremony was attended by leaders of the United States Coast Guard Project Resident Office.The C5ISR PF is a new…

13 Oct 2021

Marlink Delivers Connectivity to PONANT Polar Expedition Ship

Built at VARD’s Tulcea shipyard in Romania, with outfitting completed at the VARD shipyard in Søviknes, Norway, Le Commandant Charcot is the first hybrid electric polar exploration ship powered by Liquefied Natural Gas. Photo © PONANT Nicolas Dubreuil

Marlink is supporting PONANT’s first polar exploration ship Le Commandant Charcot, with data and voice connectivity, aiming to create a seamless communication experience for guests.Le Commandant Charcot became the first vessel of her kind to reach the geographic North Pole on September 6, 2021, during sea trials in preparation for her maiden voyage later this year. Marlink provides a hybrid network solution, combining Sealink dual C- and Ku-band VSAT connectivity, GEO and LEO L-band connectivity and a high-data volume LEO store & forward capability.

21 Oct 2020

KSS Line Opts for "Smart Ship' Package for Up to 15 Ships

(Photo: KSS Line)

Hyundai Global Services (HGS) has signed a contract to deliver its Smart Ship and Satellite Communications package for up to 15 vessels for South Korean shipping company KSS Line.The Smart Ship and Satellite Communications package is a combination of the Integrated Smart Ship (ISS) solution – an IoT platform for ships, developed by HHI Group to support vessel operation and device optimization – supported by Inmarsat’s Fleet Xpress and digital solution Fleet Connect. This achievement is a direct result of a collaboration between HGS…

09 Dec 2019

ISO: Affordable & Reliable Workboat Comms

The commercial shipping world can benefit from greater range of communications and reduced satellite costs. Domestic brown water operators know all too well that’s easier said; than done. Until now.In the fast moving world of blue water, deep draft shipping, the availability of reliable ship-to-shore communications has been a non-issue for at least two decades. More than ever, they need it. These longtime users of so-called ship management software and now, sophisticated remote monitoring systems that watch over even the most obscure minutia on board far flung 1,000 foot ocean liners, need (and get) robust and reliable communications.On the domestic, brown water side of the equation? Not so much.

03 Sep 2018

Panasonic Connectivity Services for TUI Cruises

Panasonic Avionics Corporation (Panasonic) announced that in partnership with its subsidiary, ITC Global, it has been awarded a four-year contract by TUI Cruises for connectivity services to two new-build cruise ships, Mein Schiff 1 and new Mein Schiff 2.The agreement establishes communication capabilities onboard the vessels serving guests and crew, enhancing the user experience during the cruise line's travels across international waters. Germany-based TUI Cruises is a joint venture between TUI AG and Royal Caribbean Cruises, Ltd. Headquartered in Hamburg, TUI Cruises voyages sail across the globe from the Baltic and Mediterranean Seas in Europe…

05 Jun 2018

Iridium Attracts Maritime Service Providers for Iridium Certus

Iridium Communications Inc. announced that seven additional service providers have signed agreements to provide the Iridium Certus service for maritime applications. Globecomm, Network Innovations, Pivotel, MVS USA, IEC-Telecom, MetOcean and Samsan Enterprise Company now further broaden the base of Iridium’s distribution for its next-generation L-band broadband service. These seven companies will play a critical role in delivering what will be the fastest and most competitive L-band satellite broadband solution to the maritime industry, enabling a truly global “connected ship” environment. This announcement comes shortly after Iridium became the second-ever recognized service provider for the Global Maritime Distress Safety System (GMDSS)…

03 Oct 2017

Growing the KVH Empire

Martin Kits van Heyningen, President, CEO & Chairman of the Board, KVH

From humble beginnings KVH has evolved rapidly to become a central player in the maritime world’s global Big Data revolution. Maritime Reporter & Engineering News caught up with Martin Kits van Heyningen in Oslo for his take on KVH’s current position and future direction. “We certainly didn’t envision that we would be in the high-speed satellite broadband business when we started,” is how Kits van Heyningen, President, Chief Executive Officer, and Chairman of the Board, KVH, succinctly summarizes the biggest difference between the company he founded in 1982 versus the one he leads today.

02 Oct 2017

KVH Videotel Names Karkhanis Middle East Sales Director

Capt. Milind Karkhanis (Photo: KVH Videotel)

KVH Videotel has named Capt. Milind Karkhanis as sales director for the Middle East to develop business in this strategically important maritime location. Capt. Karkhanis has more than 40 years’ experience in the maritime industry, including 15 years at sea on tankers, bulk carriers, and container ships; on shore, he worked in Mumbai and Hong Kong in ship manning and operations roles. Capt. Karkhanis has recently relocated to Dubai, United Arab Emirates. “I am looking forward…

28 Aug 2017

Globecomm Installs Complete Solutions on MV Baltic

Globecomm, one of the leading providers of maritime connectivity services, has installed a complete communications solution on MV Baltic, the latest newbuild to join the Global Seatrade fleet. To meet demanding connectivity needs, Globecomm delivered its global Ku-band VSAT solution with VoIP services, an Iridium Pilot L-Band system and KNS S8 to enable flat fee internet access and live TV services onboard the new heavy cargo roll-on/roll-off vessel ship. "We congratulate Global Seatrade on the recent launch of the MV Baltic, and are delighted the project offered an opportunity to continue our close partnership," said Malcolm McMaster, president of Globecomm's Maritime division.

23 Jun 2017

Reederei Hamburger Lloyd Chooses Sealink Plus VSAT

Hamburg-based shipping group Reederei Hamburger Lloyd will move its fleet of nine containerships and six bulk carriers to Marlink’s Sealink Plus VSAT package including unlimited L-band backup. Hamburger Lloyd is a long term customer of Telemar Germany and was looking for a communications solution that provides a quality link for downloading ECDIS updates, which is critical to the fleet’s navigational safety. The company also sees that moving from pay-as-you-go L-band communication services to the pay-monthly VSAT model will provide budget predictability and enable it to offer more crew communication facilities. Designed to provide high speed bandwidth at all times…

12 Apr 2017

KVH Debuts Connectivity as a Service Offering

KVH Industries, Inc. has launched a new all-inclusive Connectivity as a Service (CaaS) offering for the maritime industry, AgilePlans by KVH. For a single monthly fee, AgilePlans by KVH brings an advanced satellite communications solution onboard without a costly capital expenditure or long-term commitment. The subscription fee is as low as $499/month for a complete package including hardware, connectivity, installation at select ports, entertainment and training content and global support. The AgilePlans by KVH subscription model is designed to deliver everything a fleet needs for better communications and improved operational efficiency at sea.

14 Dec 2016

Vroon Extends 140-plus Vessel Contract with KVH

KVH Industries, Inc. announced that Netherlands-based Vroon has extended its contract for KVH’s maritime satellite communications solution, choosing the mini-VSAT Broadbandsm network for connectivity services onboard more than 140 Vroon vessels. The multi-year contract also includes KVH’s IP-MobileCastTM service for news, sports, movie and TV delivery, as well as preventive maintenance checks to ensure peak performance on all fielded systems as part of the KVH OneCare program. The first installations of KVH’s 60 cm diameter TracPhone V7 systems onboard Vroon vessels took place in early 2011, after Vroon conducted a stringent selection process involving 22 different satellite communications providers. Today, more than 140 Vroon vessels employ the KVH mini-VSAT Broadband system onboard.

12 Sep 2016

Major Commercial Fleets Commit to New KVH Broadband Airtime Plans

MIDDLETOWN, RI – September 12, 2016 – KVH Industries, Inc., (Nasdaq: KVHI), is driving a sea change in the way that global maritime fleets are using broadband at sea. The company’s usage-based airtime plans now represent a majority of users on KVH’s global satellite network, mini-VSAT Broadbands, which continues to be the market share leader in maritime VSAT. In recent months, many of KVH’s largest and most important fleet customers have chosen usage-based plans—including Open plans, the newest set of usage-based airtime plans offered by KVH.  BW, one of the world’s leading global maritime groups, reached agreement with KVH to switch from an unlimited airtime plan to KVH’s Open plans for several LNG and LPG vessels that have TracPhone V11-IP systems onboard.

27 Jul 2016

KVH's Zika Virus Safety Video for Mariners

KVH Industries, Inc., (Nasdaq: KVHI), announced today that it is offering Videotel’s new safety and training video about the Zika virus free to all mariners worldwide. The goal of the program is to increase awareness  of the vitally important prevention measures that can keep seafarers and their colleagues and families safe. The World Health Organization (WHO) declared the Zika virus a public health emergency earlier this year. Given the global nature of the maritime industry, it is imperative that seafarers take precautions to prevent further spread of the disease. The prevalence of the Zika virus in such areas as Brazil has heightened concerns with the approaching Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro next month.

13 Jun 2016

MSC Cruises, Marlink Enhance Guest Connectivity

MSC Cruises, a privately-owned cruise line and market leader in Europe, South America and South Africa announced that it has worked together with Marlink – the pioneer of business critical communication solutions for customers operating in remote environments – to launch a next-generation connectivity for MSC Cruises’ fleet with multi-band VSAT services. Working with Marlink, MSC Cruises will provide dynamic bandwidth to its 12 existing ships as well as the next-generation ships currently under construction, including MSC Meraviglia and MSC Seaside. No matter the itinerary of the ships, the bandwidth will be able to accommodate seasonal fluctuations…

09 Jun 2016

KTsat, SpeedCast to Provide Comms to 150 vessels

SpeedCast International Limited, a global satellite communications and network service provider, and KTsat, the satellite service provider in Korea, have announced the two companies have been awarded a new contract to provide global Ku-band maritime communications services to up to 150 vessels. The service will be installed over the next 18 months. “It has been a phenomenal experience to work with SpeedCast for our maritime customers. We saw a great momentum from our partnership that our KOREASAT satellite fleets in Korea and in the Asia-Pacific region have been growing over the past few years. SpeedCast has been providing an extensive infrastructure for providing this seamless connectivity for maritime data…

25 Feb 2016

Workboat Communications Evolve to Meet Myriad Missions

RHIB crew with DIAMOND intercom and radio communications system. Image credit: Drumgrange

Choosing next generation communication systems for professional marine operations can be a daunting task. Not to worry: John Haynes provides a primer. Over the past decade we have come to expect fast, seamless global communications from a single device that fits in our pocket. The age of the smart phone and tablet enables multiple voices talking in a conference call and real time transfer of data, ranging from documents to photos and videos. In the modern bridge, most crew members have a GPS in their pocket which can identify where that person is on the planet.

23 Dec 2015

KVH Expands mini-VSAT Broadband Network

Image: KVH

KVH Industries, Inc. expanded the capacity of its mini-VSAT Broadband network with two upgrades recently, supporting growing customer demand for broadband at sea. One expansion added a new satellite beam that doubled the mini-VSAT Broadband network capacity in the North Atlantic Ocean region, including Canada’s Hudson Bay. The second expansion added a new beam across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa to add 30 percent more capacity across areas such as the North Sea and the Mediterranean Sea.

30 Nov 2015

The Digital Oilfield Microwave Communication Offshore Brazil

With most offshore wells in Brazil located between 30 and 300 km from the coast, communication with offshore assets has not always been straightforward or reliable. Some operators and service providers still use traditional maritime VSAT services for coverage offshore Brazil, yet the introduction of Microwave radio has led to a much better level of quality and reliability in high-bandwidth voice and data communications. Claudio Paschoa, Maritime Reporter’s correspondent in Brazil had an interesting conversation with Arild Fotland, head of Ceragon’s Oil and Gas Division, about the advantages of Microwave radio communications for offshore operations in Brazil. Fotland joined Ceragon in 1978 and has been stationed all over the world.