Round the Clock Business Demands Seamless Comms
Network Innovations and its inland waterways connectivity solution eliminates “dead spot” coverage woes. And, not a moment too soon.The bane of inland operators – or at least one of many – has always been the dearth of reliable and economical vessel-to-shore communications. Even in America’s heartland where cellular coverage is routinely billed as seamless, so-called ‘dead spots’ persist. Sometimes, this happens at the worst possible moment for an operator who has myriad far flung assets on dozens of remote inland waterways. For a long time, satellite service has not been deemed economically feasible for inland operators. Beyond that, unlike blue water deep sea operators, there was little need to download data or employ software solutions in every day operations.
Maritime VSAT Resource Launched at Nor-Shipping
A new online resource providing in-depth, impartial information and advice on maritime VSAT (Very Small Aperture Terminal) technology has been officially launched at Nor-Shipping 2015. maritimeVSAT.com is based on an initiative led by maritime communication services provider Marlink and supported by major industry organizations. Its purpose is to educate the wider maritime industry on all aspects of maritime VSAT by providing a detailed knowledge base and clear understanding of the technology available, thus helping ship-owners to make an informed choice when upgrading vessel and fleet communications. From a neutral standpoint, maritimeVSAT.com provides essential information related to VSAT technology, services and installation.
This Day in U.S. Naval History – December 14
1814 - British squadron captures U.S. gunboats in Battle of Lake Borgne, LA. 1944 - Rank of Fleet Admiral, U.S. Navy (five star admiral) is established. 1945 - Captain Sue S. Dauser receives the first Distinguished Service Medal awarded to a nurse. 1965 - Navy announces completion of 1,272 ft. radio tower at North West Cape, Australia, highest manmade structure in the Southern Hemisphere at that time, as a link in fleet communications. (Source: Navy News Service)
This Day in Naval History – Dec. 14
1814 - British squadron captures U.S. gunboats in Battle of Lake Borgne, LA. 1944 - Rank of Fleet Admiral, U.S. Navy (five star admiral) is established. 1945 - Captain Sue S. Dauser receives the first Distinguished Service Medal awarded to a nurse. 1965 - Navy announces completion of 1,272 ft. radio tower at North West Cape, Australia, highest manmade structure in the Southern Hemisphere at that time, as a link in fleet communications. (Source: Navy News Service)
Canada Commits Funds to Port Security
The Government of Canada will assist Canada's ports with the cost of modernizing and strengthening their security systems and programs. The funding announcement was made by Transport Minister Tony Valeri at the Port of Halifax's Pier 21. The Marine Facility Security Contribution Program is a three-year, $115 million commitment to assist ports and port facilities with security enhancements. It forms part of the Government of Canada's National Security Policy announced on April 27, 2004 by Deputy Prime Minister Anne McLellan. "Canada's ports are among the most competitive in the world," said Mr. Valeri. In compliance with new international security requirements…
VT Acquires Merlin Communications
Vosper Thornycroft (VT) announces that it has agreed to acquire Merlin for approximately $136 million USD ($94 million GBP). Merlin’s principal business is the facilities management of communications operations, primarily for the BBC in relation to the BBC World Service and for the Ministry of Defense (MOD). It also operates a global short wave and medium wave transmission network. Merlin will complement and extend VT’s existing skills and experience in the provision of technical services and is and important step towards VT’s target to more than double turnover from its support services business over the next 3 financial years. For the year ended March 31, 2001, Merlin reported operating profit, excluding a business to be discontinued, of $7.2 million on turnover of $74.6 million.
Iridium Aggressively Pursues New Outlets
Iridium Satellite LLC, the company born from the ashes of what was one of the most spectacular and initial telecom failures, has fortified its market position in the past year, aggressively pursuing relationships with companies that will help expand use of its satellite network across all industires. The Alexandria, Va.-based Iridium — which bought the assets of Iridium LLC out of bankruptcy in December 2000, launched global voice services in March 2001 and added ubiquitous Internet connectivity in June — has announced a number of deals with leading satellite communication companies — Xantic, Telenor and France Telecom Mobile Satellite Communications — and has launched a new crew calling service for the marine business.
