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Inmarsat C Terminal News

05 Sep 2017

Smart Ships: Inmarsat, Samsung Heavy Industries Partner

Ronald Spithout, Inmarsat Maritime President (Photo: Inmarsat)

Satellite communications services provider Inmarsat said it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with shipbuilder Samsung Heavy Industries (SHI), establishing a relationship to leverage the ‘smart ship’ connectivity offered by Fleet Xpress at the vessel construction stage. The agreement envisages the South Korean yard installing Inmarsat-approved terminal hardware and offering applications to cover remote machinery diagnostics and CCTV services, to leverage the satellite communications platform’s capabilities from the moment the ship is delivered.

06 Mar 2012

Free Satellite Calls for RCC's

IMMARSAT Dish: Photo credit Wiki CCL

Inmarsat now provides free shore-to-ship priority voice calling for rescue co-ordination centres (RCC) over its FleetBroadband and existing and evolved services, including Inmarsat B, Fleet F77/55/33 and Mini M. The service allows a maritime RCC to place a priority voice call to any ship equipped with Inmarsat equipment, with the space segment of the call being free of charge. To place a call the RCC dials a unique number. They are then asked to enter their account number (PIN)…

12 Oct 2001

Protocol Gateways Speed Data over Satellite

Despite the critical role of the maritime industry in laying the fiber that connects the world to the Internet, the maritime industry itself relies almost exclusively on satellites for ship-to-shore and ship-to-ship connectivity. However, the networking protocols used to transfer data between computers do not operate efficiently over satellite links. This is especially true at the higher data rates that are starting to become more prevalent for ship-based connectivity, but even at low bandwidths, the noisy links typical of mobile satellite systems prevent the efficient use of expensive satellite time. Fortunately, a new class of products…

12 Oct 2001

Protocol Gateways Speed Data over Satellite

Despite the critical role of the maritime industry in laying the fiber that connects the world to the Internet, the maritime industry itself relies almost exclusively on satellites for ship-to-shore and ship-to-ship connectivity. However, the networking protocols used to transfer data between computers do not operate efficiently over satellite links. This is especially true at the higher data rates that are starting to become more prevalent for ship-based connectivity, but even at low bandwidths, the noisy links typical of mobile satellite systems prevent the efficient use of expensive satellite time. Fortunately, a new class of products…

08 Oct 2001

New Technology to Debut at Europort

Europort 2001 — the 30th edition of the exhibition — scheduled for November 13 to 17 at the Amsterdam RAI, is traditionally an event where companies from around the globe debut innovative new marine equipment and technology. While the exhibition is often considered a regional affair, the event indeed fulfills its international billing with a roster of more than 550 companies from around the globe, and halls filled with ship owners and operators with an equal international distribution. In 1999 exhibition management stated that the event drew more than 30,000 visitors from 88 countries. This year's event will offer a few extras, including a special focus on inland shipping.

08 Mar 2004

Feature: Losing Contact ... Not an Option

Maritime communications is an estimated $1 billion industry, encompassing ship operators, merchant fleets, governments and private yacht owners. There is arguably no more quickly evolving technical sector in the maritime market than the satellite communications niche. Safety, operational efficiency and quality of life onboard vessels of all type and size today more than ever depends on clear, reliable and cost effective satellite communication services and products. The following reports on recent advances from major service, product and system suppliers. The year started with news that Connexion by Boeing, a business unit of The Boeing Company, would roll-out its high speed satellite broadband capability for the maritime industry.

01 Apr 2004

Xantic Extends Discounts

Xantic has announced a extension of its successful Happy Hours promotion. As per April 1, 2004, crew members calling via a mini-M, Fleet or Inmarsat B terminal using Xantic’s ChatCard service will only pay 10 units per minute compared to the previous cost of 11 units. Moreover, the actual period in which the Happy Hours tariffs are available will be significantly extended. Happy Hours will now last 10 hours a day during the week instead of the previous four hours. The time is from 20.00 to 06.00 UTC in all ocean regions. Moreover, the Happy Hour period will also last the entire weekend – from Friday at 20.00 to Monday at 06.00 UTC! “We are delighted to be able to offer our customers this major enhancement of our Happy Hours programme…

02 Apr 2004

Safety Alert: Loss of INMARSAT C Safety Messages

The U.S. Coast Guard issued a Safety Alert reporting that users of INMARSAT C ship earth stations risk losing messages if the printer is not connected to and maintained with the INMARSAT C terminal or if floppy drive maintenance is not regularly performed on the terminal. Additionally, certain non-GMDSS-approved software (e.g., Windows-based software) may freeze up if this maintenance is not performed. (HK Law).

22 Apr 2004

Marlink Extends Crew Calling Programs

Marlink, a subsidiary of Telenor Satellite Services, announced that it is extending its "Super Quiet Time" and "Inmarsat A to Fleet" maritime communications programs offered via Telenor. Both programs, first offered in early 2003, are designed to make "at sea" satellite communications more affordable and easier for mariners. Marlink is extending its Super Quiet Time program through March 2005, offering customers substantially reduced prices for prepaid voice calls over Inmarsat-B, -M, Mini-M, GAN, Fleet and Swift services. Marlink has significantly increased the SQT calling hours in all ocean regions, including 24-hours-a-day SQT calling on Saturdays and Sundays.

07 Mar 2002

Inmarsat: F77 Extends Offerings

Inmarsat, the original mobile satcom provider for the maritime industry, has been riding the crest of a wave recently, with users at an all-time high, overall 99.9 per cent satellite reliability and the launch of its Fleet F77, Mobile ISDN and Mobile Packet Data services for the maritime community. Ruth Ling reports on what's new and what lies on the horizon. Twenty years ago, a revolution hit the maritime industry. Satellite communications became available to ships at sea. Back in 1982, when Inmarsat began offering onboard satellite communications, its first and only system was Inmarsat A, which offered voice, facsimile, telex and data services. After nine years of successful service and expansion into most maritime sectors, Inmarsat began offering Inmarsat C.

22 Jul 2005

Q&A with Bo Norton, Telenor Satellite Services

MR: What are the top three or four factors driving your offerings to the marine business today? Norton: Maritime customers across the board want increased bandwidth that will enable IP applications — from e-mailing to Web surfing and data downloads. Commercial maritime companies are also focusing on ways to make their satellite communications at sea a "business enhancer" in order to make their ships "floating extensions" of the company's LAN or WAN. At the same time, we are also seeing a decisive move by ship management companies to cut operating costs and selecting communications solutions that they can both use as a business tool on board the vessel and a way to improve crew morale and welfare…

02 Jul 2003

Xantic Enables P&O Nedlloyd to Upgrade at Low Cost

P&O Nedlloyd Container Line is the world's third largest container shipping company, operating 157 vessels, a cumulative 407,000 tons on 84 routes with 235 direct call ports. With a fleet this massive and the growing need to communicate with ships, P&O Nedlloyd was expecting an increase in the volume of data transfers to and from its vessels. In addition to email, it wanted the ability to send and receive electronic updates of navigational charts and file transfers for ship management applications. As it was investigating ways to reduce costs, it also considered updating its existing Inmarsat -A terminals, which forced it to consider: costs involving this project should not exceed the current operational costs…

22 Jan 2003

Xantic To Offer Fleet 33, Fleet 55 Services Globally

Xantic has become the first company to announce the availability of the new Fleet 33 and Fleet 55 services. Last Friday a contract was signed with Nera for upgrades of both Xantic Land Earth StationsLES’s in Holland (Burum) and Australia (Perth). The services will be available early April and will be provided in the 4 Ocean regions. At the same time Xantic’s Fleet 77 service will be enhanced by the addition of a 9.6k fax channel. Fleet 33 / Fleet 55 are the new Inmarsat services specifically targeted at smaller vessels who have data requirements. Prime segments include yachts, fishing, coast guards and coastal commercial coastal vessels operating within the Inmarsat spot beams.