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As the shipping industry undergoes major transformation, with operations becomingly increasingly automated, maritime companies need to consider more than just efficiency and safety when it comes to operations. The current global situation has resulted in a growing demand for crew communication, for both work and social purposes, alongside the ongoing need for optimization. All of this causes higher levels of traffic on maritime networks, forcing shipping operators to place an…

The Japanese shipping group NYK Group (Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha, MTI Co., Ltd.) will collaborate with Dualog and Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation (NTT) Group on a vessel platform proposal that is currently being validated with ship information systems (SIMS) data, the companies announced. The experiment is focused on validation of the below technology, which is expected to benefit the maritime industry in actual sea operations: Data gathering from an expanding array of onboard sensors and monitoring equipment, Remote distribution and management of onboard applications and Monitoring of ship equipment, event analyses, and intelligent alerts.

WiFi@Sea high-speed network will combine land-based systems and advanced satellite connectivity designed to give passengers faster, more stable and powerful internet service at sea. With connectivity speeds that can be roughly 10 times faster than ever before, passengers will be able to share their cruise experience via Internet, email and social media in real time. Carnival Corporation & plc has unveiled a hybrid wireless network – a high-speed service to eventually be rolled out to all 101 of its ships on all nine of its brands.

Vizada, independent satellite communications provider, has launched Pharostar, its proprietary VSAT (Very Small Aperture Terminal) fixed satellite communications service and the latest addition to its maritime broadband portfolio.   Vizada’s new Pharostar VSAT service will help meet increasing market demand for high-performance broadband connectivity at sea. Based on iDirect technology, the service provides standard IP data speeds of 1024 kbps for multiple applications such as internet, email and VoIP.   The connectivity emulates that of corporate networks and an “always on” service permits unlimited data transfer. The service also enables crew on board merchant vessels, tankers and oil & gas platforms to use voice and data services simultaneously with near global coverage.

Simrad has launched two sophisticated new satellite communication systems based on the Inmarsat Fleet satellite platform. The MS33 and MS55 are designed to offer voice and data services for leisure and professional vessels with internet, email, fax and telephone functionality providing a total communications solution. The MS33 features an Integrated Data Service that can connect at speeds up to 9.6kbps for voice, fax and batched transmissions. It utilizes advanced data compression technology that makes data transmission up to seven times faster than other comparable systems on the Fleet 33 service. Communications costs can be kept down as the MS33 is also capable of using the Mobile Packet Data Service (MPDS)…

Station 12 has launched a new, unique satellite communication platform that delivers messages in the preferred format of the sender. 'Connect Messaging Services' boast enhanced convenience and performance by enabling senders to choose from telex, fax and email delivery. There are also a variety of additional capabilities, including mailing lists, alias names and alternative address delivery. It is the first service that enables all fixed mobile communication - whether fax, telex or email - to be sent via a single platform. The messages are stored, then converted into the desired format for delivery. Connect Messaging Services became operational on October 2, 2000. Station 12 confirms it has invested around $2 million in the development of the service in the last year.

By Hector V. In recent years, the emphasis in Maintenance Management has grown for various reasons, all very much related to the financial benefits that the owner of vessels and/or offshore installations will capture by paying much closer attention to Preventive maintenance than was normally contemplated in previous decades. The offshore oil field industry and ship owners/operators need to pay close attention to the development of international conventions containing regulations and classification society requirements regarding maintenance. Classification societies requirements to periodical surveys make possible to establish a survey arrangement for retention of class based on Planned Maintenance System (PMS) on board.

Knight & Carver YachtCenter has announced the formation of Custom Technologies. Operating as a stand-alone division of the company and serving its core customers’ desires for the latest and most advanced entertainment systems, Knight & Carver Custom Technologies will provide clients with a wide array of high-end systems. These state-of-the-art systems will include ambient lighting and music, large-screen hi-definition TV screens, satellite radio, Internet, email, Dolby-sound cinema theaters, mood lighting in every room, security systems, temperature controls, as well as the finest in on-board and external communications and related amenities. Each system will be customized and fully integrated for the maximum ease, comfort and convenience of the yacht’s owner and guests.

First Wave/Newpark Shipbuilding, in Galveston, Texas, has had a busy spring. First, the company was awarded a contract by Diamond Offshore Drilling to install a crane and perform annual survey work on Ocean Lexington. That contract was completed in March. Next, the company won a contract from Smit Americas, Inc. for drydocking of Ocean Hercules. The vessel was drydocked on the shipyard's 7,500-ton drydock for general maintenance and conversion from a seismic vessel to a telecommunication cable laying vessel. Finally, First Wave drydocked Pride Louisiana for Pride Offshore. The rig was docked in the Galveston Ship Channel, utilizing a heavy lift barge for an annual survey. The rig will depart upon completion of the survey.