Biden Bans Russia Oil Imports to the US
U.S. President Joe Biden announced a ban on Russian oil and other energy imports on Tuesday in retaliation for the invasion of Ukraine, underscoring strong bipartisan support for a move that he acknowledged would drive up U.S. energy prices."We're banning all imports of Russian oil and gas energy," Biden told reporters at the White House. "That means Russian oil will no longer be acceptable in U.S. ports and the American people will deal another powerful blow to (Russian President Vladimir) Putin's war machine."Oil prices jumped on the news…
UN Security Council to Discuss Deadly Tanker Attack
Britain will raise a deadly tanker attack off the coast of Oman during a closed-door United Nations Security Council meeting on Friday, diplomats said, but the 15-member body is not expected to take any action.Britain told the Security Council on Tuesday it was "highly likely" that Iran used one or more drones to carry out the tanker attack last week, which killed two crew members - a Briton and a Romanian."There's a lot of conflicting information. A 'highly likely' analysis, which we totally reject. We need to establish facts ... we don't need to rush to any conclusions or actions without having proof of what has happened," deputy Russian U.N.
Cruise Passengers Await Florida Deal Allowing Them to Disembark
The U.S. government and Florida were working on a plan on Wednesday to allow thousands of cruise ship passengers exposed to an onboard coronavirus outbreak to disembark, a day after President Donald Trump urged the governor to drop his opposition to their docking.Fort Lauderdale Mayor Dean Trantalis said he was not opposed to them docking in his city. But he said a clear protocol was needed to protect residents of his South Florida city from infection.“There can be no missteps in this process…
U.S. Army General to Lead to Puerto Rico Recovery Effort
The Pentagon named a senior general to command military relief operations in hurricane-ravaged Puerto Rico on Thursday and the Trump administration sent a Cabinet emissary to the island as U.S. lawmakers called for a more robust response to the crisis. The U.S. territory of 3.4 million people struggled through a ninth day with virtually no electricity, patchy communications and shortages of fuel, clean water and other essentials in the wake of Hurricane Maria, the most powerful storm to hit the island in nearly 90 years. The storm struck on Sept. 20 with lethal, roof-ripping force and torrential rains that caused widespread flooding and heavily damaged homes, roads and other infrastructure. The storm killed more than 30 people across the Caribbean, including at least 16 in Puerto Rico.
Broadband Bandwidth Battles
As Satellite providers battle for market share, the onboard struggle to efficiently maximize bandwidth allocation is also being solved. The requirement to monitoring critical equipment and at the same time satisfy the increasingly sophisticated demands of today’s seafarers all need to be balanced against the cost of bandwidth. The call for both ‘big data’ and the full range of crew connectivity and entertainment is upon the shipping industry. SatCom providers have responded in a big way…
MTN Renews Cruise Line Communications Contract
MTN Satellite Communications (MTN) contract with Norwegian Cruise Line extended 5 years. The contract is for VSAT communications, crew calling, Internet services, access to MTN Worldwide TV™ and related services around the globe. MTN will continue to provide its communications solutions to the entire Norwegian fleet, including its newest ships, Norwegian Breakaway and Norwegian Getaway, launching in 2013 and 2014 respectively. With the extension of the contract, MTN will continue providing Norwegian with a full range of communications services…
MTN Extends Strategic Partnership with Norwegian Cruise Line
Renewed Contract Ensures Guests and Crew Have Access to the Most Advanced Maritime Communications Technology Available. MTN Satellite Communications (MTN) has announces it extended its contract with Norwegian Cruise Line (Norwegian) for an additional five years for VSAT communications, crew calling, Internet services, access to MTN Worldwide TV™ and related services around the globe. MTN will continue to provide its communications solutions to the entire Norwegian fleet, including its newest ships, Norwegian Breakaway and Norwegian Getaway, launching in 2013 and 2014 respectively. “Throughout our 21-year partnership, MTN has been committed to the highest standard of excellence when it comes to providing reliable and comprehensive communications services to our passengers and crew…
MTN Worldwide TV Now Available to All Vessels
MTN Satellite Communications (MTN) announce MTN Worldwide TV is now available to commercial shipping, ferry, oil & gas and yacht customers. MTN Worldwide TV is the first fully-digital, multi-channel television service for the maritime industry. Leveraging MTN’s global infrastructure, the service utilizes overlapping satellite beams that integrate seamlessly with a vessel’s existing Television Receive-Only (TVRO) antenna and onboard video distribution system. MTN ensures viewers at sea receive reliable, uninterrupted service - regardless of location - by managing the satellite network and content. In addition, MTN Worldwide TV is available in all ocean regions and is a great core TV service to supplement any existing programming that might be lost when the vessel is at sea.
MTN Celebrates 30th Anniversary
MTN is proud to be celebrating its 30th year in the satellite communications industry. Over the past three decades, MTN has contributed to the evolution of the satellite industry and continues to deliver communications solutions that address the needs of both commercial users and governments. - Built the first 5-meter C-Band transportable satellite antenna made to travel with the presidential administration for Summit meetings and Pentagon press pool required events. - Delivered the industry's first stabilized, "transmit and receive" Ku-Band satellite antenna system for the U.S. Navy deployed on the USS Iwo Jima (LPH-2) during the first Persian Gulf crisis. - Introduced the first onboard Internet cafés for cruise ships leveraging MTN's VSAT technology.
Royal Caribbean Launches Search for Godmother
Royal Caribbean International is putting a new twist on a long-standing maritime tradition by launching a national search for the Godmother of Freedom of the Seas – the world’s largest and most innovative cruise ship scheduled to debut in May 2006. Historically an honor reserved for heads of state, politicians and celebrities, Godmothers officially give ships their names and serve as guiding spirits. Royal Caribbean Godmothers include Her Majesty Queen Sonja of Norway, Rosalynn Carter, Lauren Bacall, Whoopi Goldberg, Gloria Estefan, Katarina Witt, Jackie Joyner-Kersee, champion wheelchair marathoner Jean Driscoll and 2004 Teacher of the Year Kathy Mellor.
