Satellite Data Communications News

Neste Oil extended its VSAT services with Marlink while upgrading its network and on board satellite hardware. As part of the contract extension, Marlink is installing new VSAT antennas on all eight Neste Oil vessels whilst migrating the fleet to the established iDirect platform. The delivery, based on Marlink’s Sealink VSAT services also features multibearer support and the @SEAoptimizer solution, which is designed to enhance the efficiency of satellite data communications, optimize bandwidth utilisation and enhance the performance of web browsing and file transfers.

TerraMar Networks Limited has entered into an agreement with Orbcomm Inc. (Nasdaq: ORBC), a  global satellite data communications company, to create one of the broadest and most complete maritime asset tracking offerings on the market. Orbcomm’s satellite AIS service receives a ship’s identification, position and other critical data. This data can be used to assist in vessel tracking, maritime navigation and safety. Its integration with TerraMar Networks’ proprietary fleet management portal…

Boatracs Announces Multi-Year Contract Renewal with Moran Towing Corporation - Maritime Services Company Extends Satellite Data Communications Services and Adds BTConnect as Messaging and Mapping Platform. Boatracs Inc., a leader in providing integrated satellite communications and software solutions to the maritime industry, announced today that Moran Holdings, Inc., a leading maritime services company, has signed a multi-year extension to its satellite communications services contract.

MINNETONKA, Minn. (Aug. 11, 2011) - Digi International (NASDAQ: DGII) today announced that its ConnectPort® X5 R is now certified to use the Iridium satellite network for global, two-way, low-latency data communications. The gateway is a compact, ruggedized tracking and telematics device that incorporates cellular, satellite, global positioning system (GPS), Wi-Fi and vehicle area network (VAN) wireless technology in a single enclosure allowing for the greatest possible connectivity flexibility. Ideal for fleet management and asset tracking applications, the ConnectPort X5 R provides remote connectivity to mobile assets via cellular or satellite networks.

The U.S. Coast Guard announced its intention to explore increased use of space as a tool to enhance awareness of activities in ports, coastal waters and their approaches. The Coast Guard has been studying the feasibility of receiving maritime automatic identification system (AIS) signals from space since 2001. In May 2004 the Coast Guard contracted with ORBCOMM, a satellite data communications company, to develop and build the capability to receive process and forward AIS signals from space via an AIS receiver onboard a communications satellite. In addition, ORBCOMM will provide the ground systems capable of processing the AIS signals and relaying the collected messages to the Coast Guard.

Lowrance Electronics Inc. of Tulsa, Okla., will be merged into California-based Magellan Corp., a leading satellite access products company, as a result of a merger agreement among those companies and Magellan's parent company Orbital Sciences Corp. The transaction will create a nearly $150 million, satellite-based, consumer and recreational electronics business under the Magellan banner, according to David W. Thompson, Magellan chairman and Orbital president and CEO. "Lowrance is a leading-edge technology company whose technical know-how in GPS and sonar can be applied to emerging commercial and industrial applications and integrated with other Magellan technologies such as GPS satellite navigation and ORBCOMM satellite data communications," said John Huyett, Magellan president and CEO.