Satellite Equipment News

Ecuador's armed forces said on Tuesday that dozens of vessels from a predominantly Chinese fishing fleet that is operating near the Galapagos Islands have turned off tracking systems to prevent monitoring of their activities.Of around 325 ships still fishing in the waters near the ecologically sensitive Galapagos, 149 have at some point in recent months cut off communications, Navy Commander, Rear Admiral Darwin Jarrin told reporters.Some had also changed the vessels' names to avoid supervision, he said."In this period, 149 ships have turned off their satellite systems ...

Growing options emerge for ever-increasing data and Comms demand. In the United States alone, 625 million tons of cargo is transported along the more than 12,000 miles of commercially navigable waterways each year, moving vital commodities to and from 38 of the nation’s 50 states. The advent of subchapter M has raised the bar significantly for as many as 5,000 inland vessels, both in terms of safety and the need to document and more closely control this tonnage. At the same time, domestic coastal transport and offshore energy support vessels also face growing communications requirements.

Whether it’s autonomous cars or connected houses, it seems like everywhere you look these days, internet of things (IoT) technology is a focus. Even in the conservative maritime world, IoT is currently a hot topic. Shifting supply chain solutions and business models are fundamentally changing the way that commercial shipping and the wider transport sector operates. IoT enables an organization to capture value from information, regardless of sector, and in essence forms a loop that creates a larger process. Deloitte conceptualized this process and named it the Information Value Loop in 2015.

Satellite communications and network service provider SpeedCast International Limited has announced the official release of SIGMA Net shipping and remote site network management designed specifically for VSAT and MSS. SIGMA Net is a small but powerful industrial-grade VSAT and MSS network management device designed for ships and remote sites, providing automated and efficient management of multiple WAN links. Cyber security is at the heart of SIGMA Net, which incorporates a stateful firewall and Virtual Private Networking between the vessel and the Internet plus unique methods to regulate Internet access, including rejection of update services to Windows or mobile devices.

BlueTide is a leader in the provisioning, implementation, monitoring and support of satellite equipment. Combining the power of HUGHES proprietary managed network technology with people who fundamentally understand the power of connectivity under extreme circumstances, BlueTide services three of the top five largest OSV workboat companies in the world, as well as liftboats, crew boats, construction barges, and tug boats. Bandwidth has become a critical operational component for the marine industry but many times is misunderstood or managed inefficiently.

Satcom Global, a maritime satellite communications provider, and Intellian, a satellite antenna developer and manufacturer, have signed a strategic partnership agreement covering the global supply and distribution of maritime satellite equipment. Under the partnership, Satcom Global will have access to Intellian’s full range of Ku-Band, Ka-Band and FleetBroadband hardware, supporting the delivery of its portfolio of VSAT and L-Band services to maritime customers across the globe. Ian Robinson, CEO at Satcom Global said, “Intellian is exactly the kind of committed partner we want on our team to help penetrate deeper into the maritime market with a truly world class managed connectivity solution.

On July 8 2015, ESA authorized the delivery of KONGSBERG’s fourth generation SAT-AIS Receiver flight models, to the Norwegian Space Center; for integration into the NORSAT-1 satellite. With this delivery, KONGSBERG further strengthens its position as a supplier of space-based infrastructure in the maritime domain. NORSAT-1 is scheduled for launch in Q1 2016 and will be Norway’s fourth AIS capable satellite to embed an AIS Receiver from Kongsberg Seatex AS. The delivery is in line with previous payload models provided by Kongsberg Seatex…

Industrial LTE wireless broadband services provider Infrastructure Networks, Inc. (INET) is deploying a pilot LTE system in the Gulf of Mexico. INET said its pilot deployment will be used to demonstrate the capabilities of industrial LTE wireless broadband service and coverage when coupled with 700 MHz spectrum that INET has leased from Verizon Wireless under the LTE in Rural America program. The pilot will be open to certain companies operating in the Gulf of Mexico that have expressed an interest in using the network for testing and planning larger LTE rollouts. Tarig Anani , CEO of Infrastructure Networks, said, "The pilot deployment phase of our LTE rollout will give customers an opportunity to test and preplan their own LTE deployments in lockstep with Infrastructure Networks.

Delta Wave announced it will host an emergency preparedness mobile satellite equipment roundup on Thursday, September 4 at its office in Morgan City at 10 a.m. Delta Wave will showcase the latest in mobile satellite communications equipment such as the Iridium GO!, Inmarsat IsatHub and Globalstar Sat-Fi, and also test attendees’ phones. Lunch will be served. Industry representatives will also be at hand to answer any questions. Along with live demonstrations, We will also have at hand other types of field equipment and latest technologies that we offer which may be of interest, including thermal camera devices, wireless communications, etc. There is no cost for this seminar. All emergency responders are welcome. deltawavecomm.com

Connectivity and Communications Complete the Package. The complex task of operating any marine enterprise isn’t getting any easier. Financial, regulatory, operational, environmental and human resource pressures all increase over time. In the brown water, workboat world, these problems are exacerbated by the sheer number of smaller operators struggling to catch up with business requirements that have become increasingly sophisticated, and over a very short period of time. Keeping track of the new subchapter “M” rules…

Thuraya Telecommunications Company unveiled today at CommunicAsia 2012 in Singapore its SF2500 maritime satellite voice terminal, developed jointly with partner Addvalue Communications Pte Ltd. Thuraya is using its existing success in providing satellite communications to more than 140 countries around the globe to diversify into selected vertical sectors. SF2500 is the latest offering available to end-users under the recently created Thuraya MarineComms brand, which was launched to provide dedicated support for the marine market and enables Thuraya’s community of distributors and channel partners to provide training and support for marine end-users.

CapRock Communications, a global provider of satellite communications to remote environments, has expanded its presence in Asia Pacific by opening a new regional office in Singapore. The expansion increases CapRock’s capability to provide systems integration (SI) services and turnkey satellite communication solutions to energy, maritime and mining clients operating in the region. “CapRock’s clients are continuing to strengthen their operations in Asia,” said CapRock Vice President and General Manager, Southeast Asia, Ian Ford. Today CapRock owns and operates an international teleport and support center in Jakarta, Indonesia that serves the Far East, Asia and Pacific Basin.

Globe Wireless announced on Feb. 13 that it has entered into a Letter of Intent to acquire the assets of Atlantic RadioTelephone / SatPhoneStore (ART). The acquisition is expected to close within 30 days. Globe Wireless recently introduced the GlobeSwift product line, which was specifically designed for the coastal and yacht market. Globe also recently opened a new sales and support office in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. ART has been in business for over 35 years in the Miami area. The company operates a an on-line store (www.satphonestore.com), selling maritime and land-mobile satellite equipment and airtime, VSAT Internet and television systems, radars and a variety of marine electronics.

With the introduction of the M2sat MarineCam shipping companies can use live video streams and still images for commercial and operational efficiency. Hub Urlings, general manager of M2sat said, “The first applications we see running over the MarineCam system are purely commercial. One shipping company uses the MarineCam for corporate promotions and sends still images from its ship directly to the companies` homepage on the Internet. A special cargo shipping company uses the system to provide their customers direct access to the MarineCams on board of their ships to follow and watch their special cargo transport. The transportation of special cargo always brings a lot of uncertainty with the customer and project participants waiting for the delivery of these often unique goods.

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has adopted an amendment to Chapter V of the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea 1974 (SOLAS), which introduces new mandatory position reporting obligations for SOLAS ships. It's called Long Range Identification and Tracking (LRIT) and requires vessels to automatically transmit their identity, position with date/time at 6-hour intervals. •    Mobile offshore drilling units. •    Flag State: May track ships within its own fleet anywhere in the world. •    Port State: May set its own requirements for ships that have indicated that they intend to call at its ports. •    Coastal…

Maritime Telecommunications Network (MTN), of Miramar, Florida, a provider of satellite-based communications, networking and other services to the cruise and offshore oil and gas industries, has signed a three-year lease agreement with Oceania Cruises to install MTN’s advanced satellite technology aboard the luxury vessels Regatta and Insignia. With MTN’s state-of-the-art satellite communication system and services, Oceania Cruises will add fully integrated global connectivity capabilities to its list of guest amenities. MTN’s VSAT (Very Small Aperture Terminal) equipment and superior service will enable passengers and crew aboard the Regatta and Insignia to enjoy reliable telecommunications from even the most remote locations…

Crowley Liner Services is in the process of transporting one 20-ft. flatbed and one 20-ft. unique satellite equipment from Houston, Texas to Panama as part of the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute's Jason Project, a research and learning series on rainforests. The cargo departed Houston by ship on Jan. 2 and is expected to arrive in Panama January 9. Crowley was chosen for the job by Total Export of Florida Inc. and Leblanc Enterprises, Ltd. The satellite, which is the only one like it in the world, required careful handling by Crowley and was secured onto the vessel for transport with hooks and wires. The satellite and its production equipment will allow the broadcast of 55 shows (five shows per day for 11 days) for JASON XV: Rainforests at the Crossroads…

Mercy Ships announced today from their corporate headquarters that they have secured a strategic alliance with Maritime Telecommunications Network (MTN). MTN will provide all satellite equipment, monitoring, support, bandwidth and logistics. The hardware will be provided by MTN as part of the agreement. Having a reliable, 24/7 communications ability has long been a dream for Mercy Ships, which often sends its ships to locations where adequate communication facilities are not available. Until now, that dream has seemed out of reach. capabilities both in port, and at sea. "We are pleased to provide Mercy Ships with global telecommunication services," stated David Kagan, chief executive officer of MTN. shipboard communication technology aboard their vessel.

The U.S. Navy awarded the work package on its USS Whidbey Island to Norshipco, a member of the U.S. Marine Repair shipyard family. The contract, which calls for topside phased maintenance, fixed-price availability, states for work to commence on May 24 for a September 1 completion. The work package includes topside repairs, electrical and mechanical repairs, and ship alterations. Specific mechanical repairs entail main propulsion diesel engines, and ship alterations include the RAM Mk31 Mod and Ship's Self Defense System installations. Stratos has been awarded a contract to supply C-band satellite equipment and teleport services for PanCanadian Petroleum Limited's exploration drilling program offshore Nova Scotia.

GMPCS Personal Communications placed an initial order with Hughes Network Systems for 1,000 HNS 9201 broadband satellite IP terminals for use with Inmarsat’s Broadband Global Area Network (BGAN) mobile satellite service. The deal with Hughes makes GMPCS the first satellite communications service provider to place an order for the terminals that will usher in the new global broadband service anticipated to begin in late 2005. The capabilities of BGAN will include the delivery of Internet and intranet content and solutions, LAN and WAN connectivity, video on demand, videoconferencing, fax, e-mail, phone and local area network access at speeds of up to 492 kbps.

According to reports, P and O Cruises is trying to find charter flights for hundreds of passengers on a storm-damaged cruise liner stranded in Vanuatu. The Pacific Star was battered by gale force winds and waves only hours after it left leaving Auckland. The Pacific Star ran into a wild storm that damaged the ship's bow, as well as some windows, doors and satellite equipment. Many of the 1,200 passengers on board were sea sick, some questioning why the cruise was not postponed. The ship canceled a scheduled visit to New Caledonia and made instead for Port Vila from where P and O Cruises is now trying to arrange return flights for its shaken holiday makers who will all receive refunds. Source: ABC News

Norwegian satellite equipment provider Nera SatCom AS, together with Inmarsat, introduced the new Nera F33 product concept to the maritime market. The Nera F33 will fill the gap between the existing Inmarsat Mini-M service /Nera WorldPhone and the global Inmarsat Fleet 77 service / Nera F77. The new Nera F33 is based on the Inmarsat Fleet F33 service concept, providing the light marine market with improved data communications from equipment suitable for the demands of today’s commercial and leisure fleet. The launch of the service is due to early 2003. Satellite communications are increasingly being used by marine vessels in order to access online connectivity with the onshore world.

Stratos announced it is offering a new simplified Iridium airtime rate structure in conjunction with low Motorola and Kyocera equipment prices. Stratos' new Iridium Frequent Caller rate plan offers satellite callers rates ranging from as low as $1.59 to $2.99 - a substantial reduction from current standard rates of $5.52 to $9.03. Previously, Stratos' standard Iridium rate plan for its U.S. customers included up to 15 zones for international calls. The new Frequent Caller plan has only three satellite categories, including calls within North America, from one Iridium subscriber to another and all other satellite calls. Stratos also offers a Standby rate plan for users looking for an Iridium phone for Y2K contingency, disaster relief and other emergency communications.