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Remote Communications Solutions News

14 Jan 2021

World First: Activation of Commercial Iridium GMDSS onboard Norwegian Trawler

The town of Haugesund, Norway, home to busy waterways dotted with fishing and shipping vessels, was home to a maritime 'world first', with the announcement of the world’s first commercial Iridium GMDSS installation.The Norwegian trawler Trygvason has put to sea following installation of two Lars Thrane LT-3100S GMDSS terminals by local marine services company Brommeland Elektronikk A/S, with Iridium GMDSS service provided by remote communications solutions provider, Applied Satellite Technology (AST). The terminal manufactured by Lars Thrane A/S is the only GMDSS terminal paired with Iridium’s global network.“When it comes to safety and communications…

15 Oct 2015

Intellian, RigNet JV to provide Communication Solutions for Rigs

Intellian, a global leader in satellite communication antenna systems, has been successfully selected as the hardware partner on RigNet’s recently announced contract to provide remote communications solutions to a premium offshore driller across its entire global fleet of existing and newbuild rigs. RigNet, a leading global provider of remote managed communications solutions, telecoms systems integration services and collaborative applications to the oil and gas industry, will provide comprehensive solutions across the customer’s fleet of jackups, drillships and semisubmersibles operating in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico, Asia Pacific, Europe and Africa regions.

11 Feb 2015

MTN Expands Cruise Client Base

Photo courtesy of MTN Communications

MTN Communications (MTN) has expanded its cruise client base with three additional operators leveraging enhanced services for passenger, crew and corporate communications. MTN provides products, solutions and content to address each line’s passenger segment with Internet and calling communications, entertainment and content. Noble Caledonia specializes in “small ships delivering big experiences.”  With the goal of generating lasting memories for like-minded travelers, the operator revolves its itineraries around world events…

02 Aug 2013

Inmarsat Forms Strategic Partnership With RigNet

Inmarsat plc, provider of global mobile satellite communications services, & RigNet, Inc. global provider of managed remote communications solutions to the oil and gas industry, agree a wide-ranging strategic transaction involving the appointment of RigNet to distribute Inmarsat’s Global Xpress and L-band services to the energy sector & the sale of Inmarsat’s retail energy business to RigNet. Under the terms of the agreement, RigNet will become a key Global Xpress distribution partner for the global energy sector and will offer Global Xpress and L-band services to RigNet’s growing customer base. In connection with the appointment, RigNet has entered into to a significant 4-year Global Xpress capacity pre-purchase.

01 May 2013

RigNet Launches iDirect Australia Network

RigNet, provider of remote communications solutions to the oil and gas industry, has installed an iDirect Series 15100 Universal Satellite Hub in Adelaide, Australia. The installation will allow RigNet to extend its services to Australia and the Asia Pacific region. The business expansion will enable RigNet to tap into growing market segments, including onshore natural gas and oil exploration, energy, mining and maritime. iDirect is a provider of satellite-based IP communications technology. The hub addition enables RigNet to expand its global presence and offer a managed service for land-based drilling applications and remote connectivity in the greater Asia Pacific region.

20 Jan 2013

RigNet Make Executive Appointments

Morten Hagland Hansen appointed Vice President - Business Services, & Boyd Skelton as  Director – Products and Solutions. RigNet, Inc., a leading provider of managed remote communications solutions to the oil and gas industry made the new appointments and Mark Slaughter president and CEO of RigNet said: "I am delighted to be announcing these two leadership appointments; Morten Hansen has demonstrated success in several important roles over his long tenure at RigNet. Coming out of a planning role, Boyd Skelton is well-positioned to lead our renewed efforts to develop innovative solutions for our oil and gas customers. In his new role, Mr.

09 Jan 2013

Nessco Appoints Phil Goodall

Nessco appointment keeps a weather eye on MetOcean opportunities. Nessco Group, a RigNet company (NASDAQ: RNET), has appointed Phil Goodall to grow the Company’s international offshore weather monitoring business. Mr Goodall, who takes up the position of business development manager for MetOcean, will oversee the globalisation of the company’s unique offering in meteorology and weather data systems. The MetOcean system gathers accurate weather information that is critical to aviation and marine operations in the oil and gas industry. The bespoke Nessco Integrated MetOcean System (NIMOS) software processes the data in real time to support weather dependent operations offshore.

11 Apr 2012

New Satellite Hub for Offshore Use Set in Doha, Qatar

VT iDirect, Inc. (iDirect) a company of VT Sustems Inc. (VT Systems) announce that RigNet, a global provider of managed remote communications solutions to the oil and gas industry has deployed a new Series 15100 universal satellite hub in Doha, Qatar. The new Evolution hub will extend RigNet's VSAT coverage in the Middle East and will enhance the company's satellite communications service in the oil and gas sectors. As a managed services provider, RigNet delivers turnkey solutions for installing and managing VSAT networks. Using iDirect's Intelligent Platform, RigNet supports a wide range of applications that are critical for the oil and gas industry, such as broadband data, voice and video communications, as well as real-time data management.

03 Nov 2011

Sandigan Selects Stratos for Deployment of FleetBroadband

FleetBroadband is helping Sandigan achieve optimal vessel performance, improved business operations and increased crew productivity.

Sandigan reports improved applications performance and crew productivity. Stratos Global, the leading global provider of advanced mobile and fixed-site remote communications solutions, today announced it has been selected by Sandigan Ship Services, Inc. to deploy the Inmarsat FleetBroadband satellite communications service on Sandigan’s fleet of commercial vessels. Based in The Philippines, Sandigan manages a global fleet that includes bulk carriers and car carriers. FleetBroadband from Stratos already has been successfully deployed on 12 Sandigan vessels.

20 Oct 2011

Stratos Introduces StratosMAX II Nomadic

Stratos Introduces StratosMAX II Nomadic, a New Broadband Service for the Energy Community in the Gulf of Mexico. New service offers voice and high-speed data in Vessel and Transportable versions. Bethesda, Maryland (October 20, 2011) – Stratos Global, the leading global provider of advanced mobile and fixed-site remote communications solutions, today introduced StratosMAX II Nomadic, a new version of its popular StratosMAX II broadband service offered via the Stratos microwave network for the offshore energy community in the Gulf of Mexico (GoM) region.

03 Oct 2011

Stratos Opens Global Installation & Service Centers

New Centers provide complete managed-communications services worldwide. Stratos Global, the leading global provider of advanced mobile and fixed-site remote communications solutions, today announced it has expanded its maritime service-delivery capabilities by opening Global Installation & Service Centers (GIS Centers) in four major maritime regions. The Stratos GIS Centers in Rotterdam, Hong Kong, Singapore and Lafayette, Louisiana provide complete managed-communications services for ship owners and ship-management companies worldwide.

28 Sep 2011

FleetBroadband for Reederei Claus-Peter Offen 122-Vessel Fleet

Photo courtesy Stratos Global

Stratos Global, the leading global provider of advanced mobile and fixed-site remote communications solutions, announced it has been selected by Reederei Claus-Peter Offen (CP Offen) to provide Inmarsat FleetBroadband airtime services for its entire fleet of 122 commercial vessels. CP Offen, based in Hamburg, is one of the world’s largest suppliers of modern commercial ships, including 122 container vessels, tankers and bulkers. CP Offen vessels are chartered by all of the world’s largest operators.

15 Sep 2011

Stratos Activates New FleetBroadband Pricing Plan

Stratos is First to Activate New FleetBroadband Pricing Plan for Single-Vessel Operators and Small Fleets.New plans meet high data-usage requirements of yachts and other vessels. Stratos Global, the leading global provider of advanced mobile and fixed-site remote communications solutions, today announced it is the first Inmarsat Distribution Partner to activate Inmarsat’s new FleetBroadband Large Money Bundle for single-vessel operators and fleets with fewer than 10 vessels. The new Large Money Bundles offer the high performance (up to 432kbps)…

12 Sep 2011

Stratos Announces Availability of Iridium Extreme Satellite Phone

Iridium Extreme from Stratos is a single, in-hand solution for voice, data, GPS, SOS, SMS and online tracking. Photo: Courtesy Iridium.

Stratos also launches new mobile-phone tracking portal, fully integrated with Iridium Extreme. Stratos Global, the leading global provider of advanced mobile and fixed-site remote communications solutions, today announced the commercial availability of the new Iridium Extreme(TM) satellite phone. Stratos today will begin shipping Iridium Extreme from all of its warehouses worldwide. Stratos is one of the world’s largest Iridium service providers with nearly 50,000 Iridium subscribers around the globe.

10 Aug 2011

Hercules Offshore Selects RigNet Communications Solutions

RigNet, Inc., a provider of managed remote communications solutions for the upstream oil and gas industry, recently announced the expansion of its contract with Hercules Offshore to provide managed remote communications to its fleet of jackup drilling rigs and U.S. Gulf of Mexico-based inland barges. Under the previous contract, RigNet provided managed communication services to most Hercules Offshore rigs operating outside of the United States. This recent agreement expands the contract to include the company's jackup rigs and inland barges in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico, including the recently-acquired rigs from Seahawk Drilling. With managed communications solutions provided by RigNet, Hercules Offshore's remote personnel can now access critical enterprise data, voice and broadband Internet.

07 Jul 2011

Stratos Introduces Inmarsat XpressLink

Stratos Global, provider of advanced mobile and fixed-site remote communications solutions, announced the commercial availability of Inmarsat XpressLink from Stratos, its newest managed global broadband service for the maritime industry. Inmarsat XpressLink is the latest addition to Stratos’ maritime broadband portfolio. Inmarsat XpressLink from Stratos offers enhanced Ku-band coverage and bandwidth and leverages the global capabilities of FleetBroadband. Inmarsat XpressLink offers the only guaranteed upgrade path to Inmarsat’s Global Xpress Ka-band service. Global Xpress, which is expected to be commercially available in 2013, will deliver speeds of up to 50Mbps. The new Inmarsat XpressLink service includes a guaranteed free hardware upgrade to Global Xpress.

08 Jun 2010

Stratos Supplies Singapore’s SE Ship Management

Stratos Global Corporation, provider of advanced mobile and fixed-site remote communications solutions, announced it has successfully deployed an integrated, broadband crew communications solution for SE Ship Management Pte. Ltd. (SESM), one of Singapore’s leading ship operators and managers. SESM is a subsidiary of SE Shipping Lines Pte. Ltd. (SESL). The Stratos solution includes the deployment of its AmosConnect Crew communications application on the Inmarsat FleetBroadband 150 (FB150) mobile satellite platform. The solution is installed on the SESL vessels SE Pelagica and SE Potentia – both of which are heavy-lift, multipurpose dry cargo vessels that operate worldwide. Inmarsat’s entry-level FB150 service combines a telephone connection with simultaneous IP data at up to 150kbps.

30 Nov 2009

Zakher Marine Upgrades to FleetBroadband 150

Stratos Global Corporation, global provider of mobile and fixed-site remote communications solutions, announced it is upgrading Zakher Marine International Inc. (ZMI) vessels to Inmarsat’s FleetBroadband 150 (FB150) mobile broadband satellite service. With each FB150 system ZMI is deploying the popular AmosConnect from Stratos messaging service, which integrates vessel and shore-based office applications. Working with its channel partner Monarch Telecom, Stratos has already activated FB150 service onboard six ZMI vessels: Zakher Duty; Zakher Pelican; Zakher Eagle; Zakher Supplier; Zakher Atlanta and Zakher Emperor. ZMI vessels provide anchor handling, supply and towage for the merchant marine and offshore oil & gas industries in the Middle East.

23 Mar 2009

Albacora Deploys Stratos FleetBroadband

Stratos Global Corporation, global provider of advanced mobile and fixed-site remote communications solutions, has successfully completed an Inmarsat FleetBroadband field trial with Spain’s Albacora Group. The three-month field trial was conducted onboard the Albacora tuna fishing vessel Albatun Dos in the Indian Ocean. Stratos channel partner Satlink managed the installation of a FleetBroadband 250 terminal manufactured by JRC, which was integrated with the vessel’s local-area network. The successful trial led to Albacora Group retaining the FleetBroadband from Stratos system, which it will use to manage the Albatun Dos’ daily operations at sea.

04 Dec 2008

Stratos Introduces ChatCard Online 5.0

Stratos Global Corp., a global provider of advanced mobile and fixed-site remote communications solutions, introduced ChatCard Online 5.0 to improve the order-processing performance of its ChatCard and eChatCard maritime crew calling services. In the coming weeks, Stratos will migrate all ChatCard Online customers to ChatCard Online 5.0. Stratos ChatCard is a way for shipping companies to enable crewmembers to stay in touch with family and friends while at sea - via voice, email, SMS and now prepaid Internet access via the recent introduction of ChatCard Data on emerging Inmarsat technologies. A prepaid calling card that can be reloaded online, ChatCard can be used on all Inmarsat and Iridium terminals, including FleetBroadband.

07 Nov 2008

JSAT Mobile Venture for Japanese Market

Stratos Global Corporation (Stratos) announced that Furono Electric Co., Ltd. (Furuno) and Japan Radio Co., Ltd. (JRC) and have become shareholders in JSAT Mobil Communications Inc. (JSAT Mobile). Furuno and JRC, both marine electronics manufacturers, will each assume a 10 percent share in JSAT Mobile. Stratos formed the joint venture company JSAT Mobile in August with Sky Perfect JSAT Corporation (Sky Perfect JSAT) to serve the Mobile satellite communications needs of Japanese businesses and government agencies. Stratos is a leading global provider of advanced Mobile and fixed-site remote communications solutions. Sky Perfect JSAT is a leading satellite operator in the Asia-Pacific region.

28 May 2002

Xantic, Iridium Become Partners

Xantic and Iridium Satellite LLC have announced the signing of a major agreement by which Xantic will offer Iridium's voice and data services through its worldwide network. The move complements Xantic's mobile satellite offering for customers requiring remote communications solutions. It will also strengthen Iridium's global distribution capabilities. "Iridium's mobile communications services and world-wide coverage complements our fixed satellite offerings," commented Xantic CEO Knut Reed. Xantic serves customers worldwide in multiple markets, including maritime, peacekeeping and aid organisations, oil & gas, government and transportation.

08 Nov 2000

The SatCom Shakeout

The satellite communications sector of the marine market has not been immune from the corporate consolidations that have swept all other corners of the industry, and while this particular niche has been widely regarded as fragmented, it is yet to be seen what the end effect will be for the communication users. However, it can be assumed that competition is still keen, and the name of the communication game continues to center on quality, reliability and capabilities. With an increasing emphasis on the transmission of data rather than traditional voice or fax, it can be assumed that continued efforts will center on widening the information "pipeline" between vessel and shore.