Communications Capacity News

KVH Media Group, distributor of licensed films to the maritime market, and part of KVH Industries, Inc., has announced an agreement with Thome Ship Management to provide 41 Thome vessels with the MOVIElink service. Part of the Thome Group, Thome Ship Management will initially roll out the MOVIElink service to product tankers and LPG carriers. The MOVIElink service delivers films, including the latest releases, to vessels around the world, contributing to more productive and loyal crews, and assisting shipping companies in complying with the standards and recommendations of MLC-2006. These recommendations include providing regularly replenished film entertainment to crew members.

The U.S. Navy has ordered 56 AN/USC-61(C) Digital Modular Radios (DMRs) and related equipment from General Dynamics. The newly built DMR radios will be capable of using the Mobile User Objective System (MUOS) waveform, the digital dial tone needed to make voice calls to the U.S. Department of Defense's next generation, narrowband MUOS satellite communications system. The four-channel radios form the foundation of the Navy's network communications aboard submarines, surface ships and on-shore locations. This order, valued at over $29 million, exercises option five on a contract awarded to General Dynamics in 2010. "DMR is an extremely versatile radio and we continue to update its capabilities to ensure that Navy communications networks have the most advanced and secure technologies…

General Dynamics’ four-channel Digital Modular Radios (DMR) are being upgraded with high-frequency dynamic routing (HFDR) software to turn the radio’s four channels into eight virtual channels. In addition to HFDR, the new high-frequency virtual channel exploitation software expands the DMR’s communications capacity to 16 virtual channels when operating in the high frequency (HF) line-of-sight and ultra-high frequency (UHF) satellite communications frequencies. With the two new software upgrades, the U.S. Navy has four-times more capacity for secure HF communications without adding additional hardware or changing the configuration in space-constrained shipboard radio rooms.

Inmarsat, a provider of global mobile satellite communications services, has staged the inaugural Smart Operations conference, the first in a series of events seeking an open debate in the maritime industry over the operational benefits of integrated thinking on shore and ship communications. With the first of the three new Global Xpress satellites already in orbit – a prelude to the global launch of the world’s first high-speed mobile broadband satellite service to the maritime industry…

In an effort to expand its communications capacity and take advantage of affordable, emerging commercial satellite services, the United States Coast Guard is in the process of deploying the TracPhone V7 and mini-VSAT Broadband service from KVH Industries, Inc., (Nasdaq: KVHI) on its 110-ft and 225-ft cutters. Intended to replace older satellite communications systems and services, the KVH integrated antenna and service solution is now offering increased bandwidth, reduced operating costs, and seamless coverage in key operational areas for the Coast Guard vessels. The mini-VSAT Broadband service, along with the KVH TracPhone V7 antenna, comprise the an end-to-end 24-inch VSAT antenna, service, and support package available for maritime communications.

The Ohio class guided missile submarine USS Georgia (SSGN 729) rests pierside at Naval Station Norfolk. Georgia made a brief stop at NS Norfolk while conducting sea trials after leaving Norfolk Naval Shipyards November 29, 2007, following the ship's conversion from a ballistic missile to a guided missile submarine. Georgia is the last of four submarines to be converted to SSGN. U.S. submarines (SSGN), successfully completed sea trials Dec. 11. rejoined the fleet yesterday. (SSBNs). full set of sea trials," said SSGN Program Manager Capt. Mark Bock.

Keppel Hitachi Zosen Limited (KHZ) will deliver its first cable laying and repair vessel to TyCom by end August 2001. The vessel was named TyCom Reliance by Lady Sponsor, Ms Claire Calandra, Executive Vice-President and COO of TyCom at the naming ceremony at Hitachi Zosen Singapore yard yesterday. When commissioned, TyCom Reliance will be the most efficient cable laying and repair ship in TyCom's fleet. KHZ was awarded the first contract to build two cable laying and repair vessels for TyCom in April 2000. Subsequently, TyCom exercised its option to build an additional four sister vessels in November 2000. The second vessel is currently being built in Keppel Shipyard and delivery is expected in the fourth quarter of this year.