Business Support Systems News

The Panama Canal Authority (ACP) met with the Japanese Shipowners Association (JSA) and several car manufacturers in Japan as part of the ongoing discussions with the vehicle carrier segment on the Expansion Program’s progress and future toll structure upon its completion. During the meetings, the Panama Canal provided an update on the Expansion Program and presented the analysis of the results for the potential pricing structure for the car carrier segment taking into account the feedback received recently from this group.

On August 18, France Telecom Mobile Satellite Communications and Inmarsat signed the first distribution agreement for the new BGAN (Broadband Global Area Network) service. On its launch in H2 2005, BGAN will be the first mobile satellite communications solution to offer global coverage with data rates of up to 432 Kbps. Initially developed for land-based markets, maritime and aero versions of BGAN are currently planned for commercial launch in 2007. The service will be available via a portfolio of small, portable terminals, offering guaranteed throughputs at various speeds. Voice communications and data transfer via a 64 Kbps ISDN channel will also be possible.