Communications Alternatives News

Stricter environmental regulations and soaring fuel prices have vessel owners and operators looking for innovative means to drive their vessels more efficiently and cost-effectively. Shipowners and operators faced with mounting fuel costs and tightening environmental regulations are looking at a big hit to the bottom line, and savvy owners are searching for solutions that show promise to reduce operating costs and emissions. While everything is on the table — from modernized machinery to more efficient coatings — the recent improvement in communications alternatives between ship and shore (ie.

Inmarsat’s new Fleet F55 service is undergoing evaluation with the U.S. Coast Guard aboard the Coast Guard Cutter Shearwater. The evaluation follows extensive beta testing and successful launch of the Fleet F55 service in April 2003, and forms part of the company ' s 2003 Maritime Field Evaluations (MFEs) program for the service. As part of the evaluation with the U.S. Coast Guard, an EMS Technologies Fleet F55 terminal has been installed on the USCG Shearwater, an 87-foot Island Class coastal patrol vessel based out of Portsmouth, Virginia, USA. Airtime provision for the evaluation is being provided by Telenor Satellite Services, Inc. " The MFE being conducted with the U.S.