Data Network News

Ocean and air freight rate benchmarking and intelligence platform Xeneta has appointed Tonia Luykx to spearhead its journey to drive revenues through an industry data revolution.Luykx, who has a track record for building and scaling SaaS and tech businesses including Sift, Google, Dropbox and Amazon, has now set her sights on global logistics in the position of Chief Revenue Officer at Oslo-based Xeneta.She said, “I have always worked in organizations that challenge the status quo…

On Feb. 10 last year, the cable ship CS Dependable appeared off the coast of the island of Diego Garcia, an Indian Ocean atoll that’s home to a discreet U.S. naval base.Over the next month, the ship’s crew covertly laid an underwater fiber-optic cable to the military base, an operation code-named “Big Wave,” according to four people with direct knowledge of the mission, as well as a Reuters analysis of satellite imagery and ship tracking data.The new super-fast internet link to Diego Garcia, which has not previously been reported, will boost U.S. military readiness in the Indian Ocean, a region where China has expanded its naval influence over the last decade.The CS Dependable is owned by SubCom…

Volvo Penta has secured a contract to provide quad IPS propulsion systems for the four new offshore wind farm crew transfer vessels (CTVs) that will be built at Blount Boats for American Offshore Services (AOS). The new 30-meter (99-ft.) twin-hull CTVs will be powered by four IPS900 propulsion drives, two in each hull. The fully integrated system will also include Volvo Penta’s GPS-based Dynamic Positioning System and integrated joystick controls, allowing for convenient and easy maneuverability even in conditions of strong currents and high waves.

Due to the technology boom, the innovative digitalization of naval projects is on the rise. So, what is digitalization all about and where can it be improved? I’m going to explain why naval projects are unique as opposed to other maritime projects. And, how easy it is to exchange confidential data securely between the navy and the stakeholders, such as contractors and suppliers. Lastly, you will find the solutions in the field of improving the quality of maritime data in the naval…

The maritime sector keeps talking enthusiastically about it: artificial intelligence (AI). But what is it really? What is the role of technology in the maritime sector at this moment, and what does it mean for the future? Yves de Vos, Project Manager and Artificial Intelligence Expert at Shipbuilder, explains.“The term Artificial Intelligence is often misused because a lot of tools are not intelligent at all. If you use genuine AI in your maritime projects, the possibilities and benefits are huge…

U.S. forecasters expect an above-normal 13-19 named storms during the 2020 Atlantic hurricane season from June 1 through November 30, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) Climate Prediction Center said on Thursday.NOAA forecasters estimate three to six major hurricanes packing winds of at least 111 miles per hour may form. The last two years have seen an above-average number of named storms with 18 last year and 15 in 2018. An average hurricane season produces 12 named storms…

Port of Zeebrugge, Belgium, will have its own private 5G network this year, disclosed the container, bulk cargo, new vehicles and passenger ferry terminal port in the municipality of Bruges.The port’s management will collaborate with Citymesh, which is the only operator to have a license for 5G networks in Flanders and Brussels."The private 5G network in the Port of Zeebrugge will be the accelerator for innovation in and around the port," the port said.The network’s brain is located in the port’s datacenter. This keeps all data safe within the port authority’s own network and makes it independent from external influences.In the first phase, the data network will be used for connectivity with tugboats, air pollution detectors, camera’s and quay sensors.

The first Wärtsilä SparkUp Challenge, an initiative to find innovative start-ups to develop ideas for the smart shipping value chain, has been won by KNL Networks and Portcall.com. The prize for the winners is a four-month collaboration and co-creation in the Wärtsilä Digital Acceleration Centre (DAC) beginning in March. In addition, they will receive a capital grant of 50,000 euros. “We are extremely delighted and proud to announce these winners. This is an amazing opportunity for both us and the winners. This cooperation will enable us to work with some truly innovative minds, and to learn from them. Couple that with access to our experts…

Ibna Zaman of Royston highlights the growing operational advantages provided by the effective analysis of intelligent data in the marine sector – if certain challenges can be successfully overcome. With the impending introduction of the EU MRV Regulations forcing shipping operators to think more seriously about monitoring, reporting and verifying fuel and emissions performance, new data driven improvements have the potential to transform the shipping sector. As its name implies…

SES S.A. (Euronext Paris and Luxembourg Stock Exchange: SESG) today announced the launch of its global SES Maritime+ service that will deliver high-speed connectivity to vessels traversing oceans. SES Maritime+ will enable maritime customers to have easy access to customisable bandwidth and coverage packages, ensuring satellite capacity is effectively utilised. Vessels traversing the oceans will be offered seamless roaming, leveraging SES’s global fleet of over 50 satellites, extensive ground infrastructure of over 20 teleports and more than 6,000 points of presence. The managed connectivity service combines SES’s global network infrastructure and hybrid satellite capacity with the latest technology from VT iDirect…

Tidewater Subsea has reached a deal with Bordelon Marine to charter the newly built Jones Act compliant MV Brandon Bordelon for 60 days, plus options. The vessel is intended to be available to work in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico, Mexico and Trinidad, Bordelon Marine said. Tidewater Subsea is mobilizing two FMC Technologies Schilling HP 150 ROVs to the vessel. The Brandon is now fully capable to perform a variety of operations, including IMR (inspection, maintenance and repair), light construction, survey and inspection work.

The IT industry doesn’t like to stand still. Upgrades, updates, new versions and enhanced functionality are released on a regular basis. New services are enabled, bottlenecks eliminated, more joined up operations enabled. The underlying platform remains the same but, over time, its capabilities evolve and stretch to meet changing expectations. But then, every so often, something far more dramatic comes along. We are experiencing one of these more dramatic periods at the moment.

In November, 2015 Bordelon Marine takes delivery of the MV Brandon Bordelon. This highly specialized vessel features a helideck, a 60 ton AHC crane with 3000m of wire, POB (60), a mezzanine deck with internal office and control rooms capable of supporting two (2) full work class ROV systems. The vessel also offers 6,200 sq. ft. of clear useable deck space. The Brandon comes equipped with (2) two Ranger2 Pro thru-hull USBL full systems. The vessel delivers a fully integrated ROV control room, ROV support offices, below deck work and storage spaces, extensive communications and ROV data network, plug and play, with patch panel racks installed. … all tied into the vessel systems, bridge, office, and accommodation spaces.

Finland-based Cinia Group began laying the new submarine Sea Lion data cable in Helsinki, Finland. The new fibre optic sea cable will provide a direct, low latency and cyber secure internet backbone connection between Finland and Germany. Linking Cinia's existing countrywide data network in Finland with network nodes in Central Europe, the new sea cable is expected to increase interest of data center operators and data intensive organizations to set up operations in Finland. "The sea cable initiative builds the future of Finland based on our existing strengths," said Eero Heliövaara, Director General at the Prime Minister's Office. "A direct data connection between Finland and Central Europe is an important enabler of both domestic economic growth and international investments.

As we see the introduction of storage and renewable energy sources on board ships, a new design philosophy for the electrical power networks is required, especially given the trend towards higher safety standards, better reliability and the reduction in manning. Until recently, electricity on board was largely generated by diesel engine driven synchronous generators. The majority of electrical consumers were linear loads, like induction motors, lighting and heating, which means that  the current three-phase, AC electrical grids are very suitable.

The next generation of connectivity between ship and shore will be dominated by the development of applications to help ship owners and managers reduce costs by enhancing operational efficiency, automating processes, and avoiding expensive repairs, according to one of the world’s leading suppliers of satellite communications to the maritime industry. Brent Bruun, Executive Vice President of Mobile Broadband at KVH Industries, Inc., (Nasdaq: KVHI), recently spoke at the CMA Shipping 2015 conference in Stamford…

KVH Industries, Inc., (KVHI) has rolled out a new dedicated voice configuration for its mini-VSAT Broadband(SM) global maritime satellite network. The network's Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) service is now delivered on a prioritized and protected data stream, separate from the network's overall broadband data traffic. VoIP service is also prioritized onboard the vessel for quality VoIP service even during times of heaviest broadband data use. By prioritizing phone service…

Using the VDR as the Ship’s Data Clearing House provides budget-minded operators with the means, the bandwidth and the economy to monitor critical systems. Go on: dip your toes in the big data water. Big Data. It’s all the rage across the full spectrum of the maritime world. Thousands of data points on 70,000 vessels literally scream out to be harvested and sent back to the home office, all with the intent of making your vessel more efficient, your operation more profitable, the environment cleaner and perhaps, your bunker and maintenance bills lower. The only left to ask is: what’s it going to cost me? Actually, not as much as you might think.

Germanischer Lloyd (GL) has published new guidelines for data networks which are implemented onboard ships or offshore platforms. As the maritime industry makes greater use of automated systems data networks have become more and more complex, while also integrating safety-critical and non-safety-critical application systems. The guidelines are available for download now on the GL website and will enter into force on August 1, 2013. One of the main reasons for the increasing number of application systems which are connected through data networks is to minimize the total length of cabling installed throughout the vessel. Minimizing cable length not only reduces the material and installation costs for the cabling…

Forum Subsea Technologies has officially launched Tomahawk, the latest addition to its range of multi-role remote operated vehicles (ROVs). Tomahawk has been built to be fast and agile and it shares the same 35kw power system and thrusters as Forum’s largest electric, the Comanche. It is manufactured by Sub-Atlantic, a product line of Forum Subsea Technologies, at its facility in Aberdeenshire, Scotland. Forum’s Sub-Atlantic product range includes the Comanche, Mohican, Super Mohawk, Mohawk, Mojave and Navajo Electric ROV Systems and subCAN high-speed communications data network system. Forum Subsea Technologies is also a propulsion supplier to work-class ROV builders…

U.S. Coast Guard Selects Stratos Government Services to Deploy Ku-Band Communications Network. Stratos Government Services Inc. (SGSI), a wholly owned subsidiary of Inmarsat plc, today announced it was awarded a five-year Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract by the United States Coast Guard (USCG) on June 17, 2011 to provide USCG Large Cutter Connectivity. SGSI will provide the USCG with Ku-band satellite airtime, installation support, teleport equipment and service, Network Operations Center support and training.

Incat Crowther is pleased to announce the launch and delivery of Humber Guardian, the first of three new coastal survey catamarans. UK’s Mustang Marine delivered Humber Guardian to Briggs Marine in August. The vessel will be deployed by Briggs Marine to support coastal survey operations for the Environment Agency of England and Wales.Incat Crowther worked with Mustang Marine and Briggs Marine to develop a practical, capable and rugged vessel.The vessel’s aft working aft deck features a 2-tonne A-Frame, Man-overboard davit and moon pool. A work bench is also fitted.

MINNETONKA, Minn. (Aug. 11, 2011) - Digi International (NASDAQ: DGII) today announced that its ConnectPort® X5 R is now certified to use the Iridium satellite network for global, two-way, low-latency data communications. The gateway is a compact, ruggedized tracking and telematics device that incorporates cellular, satellite, global positioning system (GPS), Wi-Fi and vehicle area network (VAN) wireless technology in a single enclosure allowing for the greatest possible connectivity flexibility. Ideal for fleet management and asset tracking applications, the ConnectPort X5 R provides remote connectivity to mobile assets via cellular or satellite networks.