KVH TracPhone V7 satellite communications system
Following a successful trial, MOL LNG Transport, a subsidiary of Mitsui OSK Lines, is to instal the KVH TracPhone V7 satellite communications system from KVH Industries onboard three of its LNG tanker ships.
The systems will use KVH’s global mini-VSAT Broadband service, which is being provided by KVH’s partner, SKY Perfect JSAT, under the OceanBB brand name. SKY Perfect JSAT is working with Japanese navigation and communications equipment manufacturer JRC, which is providing, installing, and integrating the TracPhone V7 antennas through a wholesale agreement with KVH.
The TracPhone V7 was tested on one of MOL LNG Transport Co.’s LNG tankers in May 2011. MOL chose to adopt the system on multiple vessels to enhance business communications with frequent e-mail (including large files), and because it provides easy access to up-to-date weather, current, tidal, and ice information that contributes to MOL’s plan to become a leader in safe vessel operation as well as voyage optimisation. Access to satellite communications also helps to maintain or improve crew morale.
“SKY Perfect JSAT, along with its OceanBB branded service, will be tremendously important as the Japanese market for mini-VSAT Broadband expands. We expect that many major commercial fleets such as Mitsui O.S.K. Lines will adopt the solution, and outstanding customer support from our local partner will be crucial for maintaining that growth,” says Brent C. Bruun, KVH’s senior vice president of global sales and business development. “KVH’s combination of affordable commercial-grade service, outstanding global support, and compact hardware provided by excellent wholesalers such as Japan Radio Co., offer the perfect solution for diverse fleets, including Mitsui OSK Lines. We look forward to bringing this best-of-breed solution to a much wider audience in Japanese waters.”
A managed airtime network solution, mini-VSAT Broadband equips vessels with data at download rates up to 2 Mbps and uploads as fast as 1 Mbps, claimed to be the fastest available,as well as VoIP telephone lines with optimised service and prioritisation of applications.
Source: The Motorship