- Arklow Shipping has invested in satellite communications for its dry bulk, container and general cargo ships to accelerate its digital transformation.
- AuraNow Ku-band service is delivered through Intellian’s NX series of maritime antennae, with Arklow’s regionally trading vessels using 4G back-up communications.
- In addition to satellite communications solutions, Satcom Global upgraded Arklow’s closed-circuit television (CCTV) safety and security systems.
The ship charterer and owner has committed to deploy Satcom Global AuraNow very small aperture terminal (VSAT) services on its fleet of single-deck, box hold and container-fitted vessels, ranging from 4,200 to 35,000 tonnes.
Arklow’s investment in VSAT
Arklow signed a fleetwide, long-term agreement with Satcom Global and committed to installing AuraNow VSAT on its newbuild vessels as they are completed and delivered.
AuraNow VSAT provides flexibility, with unlimited bandwidth package changes and no hidden fees.
Arklow will only pay for the bandwidth required by each vessel in 24-hour increments for its fleet of R-class and G-class vessels.
This includes a monthly Ku-band base package with a committed information rate guaranteeing data speeds.
Accelerating digital transformation
“Our chartering, technical and crewing departments are using the performance of AuraNow as we continue to accelerate our digital transformation,” said Arklow Shipping IT manager Declan Lott.
“The flexibility of Satcom Global’s solution provides the opportunity to change our bandwidth on a daily basis to access more data, both for work tasks and for crew downtime on board the vessels,” he said.
Crew welfare
Arklow can use the AuraNow customer portal to upgrade its Ku-band package for as little as 24 hours, facilitating the upload and download of documents and forms, video calls, crew training and remote audits.
“Crew can use as much data as they like on their own devices with the bring-your-own-device functionality, giving them freedom to browse the internet and keep in touch with loved ones at home, which is crucial for crew welfare,” said Mr Lott.
Retrofitting all vessels equipment
Arklow can schedule bandwidth downgrades or even fully suspend this VSAT service without penalty, providing opportunities for cost savings should a vessel be on a lengthy port stay or in drydock.
AuraNow Ku-band service is delivered through Intellian’s NX series of maritime antennae, with Arklow’s regionally trading vessels using 4G back-up communications.
Its larger, globally trading vessels, sailing on longer and more remote routes, have installed the compact Intellian C700 terminal, delivering the global Iridium Certus L-band service.
In addition to satellite communications solutions, Satcom Global upgraded Arklow’s closed-circuit television (CCTV) safety and security systems, retrofitting equipment on all existing vessels and installing CCTV on new vessels, in addition to installing Intellian TV receive-only terminals on the latest G-class vessels.
Did you subscribe to our Newsletter?
It’s Free! Click here to Subscribe.
Source: Riviera
