ICS Deeply Concerned by Mediterranean Migrant Rescue Incident

29th March 2019Debra Massey

The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS), which represents the global shipping industry, is very concerned by reports that a merchant ship, the Palau-flagged tanker ‘Elhiblu 1’, had been taken over by migrants rescued in the Mediterranean Sea, reportedly because the ship was going to return the some 100 rescued persons to Libya.

ICS is still establishing the details of the ongoing incident, but welcomes initial reports that the Maltese authorities have taken action to ensure that the situation is safely resolved.

ICS Secretary General, Guy Platten said: “ICS is carefully watching this new development, which it will seek to raise with the UN International Maritime Organization which is in session in London this week.”

KVH Introduces World’s Fastest 1 Meter Ku/C-band Maritime VSAT Antenna for Global Connectivity

28th March 201928th March 2019Phil Page

The TracPhone V11-HTS delivers global data speeds of 20 Mbps and is available as part of KVH’s AgilePlans program

MIDDLETOWN, RI – March 28, 2019 – KVH Industries, Inc., (Nasdaq: KVHI), today introduced the TracPhone V11-HTS, the world’s fastest 1 meter Ku/C-band maritime VSAT antenna, designed to deliver data speeds as fast as 20 Mbps down/3 Mbps up to commercial maritime vessels and superyachts around the world. The fast data speeds support the critical needs of commercial ships today for operations, Internet of Things (IoT) applications, and crew connectivity. Superyacht guests can now enjoy fast connectivity for streaming HD content and accessing Internet and social media platforms at sea.

“With the TracPhone V11-HTS, we continue to bring innovative solutions to the maritime market, enabling commercial vessel operators to take advantage of the many benefits of VSAT, such as IoT applications and business efficiency, while yacht captains can offer guests onboard KVH’s fastest connectivity at sea,” says Martin Kits van Heyningen, chief executive officer of KVH. “From our advanced mini-VSAT Broadband HTS network to our 24/7 tech support, our superior connectivity solution makes broadband at sea seamless.”

Designed, engineered, and manufactured by mobile tech innovator KVH, the TracPhone V11-HTS features a dual Ku/C-band design with automatic switching to deliver expanded global coverage, including Northern and Southern latitudes, and reliable connectivity, even in extreme weather. In addition, the antenna system features the Integrated CommBox Modem (ICM), a streamlined belowdecks unit including high-throughput modem, Voice over IP (VoIP) adapter, CommBox network management software, and built-in Wi-Fi and Ethernet. The ICM also receives onboard news, entertainment, and operations content sent via KVH’s IP-MobileCast content delivery service.

KVH Videotel Expands Team with European Sales Manager Appointment

25th March 2019Phil Page

Following news of Raal Harris’s promotion to the position of managing director at KVH Videotel earlier in the year, the company has announced a further strengthening of its management team with the appointment of Jason Barreto as European sales manager.

Jason started his sales career with a series of airline, ship management, and marine travel companies, gaining particular experience in the offshore market.

Prior to joining KVH Videotel, he worked at the OSM Maritime Group, where he was head of sales and business development for the crew management side of the business.

His remit at KVH Videotel includes building on the business already established in such regions as Scandinavia and strengthening the company’s presence in the UK, France, Spain, and Portugal, as well as developing new revenue income streams.

“I am really excited about working at KVH Videotel especially during such an innovative period where new technology is changing the way we can develop training programmes, such as using virtual reality and gaming techniques, so seafarers can learn through task-based exercises,” says Mr. Barreto.

KVH Expands HTS Maritime Network for Entire Pacific Ocean Region

22nd March 2019Phil Page

Vessels in Asia Pacific, U.S. Pacific Northwest, and other key shipping areas benefit from the latest satellite technology by using KVH’s mini-VSAT Broadband HTS network

MIDDLETOWN, RI – March 21, 2019 – KVH Industries, Inc., (Nasdaq: KVHI), announced today that it has expanded its mini-VSAT Broadband^sm HTS network to the Pacific Ocean via the Horizons 3e satellite, which is jointly owned by Intelsat and SKY Perfect JSAT.

The high-performance Horizons 3e satellite immediately adds to the global coverage and capacity of KVH’s mini-VSAT Broadband HTS network, which provides connectivity to vessels worldwide. Global containerships, commercial fishing fleets, and superyachts cruising to remote destinations are among the many types of vessels that transit key areas in the Pacific Ocean, Asia Pacific, and the U.S. Pacific Northwest.

“With the expansion of coverage to the Pacific Ocean region, our advanced HTS network footprint is complete, providing the commercial and leisure mariners who rely on our solution with great coverage, fast data speeds, and enhanced performance for Internet access, VoIP, and all our connectivity services at sea,” says Brent Bruun, chief operating officer of KVH. “We are committed to continuing our high level of service in providing the maritime industry with a complete end-to-end solution for global connectivity.”

KVH launched its mini-VSAT Broadband HTS network in late 2017, and continually enhances the network with technological advancements. The network utilizes the Intelsat Flex Maritime service to deliver multi-layered Ku-band coverage, enabling vessels to see multiple HTS and wide beam satellites for maximum availability of broadband service. KVH’s HTS network builds on the success of the original maritime satellite network that KVH introduced in 2007.

Indian Register of Shipping (IRClass) wins 5-year contract to provide Emergency Response Services for 33 vessels of The Shipping Corporation of India

18th March 2019Phil Page

Indian Register of Shipping (IRClass) has secured a five-year contract from India’s largest shipping company, The Shipping Corporation of India (SCI) – to undertake Emergency Response Service (ERS) for 33 vessels.

The classification society’s ERS is aimed at providing round-the-clock technical support by way of speedy assessment of the intact/damage stability as well as longitudinal strength of any vessel involved in a major incident e.g. grounding, collision or fire. Issues potentially arising from such incidents include excessive trim/heel, loss of stability, progressive flooding, structural impairment, etc.

On alerting the dedicated communication channel, IRClass assembles a team of professionals within two hours, to recreate the status / condition of the vessel, using a pre-developed 3D hull model, and applying the data received from the vessel.

Simulation is carried out for a series of scenarios, from stability and global / local strength considerations. This is to ensure that appropriate advice is given to the Client for correcting any excessive heel/trim, and/or limit further damage to the vessel; thus, helping the ship staff to take well-informed decisions.

Reliability of the service is established by way of mock drills conducted periodically.

The service complies with various requirements including MARPOL Annex 1, Regulation 37(4) which requires oil tankers of more than 5000 DWT (deadweight tonnage) to have prompt access to shore-based damage stability and residual strength calculations; and IACS Recommendation No. 145 – with regards to the operation of shore-based ERS.

Head Technical of IRClass, Mr. C R Venugopal said: “The commitment we have made to SCI further strengthens the existing, excellent relationship we share with the shipping company.”

He added: “This contract highlights IRClass’ growing portfolio of offering value added, beyond class services”

The contract, effective from end of February 2019, will cover multiple types of vessel including oil tankers, bulk carriers and containerships.

KVH Videotel and Nautical Institute Online Course Collaboration a Resounding Success

14th March 2019Phil Page

A successful collaboration between KVH Videotel, a world leader in the provision of e-learning for the maritime industry, and The Nautical Institute (NI), an international organization for maritime professionals involved in the control of sea-going ships, has resulted in more than 100 NI members enrolling in online courses to further their knowledge and skills.

The interactive courses cover a wide range of subjects from ECDIS training, cyber security, and Maritime Labour Convention for ship masters, to enclosed space entry and marine environmental awareness. Taking between 4 – 40 hours to complete, the courses are relevant for all career levels from cadet to Master and contribute to continuing professional development (CPD).

“I am thrilled by the uptake of these e-learning courses and their contribution to the lifelong learning of maritime professionals,” said Steven Gosling, quality assurance manager for KVH Videotel.

“It just shows how much NI members want to develop their knowledge and understanding of maritime subjects to enhance their maritime careers. The convenience of online access means NI members can learn at their own pace in an environment and time of their choosing.”

Under this exclusive program, NI members receive one free online course per year. Since the courses were made available at the end of 2018, the most popular titles have been “Survey & examination of lifting appliances”, closely followed by ECDIS training.

The positive responses from NI members include this feedback about the ECDIS course: “The last time I experienced ECSs was in 2004 when ECDIS was in its infancy, so I started the course as a beginner. E-learning is now part and parcel of the whole learning experience and essential for pursuing CPD,” said Robert Knight, Bachelor of Science, Member of Nautical Institute. Another member provided this feedback: “The course was fit for purpose, informative, and very helpful. I would highly recommend KVH Videotel for online courses,” said Isaac Owolabi.

In addition to the one free online course each year, NI members can also receive 25% discount on any additional training course booked by 31^st March 2019.

For more information about KVH Videotel maritime training, please visit the KVH Videotel website. For training updates, follow KVH Videotel on LinkedIn, YouTube, Twitter, and Facebook

Indian Register of Shipping (IRClass) wins key order for providing classification services for 8 shallow water ASW corvettes for the Indian Navy

8th March 201913th March 2019Phil Page

In what could be termed as a significant recognition of its capabilities, the Indian Register of Shipping (IRClass) has won a key order for providing classification services for a series of 8 Anti-Submarine Warfare Corvettes to be constructed for the Indian Navy. The order was awarded under competitive bidding in which other classification societies participated, after qualifying stringent technical requirements.

The ships are to be constructed at the Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Ltd, Kolkata and will be built to IRClass’ Naval Rules 2015.

These ships are designed for combating threats posed by submarines and special underwater craft, operating in relatively shallow waters and will incorporate advanced sensors, including sonars, and anti-submarine weapon systems. The platforms will also be equipped with modern automation systems. Read more →

KVH Surpasses 9,000 VSAT Systems Shipped for Global Connectivity

6th March 20196th March 2019Phil Page

The milestone highlights KVH’s position as a maritime VSAT market share leader providing satellite broadband connectivity to vessels around the world

MIDDLETOWN, RI – March 5, 2019 – KVH Industries, Inc., (Nasdaq: KVHI), a leader in mobile connectivity, announced that it recently shipped its 9,000^th mini-VSAT Broadband^sm system. KVH’s TracPhone^® V-series antenna systems are designed to provide satellite broadband connectivity to commercial vessels and leisure yachts around the world, by utilizing advanced satellite technology, including the latest high throughout satellites (HTS).

“Ever since we launched our mini-VSAT Broadband network more than 10 years ago, our antenna systems have been in demand by the maritime industry,” says Martin Kits van Heyningen, KVH’s chief executive officer. “Our solution is known for fast data speeds, affordable airtime, and an advanced, secure, and reliable network, which continues to be a winning combination as the maritime industry relies more and more on connectivity.”

KVH’s products and services have been recognized in the maritime industry for many years. TracPhone V-series systems have received eight product excellence awards from the National Marine Electronics Association (NMEA) in the past nine years. Also, in “Prospects for Maritime Satellite Communications, 6^th Edition” (2018), industry analysts at Euroconsult reported that KVH is the market share leader in maritime VSAT by units, noting that KVH’s share of the maritime industry’s fielded VSAT terminals is nearly double that of its next closest competitor, as of the end of 2017.