MOBILE satellite-communications provider Inmarsat Plc. announced recently the development in its Global Xpress (GX) and Fleet Xpress (FX) business solutions. In separate statements, Inmarsat announced its take up of the terminal by Skyware Technology Ltd. and bagging the largest FX installation project to date with Nanjing Tanker Corp. of China.
In an April 15 statement, Inmarsat announced the granting of full “type approval” for Skyware’s terminal, for use over GX.
“Skyware’s terminal will enable media and broadcasters to take the new lightweight, portable receiver dish to where the news is happening anywhere in the world, providing high-quality live broadcast capabilities in even the most inaccessible regions,” Inmarsat’s statement said. The terminal manufactured by Skyware features a receiver dish measuring 99 centimeters in diameter, according to Inmarsat.
“Its rugged build and lightweight, easily transportable design, coupled with pointing assistance for repaid satellite signal acquisition makes it ideal for quick deployment to deliver high speed broadband access anywhere it is needed,” Inmarsat’s statement added.
“The terminal can be set up and online in minutes and can be assembled without the need for any tools or specialist training.”
Meanwhile, Inmarsat said on April 14 Beijing Marine Communication & Navigation Co. Ltd. (MCN) has won the largest Inmarsat FX installation project to date, just two weeks after the launch of the service.
“The agreement brings always-on, next generation high-speed broadband capability worldwide to 70 ships; delivering ‘smart shipping’ connectivity to drive performance optimization and a step change in crew communications and welfare for Nanjing Tanker Corp. [NTC] vessels,” Inmarsat’s statement said. According to Inmarsat Maritime Chief Sales Officer Gerbrand Schalkwijk, NTC “has been pivotal in China’s expansion in oil, oil products, specialized chemicals and liquefied petroleum gas transportation.”
Inmarsat said its partner, MCN and Cobham Plc., will manage the roll-out of the latter’s antenna systems to NTC. MCN Vice President of Sales and Marketing Song Zhen was quoted as saying the technologies will enable his firm “to exploit greater use of data and collaboration focused on smart shipping applications.”
“These apps include video conferencing, remote vessel assistance and/or diagnostics, telemedicine, video surveillance and information-management systems for maritime ‘big data’ applications.”
“By enabling a high-throughput link to FX in a smaller antenna package,” Cobham’s antenna with GX “introduces smart shipping applications to smaller platforms, including workboats, fishing vessels and yachts,” Inmarsat’s statement said.