MOL LNG Transport Co. installs KVH TracPhone satcoms on three ships

MOL LNG Transport Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, is adding the  TracPhone(R) V7 satellite communications system from KVH Industries, Inc., (Nasdaq:KVHI) to three of its LNG tankers. The systems will use KVH’s global mini-VSAT Broadband(SM) service, which is being provided by KVH’s partner, SKY Perfect JSAT, under the OceanBB brand name.

SKY Perfect JSAT is working with Japan Radio Co., Ltd., which is providing, installing, and integrating the TracPhone V7 antennas through a wholesale agreement with KVH.

The TracPhone V7 was installed for a trial 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 the world leader in safe vessel operation as well as voyage optimization. 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 O.S.K. 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 the highest data rates available today with downloads as fast as 2 Mbps and uploads as fast as 1 Mbps, as well as Voice over IP (VoIP) telephone lines with optimized service and prioritization of applications.

With more than 1,500 antennas shipped, mini-VSAT Broadband is claimed to be the world’s fastest growing, most popular maritime VSAT solution. The network uses ArcLight(R) spread spectrum technology, which was developed by KVH’s Partner, ViaSat, Inc. (Nasdaq:VSAT) specifically for mobile use and previously available only for military applications. ArcLight is unique due to its efficient reuse of satellite channels, fast speed, low latency, and its ability to support very small antennas that provide reliable service, even in poor weather conditions. KVH manufactures two antennas for the mini-VSAT Broadband network — the 24 inch diameter TracPhone V7 and the compact, 14.5″  indiameter TracPhone V3, which is the world’s smallest maritime VSAT antenna. Each system includes a versatile, fully integrated below-deck control unit and ArcLight modem.

September 21, 2011