Taiwan Navigation to use Inmarsat Fleet Connect

Written by Nick Blenkey
Fleet Connect provides Certified Applcation Providers with dedicated connection to thousands of vessels in real-time.

Fleet Connect provides Certified Applcation Providers with dedicated connection to thousands of vessels in real-time.

Following the successful trial of its Smart Ship Viewer (SSV) bridge solution onboard Taiwan Navigation’s handymax bulk carrier Tai Splendor, JRC (Japan Radio Company Co. Ltd.) has joined the growing number of Certified Application Providers (CAP) offering applications via Inmarsat’s dedicated Fleet Connect bandwidth. Meanwhile, Taiwan Navigation has now contracted to use Fleet Connect and JRC’s Smart Ship Viewer across its eight newbuildings and eight existing vessels.

“Taiwan Navigation prides itself on the high quality of its operations and has ambitious plans for expansion within the region,” said a spokesperson from Taiwan Navigation. “We are moving ahead by investing in new ships and in digitalization and as part of our strategy we are deploying the best available assets to optimize safety and efficiency.”

“The SSV is a networked bridge and communications management solution with capabilities including ship monitoring, Electronic Chart Display and Information System (ECDIS), navigation and routing, Voyage Data Recorder (VDR) downloads, and data sharing using the J-Marine Cloud,” said Hiroshi Miyashita, manager of the Satcom Business Group at JRC. “Entering into the Inmarsat CAP program will allow us to use Fleet Connect to provide the dedicated bandwidth that ensures this powerful digital network is available on-demand, to prioritize data traffic and optimize vessel efficiency in a safe and secure way.”

“Given the stature of JRC as a provider of advanced marine technology, this new agreement is a major step forward for the CAP program,” said Marco Cristoforo Camporeale, Senior Director, Digital Applications for Inmarsat Maritime. “The Taiwan Navigation contract is a notable country success for both Inmarsat’s high-speed Fleet Xpress service and for Fleet Connect’s dedicated bandwidth in particular.”

Camporeo noted that, combined, the JRC and Taiwan Navigation agreements add a significant new bridge network option for Fleet Xpress customers worldwide. “The secure cyber protection provided by Fleet Connect’s segregation from the vessels primary bandwidth was also influential in Taiwan Navigation’s decision,” Camporeale added. “Separation of the JRC SSV network from other traffic, such as crew communications, creates an additional layer of cyber security protection.”

Inmarsat’s Certified Application Provider marketplace now hosts over 40 applications designed for ship owners and operators to reduce fuel emissions, enhance vessel performance, improve navigation, train crew and save lives at sea.

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