IEC Telecom has joined forces with Thuraya Telecommunications to produce a satellite communications package for small and mid-sized vessels, including workboats, offshore support vessels and tugs
Together they introduced Orion Edge V [virtual] terminal for L-band communications and access to a cloud-based system enabling communications over Thuraya’s existing satellites with coverage over Asia, Africa and the Middle East.
Introducing Orion Edge V comes as more operators of tugs, workboats and OSVs are looking to connect their vessels as part of their digitalisation investments and more port operators are turning to the internet of things (IoT) to drive value in the digital economy.
IEC Telecom chief executive for Asia and Middle East Nabil Ben Soussia described Orion Edge V as enabling a VSAT-like communications experience over L-band.
“We are experiencing a significantly higher demand for digital solutions, which has been escalated by the coronavirus pandemic,” said Mr Ben Soussia. “For maritime and offshore businesses, digital connectivity represents the future.” He said Orion Edge V highlights the benefits of digitalisation and IoT that are now available to small vessels via virtual platforms.
This solution combines Thuraya’s Orion Edge terminal with IEC Telecom’s OneGate system for linking to virtual platforms and a wide range of telecommunications services. These functions enable technical managers to monitor and control the network across all vessels of a fleet remotely.
It opens links to new services, including IoT monitoring, telemedicine, videoconferencing and remote maintenance, which can be added on demand via IEC Telecom’s application store.
“Working with IEC Telecom to develop this connectivity solution brings significant benefits to an important market segment,” said Thuraya chief commercial officer Shawkat Ahmed.
“In today’s competitive marketplace, innovation is key to success,” he said. “Operators need to adapt quickly to business requirements with efficient solutions.”
Orion Edge V has similar broadband capabilities of Thuraya’s Orion IP terminal with the reliable voice, tracking, and monitoring features of Thuraya MarineStar.
“This combination offers a stable voice and data connectivity solution that can easily be transferred to another vessel,” said Mr Ahmed.
Digitalisation facilitated by Orion Edge V enables optimised operations, cost efficiency and a competitive advantage, said Mr Ben Soussia.
In the past decade, digitalisation and IoT was reserved for large vessels connected to VSAT. However, virtualisation of telecommunication services extends these benefits to all vessel types over compact L-band terminals.
“For small ships such as offshore support vessels, it is important to remain within tight budgetary requirements,” said Mr Ben Soussia.
“Our agile product gives operators the confidence to be in control of costs while benefiting from digital communications now and for years to come,” he said.
IEC Telecom offers Orion Edge V with flexible tariff plans and an option of free hardware for project-based subscriptions, “enabling fleet managers to get their vessels connected with zero capital investment in a short span of time,” said Mr Ben Soussia.
Digitalisation, vessel optimisation and maritime satellite communciations will be discussed during Riviera’s series of webinar weeks and virtual conferences in 2021 - use this link to view details and register for these events
© 2023 Riviera Maritime Media Ltd.