Taiwan Navigation is investing in satellite communications and digitalisation for 16 ships as it drives ahead with its fleet expansion campaign
It has selected Inmarsat’s Fleet Xpress communications service and Fleet Connect dedicated bandwidth, enabling it to implement Japan Radio Co (JRC)’s Smart Ship Viewer (SSV) bridge solution on board a fleet of 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 Taiwan Navigation spokesperson.
“We are moving ahead by investing in new ships and in digitalisation and, as part of our strategy, we are deploying the best available assets to optimise safety and efficiency.”
It carried out a trial of the SSV bridge solution on board Taiwan Navigation ’s Handymax bulk carrier Tai Splendor before deciding to adopt the technology. The 34,009-gt bulker was built in 2015 to ABS class with a top speed of 14.5 knots.
“SSV is a networked bridge and communications management solution with capabilities including ship monitoring, ECDIS, navigation and routeing, voyage data recorder downloads and data sharing using the J-Marine cloud,” explained JRC manager of the satcom business group Hiroshi Miyashita.
As part of this work with Taiwan Navigation, JRC joined Inmarsat’s fast-expanding group of certified application providers (CAP) offering applications via Inmarsat’s dedicated Fleet Connect bandwidth.
“Entering into the Inmarsat CAP programme will allow us to use Fleet Connect to provide the dedicated bandwidth that ensures this powerful digital network is available on-demand, to prioritise data traffic and optimise vessel efficiency in a safe and secure way,” said Mr Miyashita said.
Inmarsat Maritime senior director for digital applications Marco Cristoforo Camporeale said adding JRC to the CAP programme is a major step forward for the initiative.
“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,” said Mr Camporeale.
“Combined, these agreements add a significant new bridge network option for Fleet Xpress customers worldwide, while also allowing us to demonstrate the reality of Fleet Connect dedicated bandwidth,” he continued.
“The secure cyber protection provided by Fleet Connect’s segregation from the vessels’ primary bandwidth was also influential in Taiwan Navigation’s decision. Separation of the JRC SSV network from other traffic, such as crew communications, creates an additional layer of cyber security protection,” Mr Camporeale said.
Taiwan Navigation operates a fleet of nine Handymax bulkers, four Kamsarmax ships and a 2005-built Panamax ship. It has two Kamsarmax and one Handymax bulk carrier entering the fleet this year.
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