Teekay, Euronav and Transpetro have upgraded VSAT to adopt digitalisation and provide better connectivity for seafarers
VSAT connectivity enables tanker owners to adopt new digitalisation applications in a cyber-secure ecosystem to improve ship efficiency and reduce operational costs. VSAT also provides better crew communications and welfare services, improving seafarer recruitment and retention.
Which is why Teekay upgraded VSAT connectivity and services on its fleet of tankers this year. It selected NSSLGlobal to update VSAT and incorporate Cruise Control+, CrewVision and Insight value-added services for a fleet of more than 100 ships.
Teekay strategic development contract and category specialist Deborah Sloan says this technology renewal enhances operations and communications on these tankers. “This upgrade will help us to eliminate some of the challenges created by digitalisation,” she explains. “And VSAT gives us more freedom to focus on each vessel’s operational and crew welfare priorities.”
Improving security and reducing administration were reasons for adding new services to this contract. “Cyber security assurance and IT-managed services are provided by the Cruise Control+ upgrade,” Ms Sloan says.
“VSAT give us more freedom to focus on each vessel’s operational and crew welfare priorities”
Teekay’s tankers have Ku-band and C-band VSAT, with L-band as a back-up, through NSSLGlobal’s VSAT IP@Sea service.
Virtualised Cruise Control+ provides Teekay with seamless integration of communications, entertainment and IT services on board its tankers, with embedded virtual private networks and integrated unified threat management.
Euronav turned to Satcom Global’s Aura VSAT for its fleet of crude carriers to improve crew communications and internet access on its ships. It has optimised tanker connectivity and improved reliability with 99.5% uptime on VSAT coverage, says Euronav group IT manager Rudi Vander Eyken.
99.5% uptime on the VSAT coverage
“Crew welfare is of great importance to Euronav, and the improved onboard connectivity VSAT brings is a big step forward for our crew offering,” he explains.
“We installed a solution that provides the optimal VSAT connection in terms of consistent service availability and reliability,” Mr Eyken continues. “With service quality guaranteed, we know our crew enjoy an excellent user experience.”
This is despite Euronav prioritising communications for tanker operations and client reporting requirements over the crew welfare connectivity. “There is no detriment to the connectivity required for the operational demands of our vessels,” says Mr Eyken. “VSAT is helping us deliver on our promises and Satcom Global is committed to the ongoing development of the service as our needs grow.”
Reasons tanker owners invested in VSAT (service provider)
Brazilian state energy group Petrobras’ tanker operating subsidiary Transpetro started upgrading its shipboard VSAT last year to use high-throughput satellite (HTS) connectivity.
This was made possible after Intelsat commissioned EpicNG satellites with Ku-band spot beams over South America in 2017. KVH Industries provided the VSAT services, TracPhone V7-HTS antennas and below-deck equipment.
Transpetro chief information officer Jose Ricardo Esses says this connectivity “will enable us to improve operational efficiency and provide crew welfare” on these tankers.
“Another deciding factor in choosing VSAT was the ease of having one provider for the complete connectivity solution,” he adds.
VSAT is being installed on 45 Transpetro-operated tankers, a mixture of newbuilds and existing tankers, over a 12-month period in Brazil.
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