Inmarsat, the world leader in global, mobile satellite communications, has announced that JRC(Japan Radio Company Co. Ltd.) has joined its fast-expanding group of Certified Application Providers(CAP) offering applications via Inmarsat’s dedicated Fleet Connect bandwidth.
The announcement follows the successful trial of JRC’s Smart Ship Viewer(SSV) bridge solution onboard Taiwan Navigation’s Handymax bulk carrier Tai Splendor. As a result of the successful trial 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 said. “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.”
“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 SATCOM Business Group at JRC. “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.”
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.