NTC Orders Smart Systems for 70 Ships

China’s Nanjing Tanker Corporation (NTC) is to equip its fleet with smart shipping communication technology provided by mobile satellite communications provider Inmarsat and Cobham Satcom, communications and internet access provider.

The duo is to install Inmarsat’s Fleet Xpress technology with Cobham’s antenna systems on 70 NTC ships.

The deal has been won by Inmarsat’s and Cobham’s partner Beijing Marine Communication & Navigation Company (MCN) that will manage the roll-out of Cobham’s SAILOR 100 GX and SAILOR 60 GX antenna systems to NTC.

According to Inmarsat, the contract brings next generation high-speed broadband capability worldwide, delivering smart shipping connectivity to drive performance optimisation and a step change in crew communications and welfare for NTC’s vessels.

“Fleet Xpress with SAILOR antennas will open the way for Nanjing Tanker Corporation to exploit greater use of data and collaboration focused on ‘smart shipping’ applications, including video conferencing, remote vessel assistance/diagnostics, telemedicine, video surveillance and information management systems for maritime ‘big data’ applications,”  Song Zhen, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for MCN says.

The 1 meter SAILOR 100 GX is based on Cobham Satcom’s  SAILOR VSAT technology platform, designed to simplify installation and operation while delivering radio performance. The 60cm SAILOR 60 GX leverages a new lightweight carbon fibre composites/aluminium design. By enabling a high-throughput link to Fleet Xpress in a smaller antenna package, SAILOR 60 GX introduces smart shipping applications to smaller platforms, including workboats, fishing vessels and yachts, the company explained.