One of the world’s largest container ship operators, Seaspan, has completed mini-VSAT Broadbandsm connectivity for all of their 107 managed vessels in their global container ship fleet.
The company providing the connectivity is KVH Industries, Inc. (Nasdaq: KVHI). Seaspan selected KVH’s TracPhone® V7-HTS/AgilePlans® and KVH’s TracPhone V11-IP for the vessels.
A unique feature of the TracPhone V7-HTS is the dual data configuration provides both a high-speed data channel and an unlimited-use data channel. For Seaspan, the unlimited-use data channel was a contributing factor in their decision to choose the TracPhone V7-HTS, for it enables their vessels to support both operations and crew internet from a single system. The Seaspan vessels that installed the TracPhone V11-IP benefit from a 1 meter C/Ku-band antenna that provides global broadband connectivity from KVH’s mini-VSAT Broadband network.
To support business efficiency, the Seaspan vessels utilize KVH’s CommBox™ Network Manager, a suite of integrated tools including such features as unique networks for operations and crew; integrated email servers and firewalls; remote IT management; and least cost routing and bandwidth management. Additional KVH value-added services for which Seaspan has subscribed include IP-MobileCast™, a content delivery service that multicasts news, sports, entertainment, and operations content to the vessels.
The TracPhone V7-HTS/AgilePlans service that Seaspan chose for a majority of vessels is a frequent choice for commercial maritime operators as the AgilePlans monthly subscription service includes antenna, airtime, content, and technical assistance for one fee, with free installation at select ports, and no contract term commitment or additional maintenance costs. A 60 cm Ku-band VSAT antenna, the TracPhone V7-HTS delivers data speeds up to 10 Mbps download and 3 Mbps upload.
Rajesh Gopinathan, manager of process improvement for Seaspan said that they chose KVH for the ability to have a superior end-to-end solution from one provider, which can be customized as per their business requirements. KVH is one of their partners in helping their business succeed. They see their entire solution as critical to their business operation, providing everything from connectivity to 24/7 support, and assisting them in continuously improving the features and functions as Seaspan's business requirements change. They also appreciate the fact that KVH, working together with Seaspan's IT department, were able to complete 60 installations in less than 12 months, which is an important factor for their global fleet.
Mark Woodhead, executive vice president of mobile connectivity for KVH said he is thrilled to be working with Seaspan, a world-class ship management company that knows the importance of connectivity for ensuring all its vessels are operating at their most efficient levels. Whether it is our network support, airtime, or field services team, everyone at KVH values the interaction with Seaspan as the foundation of a strong partnership, with the end result being that KVH supports Seaspan's vessels in everything from connectivity to their close communications with seafarers.
One example of Seaspan’s focus on seafarers is the company’s monthly video messages: Utilizing KVH’s YOURlink™ service—part of the IP-MobileCast content delivery service—Seaspan sends a custom video message to the managed fleet’s 107 vessels once a month, accessible to all seafarers at the same time.
Torsten Holst Pedersen, executive vice president of ship management for Seaspan reported that close communication between vessel and shore is a key aspect of successful ship operation, to keep seafarers abreast of current initiatives and updates in the company. Seaspan recognizes that video is a particularly effective format for this communication, and they plan to use it increasingly as a communication channel, both to deliver dynamic content and to conduct calls. Seaspan is already making use of it in their monthly Operational Update video, sent via YOURlink, in which they highlight accomplishments, convey safety info, and discuss other critical topics. It’s a terrific value-added service that KVH offers.