KVH Industries… Tanker Talk (SATCOM)

[SatNews] After a successful single tanker trial, the Company’s technology will now be incorporated in additional vessels…

Following a successful trial on its liquefied natural gas (LNG) tankers, MOL LNG Transport Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, is adding the award-winning TracPhone® V7 satellite communications system from KVH Industries, Inc., (Nasdaq: KVHI) to three of its LNG tankers. The systems will use KVH’s global mini-VSAT Broadband(sm) service, which is being provided by KVH’s partner, SKY Perfect JSAT, under the OceanBB brand name. SKY Perfect JSAT is working with Japan Radio Co., Ltd., a prominent Japanese navigation and communications equipment manufacturer, who is providing, installing, and integrating the TracPhone V7 antennas through a wholesale agreement with KVH.

The TracPhone V7 was installed for a trial on one of MOL LNG Transport Co.’s LNG tankers in May 2011. MOL chose to adopt the system on multiple vessels to enhance business communications with frequent email (including large files), and because it provides easy access to up-to-date weather, current, tidal, and ice information that contributes to MOL’s plan to become the world leader in safe vessel operation as well as voyage optimization. Access to satellite communications also helps to maintain or improve crew morale. A managed airtime network solution, mini-VSAT Broadband equips vessels with the highest data rates available today with downloads as fast as 2 Mbps and uploads as fast as 1 Mbps, as well as Voice over IP (VoIP) telephone lines with optimized service and prioritization of applications.

With more than 1,500 antennas shipped, mini-VSAT Broadband is the world’s fastest growing, most popular maritime VSAT solution. The network uses ArcLight® spread spectrum technology, which was developed by KVH’s partner, ViaSat, Inc. (Nasdaq: VSAT) specifically for mobile use and previously available only for military applications. ArcLight is unique due to its efficient reuse of satellite channels, fast speed, low latency, and its ability to support very small antennas that provide reliable service, even in poor weather conditions. KVH manufactures two antennas for the mini-VSAT Broadband network – the award-winning 24-inches diameter TracPhone V7 and the compact, 14.5-inches diameter TracPhone V3, which is the world’s smallest maritime VSAT antenna. Each system includes a versatile, fully integrated below-deck control unit and ArcLight modem.