GPS News

The May Crew Change Indicator records a tiny increase in seafarers onboard vessels beyond their contract expiry since April, but overall does not indicate that the fears of a re-escalation of the crew change crisis due to the war in Ukraine have been fulfilled. May Indicator The latest Indicator shows that the number of seafarers onboard vessels beyond the expiry of their contract has increased slightly from 4.2% to 4.5% in the last month, while the number of seafarers onboard vessels for over...

The Norwegian Defence Research Establishment (FFI) and Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace (KONGSBERG) have developed instruments for satellite-based maritime surveillance. KONGSBERG is now procuring three satellites and is establishing Norway's first satellite constellation with unique and world-leading capabilities. KONGSBERG is the Nordic region's largest company in aerospace and is a global leader in maritime surveillance. The company is now taking the next step to develop new technology and...

Fleet Xpress, enhanced by Fleet Edge, brings together the best of Inmarsat connectivity solutions to help global shipping companies harness the full power of a connected maritime ecosystem Shipping companies can harness the full power of a digitally connected maritime ecosystem to support their digital transformation via Inmarsat directly or Inmarsat’s global network of partners. Fleet Xpress Enhanced solution The Fleet Xpress Enhanced solution provides access to a wider portfolio of In...

OceanGate Expeditions has announced Inmarsat as the 2022 Titanic Survey Expedition satellite service provider. Inmarsat’s Fleet Xpress high speed broadband satellite service will enable OceanGate Expeditions’ crew to instantly connect with scientific and operational resources anywhere in the world and to share important findings immediately, while enhancing safety for the entire operation. Modern wireless communications for maritime vessels Following the tragic loss of life in the...

Satcom Direct, the business aviation solutions provider, has announced that its FlightDeck Freedom® (FDF) flight deck communications platform has been selected as the default datalink system for in-production Gulfstream G500™, Gulfstream G600™, and Gulfstream G650ER™ aircraft with initial line-fits already completed. Operators of Gulfstream aircraft can now optimise the flexible FDF platform, which includes configurable features and monitoring of industry datalink complian...

Satcom Direct, the business aviation solutions provider, is celebrating the Federal Aviation Association (FAA) approval of Supplemental Type Certificates, (STCs) for the Satcom Direct Plane Simple™ Ku-band tail-mounted Antenna System. Following a multi-model, (AML) STC approval, Gulfstream G550, G450, GV, and GIV types can now be equipped with the advanced technology terminal. Plane Simple advanced antenna The Satcom Direct Gulfstream G550 is the first aircraft carrying the equipment, d...

MetOcean Telematics (MetOcean), is pleased to announce it has been awarded a five-year contract from the U.S. Department of Commerce – National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), to supply NOAA’s Global Ocean Monitoring and Observing Laboratory, Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory, and Pacific Marine Environmental Laboratory with critical real-time satellite connectivity, services, and support through the Iridium® satellite network (Iridium). MetOcea...

On March 30th, 2022, SBM Offshore launched its new floating wind energy solution, Float4WindTM. Float4WindTM is the second generation of SBM Offshore’s innovative offshore wind floater technology, a key aspect of the Company’s long-term strategy to support the energy transition. Tension Leg Platform (TLP) design The new and improved version of the Tension Leg Platform (TLP) design, a technology historically utilised in traditional oil & gas production, is ideal for harnessing...

Satcom Direct, the connectivity solutions provider, is expanding its marine division, by launching a suite of new services for sports fishing vessels, and super- and mega-yachts. In a first for multi-asset ownership, Satcom Direct is harnessing the combined power of SD infrastructure, SD hardware, and SD software solutions, to deliver a seamless connectivity experience for customers transitioning between private jets and yachts. Rack-mounted router To support the newly expanded division, Satc...

Delivering exceptional durability and reliability, configured for ease of deployment from all platforms and offering class-leading sensor and navigation performance, HUGIN Edge is the newest member of the HUGIN family of AUVs. The new design combines elements of HUGIN’s carbon monocoque approach used with success for the last 20 years coupled with extensive hydrodynamic modelling to refine the hull’s low-drag shape. HUGIN Edge stands out as a next-generation vehicle designed spe...

MSC is delighted to be attending and speaking at this year’s Fruit Logistica 2022. Taking place from 5 - 7 April 2022 this trade fair event includes presentations, panel discussions and live Q&A sessions with leading experts from across the world.   MSC looks forward to welcoming people to the booth: B04, in Hall 25, daily from 09:00 am to 06:00 pm, and on Thursday, 7 April, from 09.00 am to 04:00 pm. Experts on stage  The experts will be presenting in the Logisti...

MSC is pleased to be part of the Freight Logistics Optimization Works (FLOW) data-sharing initiative, launched at the White House on 15 March 2022. This major project will help to clear supply chain bottlenecks by improving freight information exchange between key stakeholders – leading to the faster delivery time and reduced costs for consumers. A diverse taskforce representing many stakeholders FLOW includes 18 initial participants, with the aim of welcoming more in the futur...

The Nigerian Maritime Administration and SafetyAgency, NIMASA, and the Nigerian Meteorological Agency, NiMet, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) setting out areas of collaboration in weather forecasting and climate research. Director-General NIMASA, Dr. Bashir Jamoh, and his counterpart from NiMet, Prof Mansur Bako Matazu signed on behalf of both Agencies of government. Meteorological services The MoU is designed as a framework for NiMet to provide meteorological services for...

FESCO Transportation Group (“FESCO”, the “Group”) informs that vessels - FESCO Magadan and FESCO Moneron were on the sanctions list of Treasury Department of the US solely, due to the specifics of financing and the status of lessor: both vessels are on the balance sheet of PSB Leasing LLC that was initially under US sanctions. Thus, sanctions of Treasury Department of the US do not apply to any FESCO company and inclusion in the sanctions list of two vessels leased from...

Thales will be present at MWC Barcelona 2022 to showcase its key solutions that support the mobile industry’s digital transformation. 5G will count for 21% of mobile connections by 2025. This brings a huge opportunity for mobile operators, but also comes with new vulnerabilities and data privacy challenges.  Thales is helping actors and major players in the mobile industry in three key ways - To connect and manage devices on 5G networks, protect those devices and the data they handle...

ABB has been awarded a contract worth around US$ 30 million by the Canadian data and analytics company - EarthDaily Analytics (EDA), to develop and manufacture next-generation multispectral imaging systems, which are to be placed on 10 satellites (including an in-orbit spare) that will circle the Earth. The order was booked in the first quarter of 2022. Multispectral imaging systems Multispectral imaging systems capture data at specific light frequencies across a wide spectrum, and the EarthDa...

ZIM Integrated Shipping Services announced a new charter agreement with Navios Maritime Partners L.P., according to which ZIM will charter a total of thirteen container vessels comprising five secondhand vessels and eight new-build vessels for a total charter hire consideration of approximately $870 million. The five secondhand vessels which range from 3,500-4,360 TEUs and are expected to be delivered in the first and second quarters of 2022, will be deployed across ZIM's global network. The...

Inmarsat, the world pioneer in global, mobile satellite communications, has implemented an agreement with Geoquip Marine allowing the offshore geotechnical solutions provider to offer dedicated Fleet Xpress bandwidth as part of its vessel charter arrangements and separated connectivity for personnel onboard. Charterer network services Four Geoquip integrated geotechnical survey vessels have introduced Fleet Xpress Charterer Network services for sole use by charterers plus connectivity via Flee...

FESCO Transportation Group (“FESCO”) has launched a new regular marine container service Japan Trans-Siberian Line 2 (JTSL 2) that will connect Commercial Port Vladivostok (CPV, a FESCO company) with ports of Japan – Toyama, Hakata, Kobe, Yokohama. In the near future, regular ship calls to port Niigata are considered as well. Operation of the line is provided by container vessel FESCO Yanina with a capacity of 962 TEU. Voyage turnover is 14 days. Appearance of the new service...

Inmarsat, the globally renowned company in global, mobile satellite communications, has secured a new contract for its flexible, three-in-one network service, Fleet LTE, from independent Norwegian owner, Golden Energy Offshore. Using Fleet LTE, three modern Global Energy Offshore support vessels can switch between Fleet Xpress (Ka-band), FleetBroadband (L-band), and 4G coverage, depending on the strongest available signal. Band selection will be made automatically, in a seamless process develop...

Kongsberg Maritime is pleased to announce that Ocean Infinity has signed an order for 6 HUGIN Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs) rated to 3000 metres depth. The vehicles are equipped with a geophysical sensor suite and the latest generation KONGSBERG batteries. New vehicles for global operations The new vehicles will be mobilised for global operations, enabled by Ocean Infinity’s remote operations infrastructure. The vehicles will integrate as part of the Armada fleet of uncrewed and...

CMA CGM previously announced the suspension of Le Havre and Puerto Angamos calls till the end of March 2022 on EUROSAL service connecting North Europe with West Coast South America & the Caribbean. Unfortunately, the situation has not improved with heavy congestion and lack of productivity. Therefore, to maintain the service quality in this difficult environment, EUROSAL service will extend the suspension of Le Havre and Puerto Angamos calls till the end of September 2022 : Omit Le Hav...

The government of Benin has awarded a contract to Norwegian technology company, Vissim to deliver a coastal monitoring system designed for improved environmental monitoring and safer passage along Benin’s coastline and ocean area. The ultimate objective is to increase international trade with Benin. The contract is funded by Export Finance Norway. Vissim secures contract from Benin government The contract was signed at a ceremony in Cotonou, Benin, by Minister of Defence, Fortunet Alain...

Almost two years on from the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, the world is still operating in testing times. Volatility and uncertainty continue to be seen across global networks, and the importance of the supply chain to the success of organisations has also increased, making operational resilience a vital need of the hour. In October 2020, A.P. Moller – Maersk (Maersk) had conducted a successful webinar that focused on the key steps for building supply chain resilience in the chemical in...

MetOcean Telematics (MetOcean), is pleased to announce that it has been awarded a five-year contract from the Canadian government to supply the Department of Defence (DND) and the Canadian Coast Guard (CCG) with its search and rescue (SAR) buoy, the Iridium Self Locating Datum Marker Buoy, iSLDMB. The MetOcean iSLDMB was developed 25+ years ago and has been providing Coast Guards and Defence agencies around the world with an easy-to-use and reliable buoy system that augments rescue efforts...

Rolls-Royce has agreed to work with IHI Corporation, to develop and deliver a future fighter engine demonstrator. Rolls-Royce – IHI Corporation The engine demonstrator programme will be a critical step forward, in enabling the two nations – United Kingdom and Japan, to develop their future fighter aircraft requirements, potentially securing hundreds of future jobs in the UK and Japan. Work on the joint engine demonstrator will kick-start in early 2022, with the United Kingdom (UK)...

Inmarsat, the renowned company in global, mobile satellite communications, is giving free connectivity to maritime crews around the globe that use its Fleet Hotspot service. Free connectivity to maritime crews Given the critical role that connectivity plays in crew welfare, Inmarsat will deliver 250 MB of free data to active Fleet Hotspot accounts on December 24, 2021.The seasonal gift will be automatically topped up to active crew accounts. The free 250 MB is available for a variety of conne...

Unmanned Survey Solutions are delighted to welcome Phil Crump (IHO Category A Hydrographic Surveyor) to their team.  Vast marine industry knowledge Phil Crump has excellent knowledge and experience with a range of survey equipment and processing software, post having completed projects, including navigation surveys for UKHO, wreck investigations, sub-sea inspections, pre- and post-lay surveys, and subsea photogrammetry. He is now skilled in the mobilisation of nearshore and offshore vess...

A North East technology business is looking to haul in a big catch of new clients, after becoming the only provider in the north of England, to secure government accreditation for a state-of-the-art tracking device, used in the commercial fishing industry.  Succorfish attains MMO’s approval Succorfish is one of just four firms to successfully complete the Marine Management Organisation’s (MMO) extensive approvals process, for Inshore Vessel Monitoring Systems (I-VMS), which ar...

FESCO Transportation Group (FESCO) is expanding the geography of transit routes and is launching a regular intermodal container service, FESCO West Gate Bridge, from countries of the Asia-Pacific region to ports of Europe, via Vladivostok and Kaliningrad in Russia. FESCO West Gate Bridge service The new service, FESCO West Gate Bridge, includes marine shipment by regular FESCO lines, from the Asia-Pacific region to the Commercial Port of Vladivostok (CPV, part of the FESCO Group), then by a re...