Page 48: of Marine News Magazine (April 2014)

MARINE COMMUNICATIONS If quality service, high tech hardware and quality per- sonnel are the common bonds shared by marine commu- nications provider KVH and its customer Harvey Gulf International Marine, then the relationship is probably a match made in heaven. Harvey Gulf, already a long-time user of the KVH suite of services and equipment, is today converting every vessel in their rapidly expanding 60+ ß eet to the latest and greatest equipment standard. From where they sit, that means KVH.For its part, the business relationship allows KVH to showcase to every other customer and potential user as to what is actually possible at sea in todayÕs environment. And, that involves plenty. Talking about Harvey GulfÕs business model, Steve GrifÞ n, Sales Manager of the KVH Commercial Maritime, Mobile Broadband Group told MarineNews in March, ÒThey are a visionary company. They are building and adapting the capabilities of their supply boats. As they are constantly trying to be ahead of their competition, weÕre doing the same.Ó Quality Equipment for Quality OperatorsToday, Harvey Gulf International Marine and its Presi- dent and CEO Shane Guidry are known as high end pro- viders of multi-missioned offshore support vessels in the Gulf of Mexico, and beyond. Founded on the premise that superior performance and safer operations provide custom- ers with value and satisfaction, the Þ rmÕs environmental and safety record over time has few peers among competitors. In order to support Harvey GulfÕs HSE (Health, Safety, and Environment) vision to cause no harm to people, assets, or the environment, as well as its new ventures in the environ- mentally sensitive Alaskan oil and gas market, Harvey Gulf is updating its onboard communications solution. For Harvey GulfÕs diverse ß eet of vessels, ß exibility is the key. In addition, as a leader in HSE policies, Harvey Gulf continuously implements new solutions designed to make their vessels and crews safer and greener. Harvey Gulf chose KVHÕs mini-VSAT Broadband net- work to support a myriad of onboard applications, includ- ing: crew Internet access (for things like personal email and online banking), business email for training, reporting, au- diting, and other purposes, reliable voice communication in the event of incidents at sea or sick crew members. In addition to crucial everyday business communications, Harvey Gulf also utilizes mini-VSAT Broadband to stream video from onboard cameras that monitor cargo loading and unloading and other activities to ensure optimal operational efÞ ciency. This allows key operations to be monitored live and on demand by staff at the companyÕs headquarters, who can then address any concerns immediately. For instance, compliance with Harvey GulfÕs HSE vision statement can be ensured by monitoring hard hat use, and immediately contacting the crew to remedy any noncompliance. Steve GrifÞ n, Sales Manager of the KVH Commercial Maritime, Mobile Broadband Group adds, ÒEven though the satellite and broadband technology will change, the KVH platform is adaptable. Harvey Gulf is a long-term cli- ent. They saw the value in our systems and have started to use our technologies to stream video from the decks of their ships straight into their corporate conference room. Is there a competitive advantage to look at the deck of a ship at any point in time? Yes. This helps with compliance, productiv- A New Standard in Marine CommunicationsKVH provides and Harvey Gulf employs possibly the most sophisticated on- board SATCOM and related service package on the water. That?s no accident. By Joseph Keefe 48 MNApril 2014MN April14 Layout 32-49.indd 48MN April14 Layout 32-49.indd 483/21/2014 11:16:14 AM3/21/2014 11:16:14 AM