Page 42: of Maritime Reporter Magazine (July 2018)

DIGITALIZATION & COMMUNICATION

The VSAT Migration

Shipowners who want to get the value out of data, applications and smarter shipping have realized that VSAT is the new L-Band, says Malcolm McMaster

At Globecomm we spend as much time exotic notions, provision of such infor- ment services are all further increasing dent. It’s critical that operators protect as possible talking to shipowners about mation is now the price of doing busi- demand. In an ever-more connected themselves from the risks of cyber-at- their communications needs. It’s always ness for serious operators. shipping industry, VSAT also presents tack and have in place the resilience they a rewarding conversation because we the opportunity to leverage asset track- need to operate securely. hear about what they actually do with ing and remote diagnostics using the In- Globecomm uses its Nimbus Pro 2.) Prices are Lower bandwidth, which gives us insight into To realize the opportunities of smart ternet of Things, without the constraints smartbox to create private networks what systems and solutions might suit shipping means overcoming historical familiar to L-Band. over all circuits, something few other them best. Over the last decade that resistance to an increased focus – and Where once users of L-Band systems connectivity providers can claim. Using would almost always mean L-Band therefore spending – on communica- would have to choose between busi- private IP and tunneling over controlled satellite systems; but this is changing. tions. ness and crew communications, VSAT networks provides a double layer of se-

These days the conversation might start In fact, the majority of maritime com- has the ability to provide that capacity curity. Using a private satellite network at L but more often than not it ends at munications users these days recognize on-demand, responding to short term protects the ship’s terminal from unau-

V. VSAT has changed too. From expen- that not only has the cost of maritime spikes while always keeping the vessel thorized transmissions, and blocking sive, complex to buy, install and operate, communications fallen consistently for a in touch. mechanisms provide further protection. and sometimes quite constrained in ac- decade, but that spending on better con- Shore to ship connections are always tual throughput, VSAT is fast becoming nectivity can drive value into their op- encrypted using the latest standards and 4.) Ships Need Crew the new L-Band as far as many shipping erations. To do this takes commitment The demand of crew connectivity is end-to-end connectivity is via a private customers are concerned – simple, af- to understanding business requirements; stronger still and will continue to grow, IP space with no exposure to the public fordable and ? exible. which services ? t what pro? le and how even as automation increases in the internet. Nimbus also ensures the sepa-

VSAT can solve many connectivity is- they can be managed so as to control shipping industry. At a recent shipping ration of crew and business networks so sues at a stroke: higher bandwidth, better costs while unlocking the potential of industry event, the CEO of a leading a malware infection cannot spread from speed and greater availability to name new applications and greater bandwidth. tanker company noted that the ? rst ques- one to the other.

just three. It’s a highly effectively way Costs still need to be managed – there tion prospective recruits ask its crewing of increasing capacity and enabling the are plenty of examples of owners install- agent is not about the company safety

The end of L-Band?

data to ? ow, though it does need more ing VSAT technology and quickly ? nd- record, but whether there is broadband Perhaps not quite yet. There will be attention to bandwidth management and ing their systems overloaded and their access onboard ship. a need for L-Band at least as long as understanding of how to get the best out ‘unlimited’ or ‘all you can eat’ plans True, there are changes taking place GMDSS services use it for mandated of applications and processes that drive come with caveats. A clear view of us- here too – greater automation and use of safety services, and most if not all VSAT more connected operations. age needs can avoid this issue. sensors suggest that crew numbers will installations still use L-Band as back-up

Here are ? ve compelling reasons why fall progressively in the decades to come. at present.

owners are increasingly interested in As this change happens, most owners And the above should not be taken to 3.) Applications Improve

Ku-Band VSAT service. Perhaps the most important factor in agree that they would prefer to minimize indicate that Globecomm Maritime is embracing new technology in shipping crew numbers rather than make the leap about to stop providing L-Band solu- 1.) Shipping is Changing is to properly understand how enhanced into the unknown of autonomous ships. tions. They remain a core offering along-

Vessel operators are constantly looking communications can support smarter And even a smaller crew can drive side VSAT and hybrid ‘near-shore’ LTE- for ways to optimize ef? ciency, reduce operations. In most cases, it will mean signi? cant bandwidth demand, certainly based options.

costs and improve pro? tability, a com- greater collection of data – whether for more than L-Band systems can sup- But think of it this way. The effect of bination of requirements that requires regulatory compliance or for perfor- port, and enough to take a large share technology is sometimes a function not embracing new technologies while also mance monitoring. of a ship’s monthly allowance. Social of its impact when it is released, but managing investment risk. Traditionally, the data needs of many media, video messaging, web browsing when it has become part of the fabric;

The opportunity afforded by bet- shipping companies have been small – at and similar applications are all ways in once the kinks have been worked out, the ter ship-shore connectivity is the most least in comparison to other industries. which crew will access the internet if price has settled and the infrastructure is direct pathway to achieving these im- For some basic processes that will con- they have the opportunity. in place to support the services and ap- provements, and operators are adopting tinue, but the availability of lower cost plications that run on it. the tools; data collection and analysis, bandwidth is driving new applications Few if any people would really trade 5.) Security ? eet management and video monitoring. such as video and real-time voyage mon- Cyber security is certainly possible their smartphone for the cellphone that

And at the higher level, enhanced con- itoring that will increase the data load. using L-Band, but it is likely that any gave them only expensive phone calls nectivity is able to help owners do what Applications in the front of bridge upgrade to networks, software and and texts, cool though that seemed at they must do above all: retain their cus- space – notably navigation charts – are hardware necessary to shut the door on the time. VSAT is that smartphone, and tomers. driving the need for bandwidth while at scams, malware and malicious hacks there is no turning back, its time is now.

In a digital business environment, that the back of bridge, demand is explod- will probably also require an upgrade of means providing increasing visibility on ing. Here, the use of ? eet and voyage more than just the email software. vessels, cargoes, arrivals and departures, management systems, next generation As the old saying goes, if you think By Malcolm McMaster, President, even carbon and other emissions. Once weather routing and secondary manage- safety is expensive, try having an acci- Globecomm Maritime 42 Maritime Reporter & Engineering News • JULY 2018

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