Connected in water.
The largest tugboat and tow operators rely on Connecta's satellite communication solutions.
Read storyBackground
As an essential part of maritime commerce, Connecta provides uninterrupted satellite communications to the largest tugboat operators in the United States.
Our customers manage tugboat operations in multiple ports on the Pacific and Atlantic coasts. From docking and undocking on the port to offshore towing, tanker escort, and emergency response, they work round the clock to haul barges and other cargo and container vessels and ships. They assist through some of the most challenging and sensitive waterways in the world.
Challenges
The major challenge was to establish a reliable network communication system that would keep them consistently connected for voice and video support, emails, data transfer, weather forecast, navigation support, and safety.
Prior to utilizing Connecta satellite solutions, they were using cellular connections, which did not provide a reliable network for immediate data transfer or any video or voice support, especially in the vast ocean. They did not have a router or any kind of set-up that could establish a strong and consistent communication system to streamline their operations and work efficiently.
Cost
The reliance on consistent communication is essential for tugboat operators. The limited cellular voice connectivity did not allow for the tugboat operators to assist vessels efficiently far from the shore, resulting in inefficient operations at scale.
The lack of internet connectivity did now allow for the operators to rely on data updates, such as instant weather conditions, messaging, and access to emails, for more efficient business operations.
Solution
Maritime Satellite Internet Solution.
We used a combination of satellite technology from Inmarsat’s network with FleetOne hardware and equipment, along with PredictWind and Xgate software, and consolidated everything into one system. This solution was installed on each of their vessels. Our client also wanted to make sure that this connection wasn’t used for anything other than business purposes. We achieved that by deploying local traditional routers that helped prevent additional traffic whenever someone tried to get on that network.
Results
As a result of these global solutions, our clients can be available 24/7 for any customer need as they have consistent connectivity for instant navigation, weather reports, and other support.
We trained the tugboat captains and first officers on how to use the system. We also trained their IT directors so that they could self-help or train their new captains to use the system, which is how the cost was worth the investment for our clients.
All the tugboats had unlimited and consistent access to the internet for
- The latest weather forecast
- The latest sea traffic report for updated navigation support
- Email support
- Voice and video support.
This Satcom internet solution was accessible globally and helped our client operate efficiently even at 500 miles from the shore.
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