Internet Access

First Deployment of a Kymeta Sat Antenna

FMC GlobalSat has deployed the world’s first use of the Kymeta software-steered satellite antenna aboard a sportfishing yacht, delivering satellite and wireless network access through its 4G/LTSAT service. Through this solution, the award-winning S.Y. Bad Daddy, a 76-foot Spencer, has global access to FMC GlobalSat’s 4G/LTSAT converged communications platform to receive uninterrupted network connectivity in port and at sea. The solution aboard the S.Y. Bad Daddy leverages a Kymeta…

KVH Unveils New LTE System for Offshore Internet Access

Satellite communications provider KVH Industries, Inc. announced it is introducing an all-in-one solution for boaters looking for higher data speeds and greater Internet range offshore than what the average cellphone can provide.The new TracPhone LTE-1 marine communications system is designed to provide Internet access in U.S. waters more than 20 miles offshore, with data download speeds up to 100 Mbps. The LTE-A (LTE Advanced) system is compact and affordable enough for a vast…

Glomex Expands Internet Antenna with Pro Model

Glomex Marine Antennas USA has enhanced its Internet antenna with a professional model. Its weBBoat 4G PRO features commercial-grade construction and components, including an upgraded router and advanced software, and comes with a five-year warranty.The weBBoat 4G PRO receives 4G/3G and Wi-Fi signals up to 20 miles away, and amplifies and redistributes them throughout the vessel via a hotspot or Ethernet. Dual SIM card slots and 4G diversity wideband antennas combine with a high-performance 3G/4G router to provide simultaneous Internet access for up to 32 devices…

VesselVanguard Adds Functionality to App

VesselVanguard, a leading maintenance management solution for boat owners and manufacturers, announced the launch of its next-generation user interface including off-line functionality. Redesigned for enhanced functionality, the all new VesselVanguard website offers streamlined access to private boat profiles that track and organize maintenance tasks for every piece of equipment onboard a vessel, sends task alerts for necessary service, is able to assign maintenance tasks via email directly to contractors and certified technicians, organizes warranty data and includes digitized user manuals.

VesselVanguard Unveils New User Interface and APP

VesselVanguard, a maintenance management solution for boat owners and manufacturers, has announced the launch of its nextgeneration user interface including off-line functionality. Significantly redesigned for enhanced functionality, the all new VesselVanguard website offers streamlined access to private boat profiles that track and organize maintenance tasks for every piece of equipment onboard a vessel, sends task alerts for necessary service, is able to assign maintenance tasks via email directly to contractors and certified technicians…

Kymeta, e3 Systems Perform First Superyacht Sea Trials

Kymeta, together with exclusive superyacht distribution partner e3 Systems, revealed that the superyacht White Rose of Drachs has been performing the first-ever motor yacht sea trials with Kymeta communications solutions over the last several months with successful results. The two companies worked with the owner, captain and IT manager of the White Rose to perform the months-long sea trial, and outfitted the yacht with four Kymeta KyWay terminals. The terminals were tested with various MIR/CIR services from maritime satellite service providers…

New Antenna Brings Internet and Hi-Def TV on Board

Shakespeare has expanded boaters' ability to stay in touch with the world with its new WebWatch, an all-in-one Wi-Fi hotspot and high-definition television (HDTV) antenna that can keep devices connected to the Internet from nearby Wi-Fi hotspots or cellular data. Designed to be fast, reliable and tailored for long range reception, it provides increased reception and more range than PC and mobile device wireless data connections. WebWatch provides Internet access for up to 32 users from nearby Wi-Fi or, with a data-only AT&T SIM card, a cellular network, with speeds up to 4G.

KVH Extends Satcom Choices with TracPhone Fleet One

KVH Industries, Inc. (KVHI) announced the introduction of the TracPhone Fleet One marine satellite communications antenna system, a 28 cm diameter unit designed for vessels needing global satellite phone service and basic satellite Internet access. The TracPhone Fleet One complements KVH’s other Inmarsat-based offerings in the FleetBroadband family and its own TracPhone product line for mini-VSAT Broadband service. Utilizing Inmarsat’s airtime service, the TracPhone Fleet One offers satellite phone service everywhere at sea except the polar regions…

New Antenna for Wi-fi Internet Access Afloat

Digital Yacht's new, budget priced WL70 wi-fi antenna aims to bring reliable, long range wi-fi connectivity to an on board laptop PC or MAC, according to its manufacturer. More and more boaters want access to the internet afloat, says Digital Yacht. Marinas and ports as well as a large number of cafes, hotels, restaurants and service providers offer wi-fi connectivity, but that vital connection might be missed if moored or anchored away from the dock – especially when below deck about to enjoy a movie or catch up on email.

Online at Sea: Cruise Company Debuts Social Media Flat Fee

The advent of broadband at sea continues to expand, as German cruis brand AIDA introduces a flat-fee for social media networks onboard its ships. AIDA Cruises is introducing an Internet flat fee for social media networks on board its ships. For 4 euros per day, or 19 euros per week, passengers will be able to share their experiences on board with friends in popular social networks, such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or WhatsApp. “The use of mobile devices is continuously growing.

Seapilot Navigation App Available for Windows Mobile Devices

True Heading announced the release of its Seapilot Navigation app for Windows mobile devices today. The Seapilot Navigation app had previously been available for Apple and Android devices. The app is now available for free download on the Windows Phone Store. Early Windows Store reviews, however, indicate required in-app purchases. The product's fine print indicates a free 36-hour trail period "with all functionality and all charts available for evaluation before purchase." Users also complained about a lack of maps for US coastal waters. The app displays S-57 vector chart data on its proprietary chart engine.

Seapilot Navigation App Released

Seapilot has released its navigation app for Windows mobile devices. Continuing its focus on mobility, the Seapilot Navigation app, originally available on Apple and Android devices, is now available for free from the Windows Phone Store. The Seapilot Navigation app displays S-57 vector chart data on its proprietary chart engine. When used with a direct GPS connection, the app shows position and presents up-to-the-minute AIS data on most portable devices. The Seapilot app is capable of displaying current position information…

China Launches First Maritime Silk Road Cruise Liner

China has launched its first cruise liner to sail via its ambitious transcontinental initiative Maritime Silk Road (MSR) on its maiden voyage during which it will visit three South-East Asian nations. The liner has scheduled stops in Vietnam, the Gulf of Thailand and Malaysia before eventually reaches Kuantan Port in Malaysia. The cruise liner set off from the Beihai port in southwest China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. The 135-m-long 20-m-wide modern cruise ship can accommodate about 400 people and is equipped with wireless Internet access.

True Heading to Debut Seapilot in North America

True Heading, a manufacturer of Automatic Identification System (AIS) and telematics solutions, announced it will launch its pleasure boat specific AIS/navigation brand, Seapilot, in North America. Providing professional-level AIS performance, Seapilot offers both software and hardware solutions to the recreational boater. Built to the highest of standards, the easy-to-use Seapilot Navigation app utilizes S-57 vector chart data displayed on its proprietary chart engine, combined with a direct GPS connection for position and to present up-to-the-minute AIS data on portable devices including iPads and iPhones.

iSeaglobal Offer Mediterranean Yachts Faster Broadband

iSeaglobal says its new upgraded ku band network supplies up to 25 Mbps broadband speed in the Mediterranean. This service, especially tailored to provide internet access on mega yachts, is designed on a 5 satellite constellation which allows an ideal back-up on the MED area. The suppliers explain that high quality Internet connection and multimedia content delivery on mega yachts have become one of the main requirements for yacht owners. Today, most yachts require high speed, flexible, reliable, efficient and continuous connectivity for the owners, guests and crew.

Internet at Sea: Staying Connected

The maritime industry is at a crossroads, with a dearth of next-generation talent willing and available for a life at sea, yet increasing demands for efficiency and clarity of operations. At this crossroads lies modern communication technology, the connective tissue that can help to cure many of the industry’s ills, as Frank Coles, President of Inmarsat Maritime, contends. Commercial shipping will always remain a pivotal link in the global transport chain, but the very nature…

Bon Voyage System (BVS) for Yachts Launched by AWT

Provider of fleet optimization services & onboard voyage management software, Applied Weather Technology, Inc. (AWT), a StormGeo company, says it has launched Bon Voyage System (BVS) for Yachts; an easy-to-use on-board software system for voyage planning that provides up-to-date weather forecasts and ocean data for yacht captains, owners and charterers. With the launch of this product, AWT, known for its reliable voyage planning products and services in the maritime shipping industry, branches into a new market. "AWT is well…

A New Standard in Marine Communications

KVH provides and Harvey Gulf employs possibly the most sophisticated on-board SATCOM and related service package on the water. That’s no accident. If quality service, high tech hardware and quality personnel are the common bonds shared by marine communications 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+ fleet to the latest and greatest equipment standard. From where they sit, that means KVH.

Grand Circle Cruises Buys 'MV Corinthian'

Vince Cook, CEO of Grand Circle Cruise Line, informs that the company has acquired the 'M/V Corinthian', a 98-passenger, ocean-going vessel that currently operates in Antarctica. They had chartered the ship for the past year and intend to expand the Corinthian's operations with the launch of three new small ship cruise itineraries in 2015. The ship was acquired for an undisclosed price from Travel Dynamics International, an operator of educational programs aboard small cruise ships…