Press release
World's First Installation For FB150
10-07-2009 - Inmarsat (LSE: ISAT), the leading provider of global mobile satellite communications services, today announced the first installation of the FleetBroadband 150 (FB150) service onboard tug Miclyn Enterprise.
The successful installation of the SAILOR 150 FleetBroadband system was managed by Thrane & Thrane's Certified Partner, Jason Electronics, at the Jalan Brigjen Katamso shipyard in Batam, Indonesia.
Installation aboard Miclyn Enterprise, a multipurpose offshore support vessel owned by Miclyn Express Offshore, was completed in just 15 minutes, and the first email sent and telephone call made within the hour.
The award-winning FleetBroadband service is the first maritime communications solution to provide cost-effective broadband data and voice, simultaneously, through a compact antenna on a global basis. Through the entry-level FB150 service, small and medium-sized vessels now have access to the internet at up to 150kbps, as well as high-quality voice calls and SMS. FB150 delivers a global service using the advanced Inmarsat-4 satellites, with assured service into the 2020s.
Commenting on the FB150 installation, Darren Ang, COO of Miclyn Offshore Transport said, "With the recommendation from Jason Electronics, our trusted contractor, we came to know and understand the advantages of using FB150. FleetBroadband will enable our crew onboard to have access to emails at faster speed and lower cost. This will improve efficiency in communication with our offices worldwide."
"FB150 has been designed to provide owners of smaller vessels with professional grade communications, delivering the benefits of internet access through FleetBroadband's IP data capability, but at an affordable rate," said Piers Cunningham, Maritime Business Director for Inmarsat.
"FB150 is a quantum leap forward for smaller maritime enterprises requiring better connectivity and improved efficiency, ensuring smooth, uninterrupted operations at sea. With 3,000 global installations of FleetBroadband, the service really is exceeding everyone' s expectations," he added.
Jens Ewerling, Product Line Manager for Maritime Satcom at Thrane & Thrane said, "The installation on Miclyn Enterprise is the first of many for Miclyn Express Offshore. We will be equipping many more of their vessels with the SAILOR 150 FleetBroadband. Thrane & Thrane is excited to be the first on the market with such a compact system that offers true global IP data and high quality voice."
SAILOR 150 FleetBroadband is designed to provide global, high-quality voice and data to professional vessels, such as workboats and fishing vessels, as well as small power and sail boats, without any compromise in quality, reliability, performance or longevity.
Ewerling added, "The SAILOR 150 FleetBroadband is an affordable and reliable solution that caters to a wide target market. The service enters the market at a very mature level, coming from the same family as the already well-proven and highly successful SAILOR 250 and 500 FleetBroadband products."
