Telemar reports that it is to launch a new communications package called SeaMore, in conjunction with Vizada.
Telemar says that SeaMore will offer access to private onboard communications similar to GSM but without roaming costs, as well as incorporating maritime applications and the Vizada XChange communications management platform.
The company says that ship owners and managers can provide direct access to a network of business applications, via a tablet, to captains and superintendents.
These applications include real-time tracking and maintenance reporting with the Telemar World Service app, a GPS locator, weather forecasts, fleet surveillance categorised by fleet, ship or users, remote IT control, 'store & share' business content, and other customisable apps.
On the crew side, Telemar claims that seafarers will be able to use their private smartphones and tablets to connect to the system and communicate in a way similar to how they use onshore communications networks, with voice calls, optimised e-mailing, SMS and instant messaging.
Web browsing is also available, with compression and caching to lower costs.
An onboard electronic library will be incorporated, providing access to free onboard news and sports content as well as videos, music, e-books or other media content.
Shipping companies can set their own usage policies for the various services, while the seafarers themselves can also create personal cost monitoring alerts.
Telemar says that SeaMore is currently in the beta-testing phase and will be installed on a select number of ships before its full commercial launch by July 2012.
“SeaMore is a potential game-changer in the maritime industry – mobility combined with privacy are becoming a reality for all maritime end-users,” said Gennaro Faella, Telemar corporate business development and operations coordination director.
“Vizada’s enhanced solution development capabilities benefits from our close understanding of end-users’ needs to roll-out a unique product with high value in terms of simplicity, convenience and applications.”
“Owners and managers will exploit the bandwidth to save time and money handling operations anywhere and anytime. Masters and seafarers can access their favourite newspaper every morning, view family pictures in the privacy of their cabin, and chat with loved ones.”
Thedigitalship