NYK Selects KVH mini-VSAT Broadband for Containerships

Following extensive onboard tests of maritime communications systems, Tokyo-based Nippon Yusen Kaisha (NYK Line) is adding the award-winning TracPhone V7 satellite communications system from KVH Industries, Inc., (Nasdaq: KVHI) to its containerships.  The systems will use KVH’s global mini-VSAT Broadband service, which is being provided by KVH’s partner, SKY Perfect JSAT, under the OceanBB brand name. NYK’s fleet includes containerships, Pure Car Truck Carriers (PCTCs), dry bulk carriers, crude oil tankers, and LNG tankers, more than 100 of which will be equipped with broadband service to support NYK’s IBIS (Innovative Bunker and Idle-time Saving) project with real-time communications between ships and staff on shore.

“NYK is an industry leader that is constantly innovating and improving its shipping and logistics operations with the aim of optimizing safety, economy, and protection of the environment,” says Brent C. Bruun, KVH’s senior vice president of global sales and business development. “Their industry-leading IBIS project, which helps improve the operation of their ships and reduce CO2 emissions, requires delivering real-time weather and sea current forecasts to the ship and automatically sending ship operation data back to shore for ongoing analysis. The improved connectivity provided by our mini-VSAT Broadband service will allow for greater information sharing and collaboration between NYK employees on vessels and shore, increasing both safety and efficiency. It also provides affordable communications for crew members to communicate with their families or use the Internet.”

With more than 2,000 onboard terminals sold, mini-VSAT Broadband is the world’s fastest growing, most popular maritime VSAT solution. The network uses ArcLight spread spectrum technology, which was developed by KVH’s partner, ViaSat, Inc. (Nasdaq: VSAT), specifically for mobile use. ArcLight is unique due to its efficient reuse of satellite channels, fast speed, low latency, and its ability to support very small antennas that provide reliable service, even in poor weather conditions.

KVH manufactures three onboard antennas for the mini-VSAT Broadband network – the award-winning 24″ diameter TracPhone V7, the compact, 14.5″ diameter TracPhone V3, which is the world’s smallest maritime VSAT antenna, and soon, the new dual-mode TracPhone V11, which will provide coverage of 95% of the Earth thanks to its ability to receive both C- and Ku-band satellite signals.  The mini-VSAT Broadband service equips vessels with the highest data rates available today with downloads as fast as 4 Mbps and uploads as fast as 1 Mbps, as well as Voice over IP (VoIP) telephone lines with optimized service and prioritization of applications.

“The market for mini-VSAT Broadband is expanding rapidly in the Asia-Pacific region as leading companies like NYK realize the benefits of onboard broadband. We expect that many major commercial fleets will follow this example, and look forward to working with our local partners to provide outstanding customer support for key solutions such as NYK’s IBIS project,” added Mr. Bruun. “KVH’s combination of affordable commercial-grade service, outstanding global support, and compact hardware offers the perfect solution for diverse fleets like NYK Line.”