Comms package for deep-sea tugs

Deployment on four of the vessels already has been completed. According to Stratos, by ensuring reliable broadband connectivity at sea, the new package is said to help Fairplay achieve optimal vessel performance, improved business operations and increased crew productivity. The installation includes AmosConnect 8 – Stratos’ maritime communications application – to improve management of all inter-office communications.

Fairplay Towage is employing Stratos’ AmosConnect Crew Comm Center, which enables personnel at sea access to calling, private email and SMS at flat global rates, a solution which Stratos says helps retain qualified seafarers. The application features a separate account for each crew member. Fairplay expects to include the latest version, featuring ‘Internet café’ functionality, later this year.

Based in Hamburg, Fairplay Towage is a leading tugboat operator in Hamburg, Rotterdam, Antwerp, Rostock, Wismar, Szczecin and Swinoujscie. Its fleet includes 27 modern vessels for harbour, coastal and deep-sea towage. The Fairplay Towage contract is the latest example of Stratos’ deployment of Fleet Broadband on a wide range of vessel types across all major geographic regions. Stratos says it has activated more than 6,700 Fleet Broadband terminals, which brought it recognition as the Inmarsat partner making the greatest contribution to Fleet Broadband growth.

“Fleet Broadband enables us to achieve faster data transmission and better voice quality than the legacy systems we previously used – at a lower cost. The system helps us improve business management by increasing the performance of many of the IP-based applications we already deploy,” said Fairplay Towage’s information technology manager Thomas Wesselski. “Also, the wide range of Stratos value-added services – including onboard firewall and online invoicing – help ensure high security and strict cost control.”

Stratos president and CEO Jim Parm said, “As with other shipping companies, progressive towage operators are continually seeking the most advanced communications systems to maximize applications, reduce costs and improve crew welfare. With this Fleet Broadband deployment, we look forward to helping Fairplay Towage use our expanding range of new applications to maintain high operating efficiency and a competitive advantage.”