Älvtank has begun an implementation project with Sea IT of Sweden to deliver a range of technology systems to two new vessels that are being added to the Älvtank fleet.

Maritime satellite antenna manufacturer Intellian has refuted media reports that cyber vulnerabilities in shipboard antennas could allow the systems to be hacked and used as a ‘microwave-based weapon’, telling Digital Ship that there is “no practical way” of successfully carrying out such an attack.

Germany-based Vertom-Bojen has agreed a new deal with NSSLGlobal to roll out VSAT services across its globally-trading fleet, the companies report.

A fleet of 16 dredging vessels owned and operated by CCCC Dredging Company (CDC), to be deployed in support of China’s port and infrastructure-building One Belt One Road Initiative, are to be fitted with Cobham SATCOM maritime antenna systems as part of a VSAT implementation project.

Dubai-based satellite services provider North Telecom has entered into a partnership agreement with Korean antenna manufacturer KNS, under which the companies will offer each other mutual support in building market share in the maritime communications sector.

Offshore support vessel (OSV) operator Uniwise Offshore Limited is to implement the Nava maritime broadband system from Thaicom across its entire fleet of approximately 30 vessels.

Marlink reports that it has expanded its global VSAT network with the addition of new satellites and beams in the Americas and in the Mediterranean, extending its coverage and bandwidth capacity across these regions.

Non-profit organisation Youth With A Mission Medical Ships Australia (YWAM MSA), which operates a medical ship serving the Papua New Guinea (PNG) region, has had the vessel’s VSAT communications contract with ITC Global extended by three years.

Iridium has completed the seventh successful launch in its Iridium NEXT satellite programme, with only one further launch remaining to complete the full constellation.