{mprestriction ids="1,2"}Implementation of the communications package is already underway, with a significant proportion of globally trading vessels in the fleet now up and running after installations were carried out in ports across the world.

Installations have also been undertaken on newbuild vessels in South Korea, Satcom Global says, with the implementation programme expected to be completed by the end of 2018.

The VSAT service will be delivered with guaranteed minimum bandwidth levels based on the Committed Information Rate (CIR) agreed under the deal, which the tanker operator says will help it to provide a greater breadth of connectivity options for its seafarers to stay in touch with home while working at sea.

“Crew welfare is of great importance to Euronav and the improved on-board connectivity Aura brings is a big step forward for our crew offering,” said Rudi Vander Eyken, group IT manager at Euronav.

“We were looking for a solution which could provide the optimal VSAT connection in terms of consistent service availability and reliability, and with Aura we get 99.5 per cent uptime within VSAT coverage.”

“With service quality guaranteed we know our crew enjoy an excellent user experience, at no detriment to the connectivity required for the operational demands of our vessels. Aura is helping us deliver on our promises and Satcom Global is committed to the ongoing development of the service as our needs grow.”

Aura is provided with a below deck rack that includes Satcom Global’s IPSignature 4 multi-function ‘smartbox’ as standard, which will be used to provide crew access via smartphones, tablets and laptops.

“Building on our long-term relationship with Euronav and understanding their high standards for onboard connectivity, we are delighted that the forward thinking tanker management company are investing in Satcom Global Aura as their VSAT solution of choice across their fleet,” said Ben Swallow, general manager VSAT, Satcom Global.

“We have listened to their needs and developed a solution that is flexible and meets all of their business and crew requirements.”{/mprestriction}