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• Lloyd's List Intelligence extends partnership with ORBCOMM for satellite AIS data
  in Communications & Cyber Security

  Lloyd’s List Intelligence has extended its contract with ORBCOMM through 2023 for ORBCOMM’s satellite Automatic Identification System (AIS) data used for ship tracking and maritime navigation and safety.

• ORBCOMM launches LoRa IoT solution for container monitoring
  in Software, Big Data & IoT

  ORBCOMM has expanded its portfolio of onboard vessel IoT systems to include LoRa WAN (LoRa) technology. Through a partnership with Net Feasa, a global IoT service provider based in Dingle, Ireland and Sunnyvale, CA, ORBCOMM has deployed the first commercially available solution using LoRa technology to monitor containers onboard vessels for a large global shipping line.

• ORBCOMM launches dual-mode ST 9100 terminal for IoT applications
  in Software, Big Data & IoT

  ORBCOMM has launched the ST 9100, a next-generation, dual-mode telematics device targeted for monitoring and controlling assets in the most remote geographies around the world.

• Halifax streamlines port operations with Saab IT system
  in Software, Big Data & IoT

  The Halifax Port Authority has awarded Saab a contract to supply a Port Management Information System (PMIS). The system will streamline port operations, allowing port departments, 80 service providers, customers and other members of the port community to further improve their collaboration.

  The Port of Halifax is a full-service, deep water port on the eastern seaboard of Canada and the only east coast Canadian port that can receive Ultra Class Container Vessels carrying over 10,000 TEU’s. The Port is of great economic significance to Canada, connecting Halifax to 150 countries.

  “The contract for the Port of Halifax further strengthens our position in the port management market, not only in North America, but worldwide,” said Tomas Hjelmberg, head of Saab's Maritime Traffic Management Department. “The Port has a grand technology innovation plan and we are proud to have been chosen as their visionary partner. Our cooperation with the Port will significantly boost our product innovation.”

  The PMIS automates the planning and execution of a wide variety of port operations, from everything related to vessel visits such as resources and services, to complex multi-dimensional client contracts. An important aspect is the resulting accurate billing of services rendered. 

  “We are a data driven port. We expect the PMIS to be the single source of information that will transform our business. It will make operations transparent to all members in the port community in real time. It will also make it much easier to measure performance,” said Captain Allan Gray, president and CEO of the Halifax Port Authority. “We decided to work with  Saab because of their track record. They have the best mix of functionality, cost and proven results in the market.”

  The PMIS will be delivered by Saab’s Port Management in Vancouver, along with a multi-year support contract and is scheduled for completion in Q4 of 2021.

• A giant leap forward for maritime IoT
  in Software, Big Data & IoT

  Author: Andrew Loretta, director, maritime business development for ORBCOMM.

  We are proud to be a part of the recently announced partnership with AAC Clyde Space AB and SAAB AB that is ushering in a new era in maritime communications through the development of the next generation of a space-based very high frequency (VHF) Data Exchange System (VDES). As the maritime industry embraces digitalisation, we expect a greater emphasis on secure data exchange and ship to shore communication—and we look forward to facilitating this shift in operations through our technology in conjunction with our partners.

  As long-term providers of automatic identification system (AIS) solutions and a touchpoint for space-based maritime data, we at ORBCOMM relish the opportunity to demonstrate the benefits that the significantly increased bandwidth that VDES will offer not just our maritime customers but the supply chain as a whole.

  With up to 32 times more bandwidth than currently offered by AIS and two-way communication, the ground-breaking new system is the next natural step for satellite technology and will allow users to completely rethink the way they manage their fleets. VDES bridges the gap between ship and shore in a way that the industry has been crying out for.

  One of the changes we are most excited about is how innovators now have an open playing field to craft interesting technical solutions specifically for the maritime world without having to scale back their imaginations to match the limited accessibility. The sky is literally the limit once these new satellites come into play and we are keen to work with newcomers and support existing companies with bringing their visions to life so that they can propel this industry forward.
  
  We have already seen how our AIS data is used not just for real-time vessel and asset tracking, but also as a base line from which interesting insights can be drawn about the global fleet. A good example is a recent article by maritime expert and Navigate PR director Bill Lines, who used our partner Marine Traffic’s data in conjunction with information from the Baltic Exchange to create a snapshot of tanker operating expenses.  

  We already know that VDES can be integrated with existing vessel systems and we are keen to see how ship operators, managers and equipment manufacturers will use this data highways to improve navigation, boost safety, enforce regulations, reduce emissions via fuel consumption, and improve on-board decision making by delivering data-driven insight.

  Work on the project begins next month when AAC Clyde Space will begin manufacturing the satellite that will boast a VDES payload from Saab. We expect to complete the in-orbit VDES capability demonstration of the first EPIC 3U satellite in the first quarter 2023 and are happy to say that ORBCOMM customers can expect to receive AIS data from the new satellite and so will benefit from the project as it comes on line.

  As a larger constellation of VDES satellites is contemplated, we look forward to being the conduit for better-quality data in larger quantities. Our considerable IoT experience puts us in a prime position to reap the benefits of the technology as it evolves, and we are excited to work with our partners and guide them on the best path to maximize the benefits of using VDES technology.

  To learn more about the project, we encourage you to watch this video, which features Greg Flessate, ORBCOMM senior vice president and general manager for Government, AIS and Business Operations, as well as AAC Clyde Space chief executive officer Luis Gomes and Saab’s Christer Fuglesang being interviewed by Rachel Carroll, president and managing partner at Edison.