Tanker giant Teekay has extended its satellite communications contract with NSSLGlobal for another four years, expanding the agreement to include upgraded bandwidth capabilities for the fleet, as well as a range of additional value added services for crew welfare and network management.
The deal, an extension of a relationship between the companies dating back to 2004, includes installation of NSSLGlobal’s new virtualised Cruise Control+ appliance and the rollout of CrewVision, a crew entertainment service, in addition to NSSLGlobal’s VSAT IP@SEA service combining Ku- and C- band VSAT, with L-band back-up.
Cruise Control+ will be used by Teekay to manage connectivity for communications, entertainment and IT services on board its vessels within a single integrated platform, adding additional security features such as an embedded VPN, an integrated Unified Threat Management (UTM) system with a Layer 7 firewall, gateway anti-virus, deep packet inspection, as well as intrusion detection and prevention capabilities.
All devices connected to Teekay’s vessel networks will be centrally monitored and reported by the system using a SIEM and Log Management capability, to further improve network security.
Meeting digitalisation challenges
“As a communications partner to Teekay for 15 years, NSSLGlobal has developed a hugely valuable understanding of our business and have proven their ability to deliver a robust and flexible service that continues to exceed expectations and to plan for future requirements,” said Deborah Sloan, Contract/Category Specialist, Strategic Development, Teekay.
“The cybersecurity assurance and IT managed services provided by the Cruise Control+ upgrade will help us to eliminate some of the challenges created by digitalisation and give us more freedom to focus on each vessel’s operational and crew welfare priorities.”
The CrewVision system included in the package will offer Teekay seafarers the opportunity to access live news, films, sports and TV programmes on board via the satellite system, but without affecting the vessel’s bandwidth. Also included is NSSLGlobal’s INSIGHT Management Overview Portal, which provides a custom-built central dashboard with real-time visibility of operational parameters on each vessel, including VSAT status, UTM Layer 7 traffic, data usage and billing.
“I’m delighted that this new contract is testament to the close personal relationship we have developed over the years with Teekay,” said Priya Patel, APAC Regional Sales Director, NSSLGlobal.
“We have a strong team here, and by working closely with our colleagues across NSSLGlobal we have provided Teekay with peace of mind that the company as a whole will support them globally. With this contract upgrade, Teekay can depend on our outstanding service and support for many more years to come.”
