The Grimaldi Group has concluded two new contracts with satellite service provider Telespazio to upgrade the satellite communications capacity on the fleet of cargo and passenger vessels operated by the Naples-based shipping group.
The first agreement provides for the management of onboard communications for the Ro/Ro, Ro/Ro multi-purpose and PCTC (Pure Car & Truck Carrier) vessels in the Grimaldi Fleet, which operate between Northern Europe, North and South America, West Africa, and the Mediterranean.
Specifically, Telespazio will be responsible for the design and supply of the onboard systems for satellite communications and related broadband services, including back-up, on a multi-regional basis. These services will be provided via Telespazio’s satellite platform operated from the Fucino Space Centre in L’Aquila, Italy.
The second agreement covers the provision of upgraded voice and data communications services for crew and passengers on Grimaldi’s mixed cargo/passenger ships currently operating in the Mediterranean, between Italy, Greece, Spain, Tunisia, Morocco and Malta.
The overall value of both agreements between Telespazio and the Grimaldi Group is calculated at approximately €5 million. Telespazio is a joint venture between Leonardo (which owns 67%) and Thales (owning 33%).