Korean shipping company KSS Line is to implement a new ‘Smart Ship’ package from Hyundai Global Services (HGS) across its shipping fleet, supported by integrated satellite communications on Inmarsat’s Fleet Xpress service.
This is the first time that the Integrated Smart Ship (ISS) system from shipbuilder Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) will be delivered as a single package with satcoms included.
“This is a breakthrough for our Integrated Smart Ship and Satellite Communications solution and a milestone for maritime digitalisation, delivering always-on IoT in a single package with dedicated bandwidth that can be installed on existing ships or embedded at newbuild,” said Kyoungsoo Ahn, HGS Director.
The roll-out will include the Integrated Smart Ship (ISS) IoT platform developed by HHI Group to support vessel operation and device optimisation, connected via Inmarsat’s Fleet Connect dedicated bandwidth service, delivered on a separate channel from other vessel communications.
Connection to the Inmarsat network will be provided by Intellian’s GX60NX 65cm maritime antenna, built specifically for Inmarsat’s Fleet Xpress services.
“Our plan is for our entire fleet to be operating using the Integrated Smart Ship and Satellite Communications solutions by 2021,” said KSS Line, in a statement.
“KSS Line is committed to continuous enhancement of its Information Communication Technology (ICT) environment to maximise fleet efficiency and reinvest the resulting savings into its business expansion.”
A total of 15 ships are covered by the contract, including five new vessels and 10 already in operation. The five new ships will be equipped with ISS systems from delivery, while the 10 existing vessels will be provided with separate supporting web services to relay weather conditions and ship locations.
“We are delighted to be working with Hyundai Global Services and Intellian on this new Integrated Smart Ship solution with a line-fit satellite communications service at its heart, which means that an owner such as KSS can benefit from a service that is built-in by the shipyard and fully operational on delivery,” said Inmarsat Maritime President Ronald Spithout.
“It is especially pleasing to see that our new digital solution, Fleet Connect, will be a vital part of the service which highlights how Fleet Xpress is so much more than just a VSAT connectivity pipe.”
This deal has grown out of existing collaboration agreements signed between HGS, Intellian and Inmarsat last year. Intellian and HGS signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to work together in July 2019, and a similar arrangement between HGS and Inmarsat was signed in June 2019 at the Nor-Shipping exhibition in Oslo.
