Pacific International Lines (PIL) is undergoing a major digitalisation upgrade across its fleet, announcing a VSAT installation project covering approximately 100 vessels to boost its connectivity capabilities, as well as a five-year contract to roll out new project management software to organise all future dry-docking projects.
“As a progressive company, PIL is constantly looking for ways to achieve business excellence and optimise operational efficiency. With a fleet of around 100 vessels and over 4,000 seafarers, we recognise the benefits which digitalisation brings,” said Goh Chung Hun, General Manager, Fleet Division, PIL.
“With the reliable VSAT service, we are able to further digitalise our ship management practices, such as implementing predictive maintenance of machineries on board our ships. This is done through transmission of data from ship to shore for real-time data analysis to monitor machinery performance, predict failures and recommend maintenance windows.”
“In addition, the welfare of our seafarers is of utmost importance to us and having robust internet connection onboard our vessels allows our crew members to stay connected with their family members while they are at sea. We believe this contributes greatly towards the well-being of our seafarers.”
Singtel will be one of the partners delivering communications for 33 vessels in the PIL fleet, providing a bundle of services on KVH’s AgilePlans package, including TracPhone V7-HTS antenna hardware.
The system will offer two VSAT channels – a High-Speed Channel (10Mbps/3Mbps) for operational use by PIL, as well as an Unlimited Channel (2Mbps/512kbps) for more bandwidth intensive applications and for crew welfare systems such as VoIP and web browsing.
“The maritime industry has been impacted by the pandemic and during this time we have seen the demand for quality and consistent maritime communication skyrocket,” said Ooi Seng Keat, Vice President, Carrier Services, OTT and Satellites, Group Enterprise at Singtel.
“With our expertise in communications and technology, we are excited to be working with Pacific International Lines to modernise their VSAT communication infrastructure and be able to help seafarers keep connected through essential crew Wi-Fi and internet communications that is crucial for open-sea communications.”
Separately, a new project management software contract has been agreed with Maindeck, which will provide its application to PIL to manage dry-docking project specifications, compare yard quotations, update project progress, track costs and generate reports for stakeholders.
Maindeck’s API capabilities will also allow PIL to build integrations between the application and its other current tools, such as its PMS and procurement software, to exchange relevant data.
“For some time, we have wanted to improve the way dry-dockings are prepared and executed, so we evaluated various software applications and found what we were looking for in Maindeck,” said Ngiam Kiah Kwang, Fleet PMS Manager, PIL Singapore.
“It gives our Superintendents the tools to minimise budget overruns and delays, plus great reports and insights, while requiring less effort. The user friendliness and offline capability of their mobile app is also a huge plus.”
“Maindeck’s API portal allows us to integrate with other in-house applications, eliminating double entry and risk of errors by allowing selected information to flow between applications.”
