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Iridium 9555 satellite handset with a new feature

June 10, 2010

Iridium Communications Inc. (Nasdaq:IRDM), the only provider of real global, mobile and reliable satellite phones, announces important new features for its Iridium 9555 satellite handset.

The latest firmware release for the Iridium 9555 includes the ability to directly interface with computers running on Windows XP, Vista and Windows 7, as well as Mac Version 10.4 or later.  The upgrades now make it easier for users to send and receive e-mails and exchange computer files through the Iridium satellite phone.  The Iridium 9555 connects to the laptop with a standard mini-USB cable.

In addition, the Iridium 9555 has enhanced short-message service (SMS) text capabilities.  Iridium 9555 users can now send and receive long SMS texts up to 1,000 characters in length to an e-mail address or mobile phone.  Previously, the Iridium 9555 offered the ability to text up to 160 characters.

“These new features will greatly enhance users’ experience with Iridium satellite phones and are part of our program of continuous product improvement,” said Joel Thompson, vice president of product management for Iridium.  “Since its introduction in 2008, the Iridium 9555 has maintained market leadership as the only satellite phone that provides dependable communications-on-the-move globally, including places where other satellite systems cannot reach.”

“The compact lightweight Iridium 9555 has established the standard for satellite phones in terms of convenience and portability,” said Thompson.  ”The Iridium 9555 has proved to be a critical communication link for relief and recovery operations during recent earthquakes and other natural disasters in which reliability and mobility are crucial.”

The Iridium 9555 phone uses the company’s constellation of 66 cross-linked satellites orbiting about 500 miles above the Earth’s surface.  The satellite orbits intersect over the North and South poles, providing complete coverage over the entire Earth’s surface.

About Iridium Communications Inc.

Iridium Communications Inc. is the only mobile satellite service (MSS) company offering coverage over the entire globe.  The Iridium constellation of low-earth orbiting (LEO) cross-linked satellites provides critical voice and data services for areas not served by terrestrial communication networks. Iridium serves commercial markets through a worldwide network of distributors, and provides services to the U.S. Department of Defense and other U.S. and international government agencies.  The company’s customers represent a broad spectrum of industry, including maritime, aeronautical, government/defense, public safety, utilities, oil/gas, mining, forestry, heavy equipment and transportation.  Iridium has launched a major development program for its next-generation satellite constellation, Iridium NEXT.  The company is headquartered in McLean, Va., USA and trades on the NASDAQ Global Market under the ticker symbols IRDM (common stock), IRDMW ($7.00 warrants), IRDMZ ($11.50 warrants) and IRDMU (units).

Livewire Connections launches “Spend Control” and “DNS Blocking”

June 09, 2010

Customer focused, Livewire Connections is pleased to announce “Spend Control” and “DNS Blocking” as part of their latest software upgrade.

“Users can be unaware that they are roaming or have an open data session and can soon find themselves using high volumes of data. Charges can accumulate rapidly, with no knowledge to the user until the invoice is received. We developed the Spend Control feature to directly tackle this and allow the user to control their off vessel communication costs,” Comments James Ashworth, Commercial Director of Livewire Connections.

Until now, there has been no simple method available to give the user the tools to effectively manage these costs on board. By setting alerts, limits and firewalls, costs can now be managed to meet the vessels onboard requirements. In conjunction with this is “DNS blocking”, which also offers additional security and can prevent heavy data use. This restricts the use of “bandwidth hungry” websites such as Facebook, You Tube and windows updates, which will run in the
background unless firewalled.

David Walker, Sales Director for Livewire Connections Ltd, talks about the latest development for the Access Controller and why it can save you money, “By enabling the user to set a limit, either financial or per MB, for off vessel connections through our new “Spend Control” feature, we are putting the control firmly in their hands. These limits can be set either per call, per day or per month and you can alert, block or drop the call as required. This feature comes as a free of charge upgrade on existing Access Controllers and as a standard feature on all new units.”

The system can manage up to 10 off vessel communications devices including Fleet Broadband, VSAT, Ir

BlueSolar Panels introduces on the market by Victron Energy

June 09, 2010

The use of solar panels has grown rapidly over the years. Unlike fossil fuels, the use of solar energy is environmentally friendly and a sustainable way to generate energy. Therefore, on June 7, 2010, Victron Energy introduces the BlueSolar Panels on the Dutch and international markets.

Skylla combination Photo Courtesy of Victro Energy

Maximum performance in sun and shadow

The BlueSolar panels from Victron Energy are of the highest quality: the high-transmission tempered glass provides enhanced stiffness and impact resistance. A sturdy, anodized aluminium frame allows modules to be easily roof- mounted with a variety of standard mounting systems. The BlueSolar panels have an exceptional low-light performance and a high sensitivity to light across the entire solar spectrum. When the panels are shaded, the high- performance bypass diodes minimize the power drop caused by the shade. The BlueSolar panels from Victron Energy have a 25-year limited warranty on power output and performance.

Solar Panels Victro Energy - Photo Courtesy of Victro Energy

Electricity at every location

With solar panels, sunlight can be directly converted to electricity. A solar panel can be installed at every location, providing electricity to remote areas or the average home. In The Netherlands the usage of solar panels is being stimulated by a wide range of subsidies.

Unlimited energy with Victron Energy

Victron Energy is a leading provider of power systems for electricity in specific locations. For both grid-connected and off-grid locations Victron Energy has a special set of solar-products: the Solar Switch, Solar Charge Controllers, the Solar Mobile Phone Charger and the BlueSolar Panels. Victron Energy offers a complete power supply, anywhere in the world……

McMurdo Ltd launches the brand new McMurdo SMARTFIND GMDSS NAVTEX

June 08, 2010

McMurdo Ltd, a company of the Orolia Group (NYSE Alternext Paris –FR0010501015 – ALORO) today launches its brand new NAVTEX Receiver, the McMurdo SMARTFIND GMDSS NAVTEX.

Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) NAVTEX is an IMO mandatory fit automatic maritime safety and weather information receiver. NAVTEX provides shipping and other marine users with vital navigational warnings, meteorological information and urgent safety information.

The SMARTFIND GMDSS NAVTEX provides clear and up-to-date NAVTEX maritime safety information  automatically delivered in bright colour-delineated text on a large 6 inch screen. Three parallel digital receivers simultaneously provide tri-channel monitoring of the international 518 KHz English language service, 490 KHz national language and the 4209.5 KHz long range NAVTEX services. McMurdo’s unique Enhanced Signal Monitoring, or ESM® feature, means extra-reliable message recovery and it greatly reduces message text errors.

NAVTEX Receiver

Easy to read in all light conditions the large daylight viewable 4-colour LCD screen has an adjustable backlight and three user selectable font sizes, medium, large or extra large for ease of use. Different message categories are coloured keyed according to the NAVTEX message type, Navigation Warning, Meteorological forecast or urgent search and rescue message making each message type instantly recognisable at a glance.

NAVTEX messages can be quickly reviewed in a short message listing and then opened in full to read the complete message text. Powerful automatic sorting features allow messages to be viewed pre-sorted by reception channel, station ID, message category type or age.  A quick index message listing page is provided, one for each channel that enables the user to quickly locate new or unread messages and messages that have been locked to prevent automatic deletion after 72 hours.

The McMurdo SMARTFIND GMDSS NAVTEX supports interface connection to Integrated Navigation System (INS) or electronic Chart Display and Information Systems (ECDIS) and the connection of a separate hard copy printer.  A wide range of antenna options include a heavy duty professional two band active antenna that is optimised to provide high quality reception of all recognised NAVTEX channels.

Monitoring and efficiency applications for K-Chief Automation System launched by KONGSBERG

June 07, 2010

Advanced vessel performance functionality supports Green Ship portfolio. Kongsberg Maritime will show three new monitoring and efficiency applications for its highly-regarded K-Chief automation system for the first time during Posidonia 2010. The ‘Fuel Saver’ applications have been developed as part of Kongsberg Maritime’s commitment to the Green Ship concept, and through the provision of detailed data and advice based on multiple factors including current engine use, can be used to enhance vessel performance and reduce emissions.

K-Chief Engine performance screen dump

The K-Chief marine automation system is a distributed monitoring and control system that provides high-end functionality for power management, auxiliary machinery control, ballast/bunker monitoring and control, and cargo monitoring and control.
The new Fuel Saver applications can expand a K-Chief system on three levels. The first application is ‘Fuel Saver Monitoring’ for improved information and understanding of total fuel consumption. It monitors functions such as torque, fuel index, ship speed and hull efficacy and provides information in a format that enables corrective actions. The second application is ‘Fuel Saver Advisory’, which in addition to the Fuel Saver Monitoring functionality provides trim and draft optimisation. The third application is the ‘Fuel Saver Optimal Advisory’, providing optimal speed, optimal heading and optimal RPM in addition to hull fouling, propeller fouling, voyage planning, bunker cost calculation and reports.

The new Fuel Saver applications are part of Kongsberg Maritime’s Green Ship portfolio, which also consists the MetaPower® torque & power monitoring system, which facilitates cost-effective operation by providing vital data to enable a vessel to maintain or increase speed while saving significant amounts of fuel, and reducing CO2 and NOx emissions.
To find out more about K-Chief, the new Fuel Saver applications and Kongsberg Maritime’s Green Ship portfolio visit the company on stand 306/357 at Posidonia 2010.

Da Gama & e3 Announce Partnership

June 07, 2010

Da Gama Limited and e3 Systems continue their individual expansions within the yachting and commercial marine sectors, with the announcement of an exciting new partnership to bring a fresh approach to the provision of navigation services and management.


Rapidly growing as an industry leader in the Merchant, Superyacht and Military sectors, Da Gama is bringing its navigation management and bridge operation services direct to the customer through the unrivaled support of e3.  Already providing advice and services to a number of worldwide military forces and government sponsored suppliers in all areas of navigation, this new partnership will provide a more thorough and simplistic selection of choice for Captains and Navigating Officers.

As worldwide market leaders in the support and provision of electronic services, e3 has developed unrivalled experience in the provision of a broad range of services to an assortment of vessels from the QM2 to the most celebrated Superyachts.

Pivotal to this partnership is the provision of the ChartCo maritime data supply service such as ChartManager™, which provides automatic reception of the weekly Notice to Mariners and chart corrections issued by the UK Hydrographic Office.

Steve Monk, Da Gama Managing Director said. “We are delighted that such a well respected company as e3 has chosen Da Gama to help them broaden the provision of Navigation services to their vessels. ChartCo is a proven and established system for those who wish to ensure their vessels carry up-to-date maritime data and as more and more vessels transition to electronic charts we find Captains are demanding modern ‘over the air’ chart corrections.  Now working alongside e3, we at Da Gama can provide this cost efficient email or broadcast service which reduces much of the hassle involved in the vitally important but sometimes onerous task of chart corrections.”

Roger Horner, Managing Director of e3 Systems said, “With such a diverse range of vessels it is essential that we have suppliers who can react quickly to our requirements and are capable of satisfying all our clients’ navigational needs. ChartCo have consistently led the market in the area of delivering navigation data to ships at sea and by integrating this with the Da Gama team it offers a fresh approach to bridgemanship and continued development of new innovative navigation solutions.  Ensuring our vessels are up-to-date with chart corrections leads to greater safety whilst an added value of the ChartCo service is its cost effectiveness and comprehensive user software, enabling savings to be made in terms of both money and labour”.

Renowned for its provision of maritime services and engineering expertise, e3 has, as part of their expansion, just launched a new website and continually reviews its service providers to ensure they provide their clients with the latest and best services available. The new partnership between Da Gama and e3 will offer continued navigational safety to their clients while bringing an un-paralleled level of service to the merchant ships and Superyachts.

About Da Gama:

Da Gama delivers a personalised service directed at all aspects of Navigation Management and Bridge Operation throughout a vessels life.  They work with both individual vessels and full management companies, to support all craft with a full outfit of both paper and electronic charts and publications required to achieve flag state regulations.   As an agent of ‘ChartCo’ they supply weekly Notice to Mariners in a downloadable electronic format for the correction and maintenance of a vessel’s chart outfit.  Da Gama specialise in ECDIS services including use and operation of this equipment.  They advise the world’s military forces as well as individual Captains, Project Managers and Management companies through the complexities of the rules with advice on equipment supply and training including the risk assessment necessary to allow a vessel or fleet to achieve flag state accreditation.

About e3:

e3 are specialists in advanced marine electronic systems. They will help their clients through the initial concept phase when specifying a new build vessel and then provide consultancy and specialist services during the construction phase.  When complete they provide a multitude of services to commission the systems onboard and thereafter maintain them for the lifetime of the vessel.

Once the vessel is afloat and operational they provide and manage all communication and TV services surrounding the application services supplying reliable and high quality communications including:

-          E-mail and Internet

-          Navigation and chart correction services

-          Weather information and routing

-          VoIP

-          Video conferencing

-          IPTV

-          Daily newspaper printing

-          Telemedicine

-          Security and remote monitoring for all the equipment onboard.

Uniquely, in addition to these services, e3 can provide from their own various locations in the Mediterranean and the Caribbean and via their global network of Partners, extensive refit and repair services, annual support contracts and operator training both locally and worldwide.

Simrad Yachting launches the impressive new SonicHub™

June 07, 2010

Simrad® Yachting, a leader in the design and manufacture of world-class marine navigation, auto steering, communications and fishfinding systems, has launched a revolutionary marine audio hub and docking station, the SonicHub™. SonicHub™ joins the comprehensive Simrad product family to further enhance Simrad vessel integration.

Simrad's New SonicHub

SonicHub™ is the world’s first marine audio server combined with high definition multifunction displays, removing the need for a separate stereo onboard. The impressive new SonicHub™ integrates seamlessly with Simrad’s award-winning Simrad NSE multifunction display units to provide the ultimate in boating entertainment with stunning high definition colour screens.

SonicHub’s docking station is suitable for use with the very latest iPod, iPhone, iTouch or other USB MP3 players, making it the perfect choice for those who want to enjoy their entire music collection while at sea. The secure and waterproof docking station ensures any external device, such as an iPod is discreetly positioned and safe from the elements.

With its high power amplifier and choice of 8” or 12” sunlight viewable displays, the Simrad SonicHub™ solution provides high quality sound and superb visual control. For those who need to keep up to date with the latest news and weather reports, Sonic Hub™ also comes with a built in AM/FM tuner.

The Simrad SonicHub™ incorporates multi-zone technology, providing independent sound control in up to three areas onboard. Multi-zone technology is ideal for larger vessels that require autonomous control via multiple access points located throughout the boat.

SonicHub™ is simple to install on an NMEA 2000 network. Controlled through the Simrad NSE display, there is no need to cut extra holes in the Navigation Station as SonicHub™ does not require a dedicated head unit. Its intuitive and stylish graphical user interface audio functions can be operated at the touch of a button and menu systems and icons are easy to understand and navigate.

Impressive new upgrades to the NSE unit combine best in class core charting, echo sounder and radar technology. Furthermore, the NSE is the only multifunctional display unit on the market with the ability to integrate autopilot control, digital switching and the impressive new structurescan radar.

Summer Offerings from Livewire Connections Ltd

June 07, 2010

Livewire Connections Limited has unveiled its summer offerings. Summer is just around the corner, yachts are preparing for the season ahead, and attention now turns to budgets and how to get the most from them.  Livewire Connections supports customers in the management of their budgets by helping them reduce their costs through visibility and control with their summer offerings 2010.

“Providing the best possible service to our customers is the primary focus of our organisation,” comments David Walker, Sales Director at Livewire Connections Ltd, “We do more than sell our customers airtime, we tailor packages to meet the end users’ requirements, and our summer offerings is simply and extension of that. Our customers don’t want to be tied into long contracts and now they don’t have to be.”

Ancillary services are key to the experience of the Super Yacht user and as such Livewire Connections have packaged some short–term summer bundles.  Available in this offering are short term SKY, Newspapers Direct and European GSM contracts.   This gives customer the flexibility to either renew or suspend depending on the vessels winter plans, without paying monthly charges for services that are not in use.

In addition to this Livewire Connections are pleased to offer Shore to Ship calling.  This gives yacht managers and companies a reduced rate call from either their office or mobile phone to the vessels Inmarsat terminal.  These latest developments from Livewire Connections Ltd come immediately after the announcement of their Spend Control and DNS Blocking software upgrade on their Access Controller range.

Sauter Carbon Offset Design Introduces Superyacht Transcendence, the world’s first Zero Carbon Megayacht

June 06, 2010

Sauter Carbon Offset Design has presented the new superyacht design called Transcendence, claiming to be the world’s first Zero Carbon Megayacht which has a very respectable top Speed of 25 knots.

Sauter Carbon Offset Design has presented the new superyacht Transcendence

Yacht Transcendence is a state of the art Solar Hybrid superyacht design which achieves a 50 to 100% reduction in GHG emissions by employing Mercedes Benz / MTU Bluetec engines to produce the cleanest marine propulsion system in the world.
 
Richard Sauter head of design for the Transcendence yacht commented, ”Transcendence is the Carbon Offset Alternative to comparable Hi-performance Megayachts.

The Mercedes Benz diesel power-plant is attached to a generator so that yacht Transcendence can produce electricity to power the props through a lithium-ion battery system which can be recharged when connected to a grid at the dock. In addition, the yacht Transcendence is equipped with a series of solar cells that harness solar energy on the move giving the Transcendence a 50 and 100 percent reduction of green house gas emissions.

The readily available Solar Hybrid Technology that can bring about a 75 to 100 % reduction in GHG emissions in Vessels either by design or by retrofitting are proclaimed by leading shipbuilder such as Wartsila.

Brief specifications of M/Y Transcendence, the green yacht:

Her overall size (49m) and maximum speed (25knots) are the same, but alas, her Carbon Footprint is far smaller, often reaching zero.

Interesting new Arcadia 85 SOLAR Yacht hits the superyacht charter market

June 02, 2010

The Interesting new SOLAR yacht on the luxury yacht charter market is called superyacht SOLAR and she is an Arcadia 85′ (25.91m) motor yacht. A new ecological and green yacht design she was launched in 2009. Motor yacht SOLAR was built by Arcadia Yachts of Italy and her naval architecture and futuristic interior design was created by Francesco Guida. The Arcadia 85′ yacht SOLAR is able to accommodate 8 guests overnight in 4 cabins and she is available for luxury yacht charters in the Europe and the Mediterranean.

The Arcadia 85 Superyacht

The Arcadia 85 Superyacht runs on a Hybrid propulsion system with an electrical motorization giving the yacht an 8 knot speed in total silence. The motor yacht’s hull has been specifically designed to be easily driven so that the superyacht requires low powered motorization. She has Solar panels which enable a zero issuing batteries recharge for propulsion. Also the Arcadia SOLAR Yacht incorporates water discharge treatment in order not to pollute.

Motor yacht SOLAR is not only superbly designed and built to maximise the yacht owner’s relaxation on the ocean but this superyacht is able to achieve this goal with minimal affect on the marine ecosystem and general carbon output. The Arcadia 85′ superyacht features a revolutionary “long-cockpit” which enables different internal areas as well as a generous roofing surface area for solar panels.

This Arcadia 85′ Solar superyacht is described as a floating villa. The technologically advanced SOLAR motor yacht provides ample volume and generous deck space. She has zero speed stabilisers fitted which give her maximum stability even at anchor so charter guests can relax, sleep and enjoy secluded Mediterranean ports and idyllic private coves. Being close to the Oceans’ relaxing qualities and marine nature is ideal with this luxury yacht as SOLAR is the last expression in ecological and environmentally friendly yachts.

Arcadia Yachts SOLAR - The Aft Deck

The style is simple, less showy, determined by punctual functional requirements but, at the same time, impressing for innovative contents. The spaces new arrangement privileges a comfortable and repaired open air life and the direct contact with the sea. By the interiors, at the comfortable shelter of the special double-glazing surfaces (reflecting and low issuing glasses) it is possible to enjoy the most beautiful scenarios that only the sea can offer. Privacy is always assured thanks to the fast gliding of the canvas in tissue “filtravedo” panels. Furnishings are realized through the use of industrial components designed and realised by the most known  names of the sector: Poltrona Frau Group and Schiffini. The most current requirement is to succeed in conjugating the pleasure with the respect of ethical values. The goal is to settle a new benchmark for the sector:  to navigate and enjoy with respect for nature and money.

Arcadia Yachts SOLAR

More About Arcadia Yachts:
“In the middle of the Mediterranean sea, on an area of 36.000 square meters, the ARCADIA Yachts boatyard is situated by the sea. Realized by the TRE-TI group to create a Yachts range between 75’ and 175’, to be produced according to the most updated principles of environmental protection and work security. For a handicraft company the best way to achieve the final quality of its Product passes through not only an accurate and well experimented techniques, but also better working conditions. A team was composed of many yachting professionals which acquired in the most important Italian boat yards. The Yachts plans have been realised by Guida engineering and yacht design. Qualified and sharer suppliers: 3F Technologies for example.”

Arcadia Yachts 85 - Superyacht SOLAR - The Saloon

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