With several innovative developments in satellite communications for the maritime industry, even small vessels can avail vital onboard connectivity services. Digitalisation has enabled access to voice and data solutions so that crew can receive navigation updates, port notifications, operational instructions, and more no matter where they set sail.

Moreover, having reliable access to a voice terminal as well as email services even in areas without GSM coverage ensures the safety and well-being of the crew and keeps small vessels reachable at all times.

Developed by IEC Telecom and GTMaritime, MarineStar E-Lite extends these vital satcom services to small vessels over one compact antenna with minimal bandwidth requirements.

Connectivity challenges 

Usually, the crew depends on portable satcom handsets to remain connected with the shore and loved ones at home. These handsets, more often than not, are locked away in areas that may or may not have coverage onboard the vessel. This is done to avoid exposure to unpredictable weather conditions as well as security concerns.

Closer to the shore, maritime professionals rely on email access to stay in touch and up-to-date with information resources. As soon as the vessel leaves the GSM coverage area, however, email access becomes spotty – and mostly, restricted.

Accessibility: powerful, compact & always-on

Specially optimized for smaller vessels, MarineStar E-Lite is an easy-to-install solution for reliable voice and data access. Its compact antenna can even meet the space constraints of a tug boat to deliver dedicated connectivity, advanced two-way vessel tracking, and continuous monitoring. 

Voice services are delivered over Thuraya’s MarineStar terminal, enabling flexible crew calling plans as well as shore-to-sea and sea-to-shore connectivity. Crew members benefit from dependable access to a terminal that operates akin to a public phone with no heavy airtime charges, and vessel owners can easily contact onboard staff with any updates and instructions over an always-on office phone.

Data services, i.e. email provision, is offered over IEC Telecom’s OneMailLite application (powered by GTMaritime), enabling encrypted, secure, and simple email management as well as push notifications for weather, news, and other alerts. With all files being compressed up to 95% during transfers, vessel owners save on airtime costs.

This incredible connectivity solution ensures separate lines for corporate and crew communications. It is equipped with a shore-side dashboard for full visibility over vessel performance and enables remote changes as well as real-time management of consumption limits. MarineStar E-Lite is the number one alternative to radio and GSM.

Crew welfare at sea

With the recent provisions for seafarers’ right to internet connectivity at sea, secured at the Maritime Labor Convention in May 2022, we have witnessed a shift from the perception of crew welfare as an afterthought to a central consideration in operational decision-making.

State-of-the-art maritime satcom solutions such as MarineStar E-Lite support this rising demand for digital connectivity – even onboard small and mid-sized vessels, even when the vessels pass through an area with no signal. From ensuring improved safety for the crew and precise coordination of work to better working conditions and efficient communications, MarineStar E-Lite can serve as a comprehensive communications solution for smaller vessels and a resilient back-up for large VSAT-equipped vessels.

Thuraya’s L-band network

With dependable connectivity across two-thirds of the globe, Thuraya is renowned for bringing affordable voice, narrowband and broadband data wherever it is needed.

Thuraya’s powerful L-band network automatically assigns capacity to high congestion areas, shipping lanes, and major ports. This enables connectivity with no interruptions at a low cost.

Flexible plans 

With no long-term commitment or heavy airtime plans and hidden costs, MarineStar E-Lite is the most affordable solution for small vessels. By default, it offers two lines to separate corporate communications and crew welfare, keeping critical channels open and airtime costs low. It is exceptionally suitable for seasonal activities such as tuna fishing or navigating the Caspian Sea (which is closed in the winter months).

MarineStar E-Lite’s email application continues to work offline and automatically resumes data transfer from the point of interruption. Moreover, all files being transferred are compressed up to 95%, offering unparalleled flexibility and efficiency in data connectivity to small vessel owners.

The takeaway

MarineStar E-Lite is a cost-effective, easy-to-install solution with a user-friendly interface that makes it perfect for small businesses and other organizations wanting to take advantage of the benefits of satellite voice and data access.

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