MEDIA INFORMATION

24th June 2002
Contact: Priya Patel
Marketing Manager, Nera Satellite Services Ltd
01737 648712
Redhill, Surrey

A new approach to maintenance of navigation systems from NSSL

With the continual development in technology and new systems being brought to market to introduce a leaner organisation, companies are increasingly looking to hand over their maintenance and service contracts. As these systems become more capable and an intrinsic part of the ship's or the fleet's operations, continued operation or at least rapid return to service in the event of failure becomes vital.

Now, NSSL, one of the leading Inmarsat service providers, is clearing a path through the complexity of bridge electronics with a unique three-element service offering.

First, in respect of communications hardware the company has a core philosophy of offering to develop customer-specific integrated communications solutions rather than merely offering off-the-shelf black boxes for the customer to figure out and implement. NSSL is experienced in integrating Inmarsat-GAN ISDN and MPDS services with customer networks, as well as installing ships networks with existing Inmarsat-B technology. This means for example that NSSL customers will be getting the benefit of the company's experience when ships are upgraded with the new Inmarsat Fleet technology.

Second, in operational terms, NSSL is committed to providing 24/7 global technical support, ensuring that each and every user can get clear and effective assistance from NSSL's experienced engineers whenever required. NSSL has also developed a number of unique services to simplify operations and cut costs. For example, Dolphin, NSSL's new call-routing software, recommends the least-cost routing for ship-to-shore calls. In addition, N-Net, NSSL's airtime package, offers fixed global or zoned rates through five of the leading LESO's (land earth station operators) depending on the customer's call profiles, helping to control costs while offering call routing flexibility.

Third, in service and support, NSSL offers a service the company believes is unique - total outsourcing of the maintenance of all the shipboard navigation and communication electronics, with a web-based reporting system. NSSL is also authorised to carry out Safety Radio Surveys on behalf of Lloyds, DNV and ABS, utilising their own personnel.

Sally Ray, NSSL's Sales Director says: "We're into the era of the data-driven ship. We believe in letting the crew get on with running the ship while we take care of the navigation & communications systems as a complete outsourced turnkey operation. We'll make sure that the ship's vital eyes and ears as well as the link with head office and the outside world are kept in full working order."

Already several leading ship owners and operators both naval and merchant marine have placed contracts for complete electronic bridge systems management with NSSL. NSSL's management contract covers all bridge equipment, from radio through satellite communication and GMDSS to radar equipment. The customer has a single point of contact for service and fault reporting on all equipment, and NSSL co-ordinates repair. NSSL has developed a secure Internet site for these key accounts that will enable them to track service calls on-line and will soon give them access to billing and order information, at www.satcom-solutions.com.

NSSL has developed a total communications package for one of its key clients that links their regional head offices with their tankers, ships, offshore rigs and remote sites worldwide. The package includes the provision of Inmarsat- B and Mini-M equipment and airtime services providing voice, data and high-speed ISDN capabilities for high volume data transfer.

What is key, though, is NSSL's ability to provide worldwide, 24 hour a day service and maintenance solution. NSSL have developed a password protected website where rig Managers can view an up-to-date equipment inventory and service log for every ship, and have access, via e-mail to a 24/7 service centre.

Nader Haghighat, Offshore Account Manager for NSSL says, "Any number of services providers can, and do, provide equipment and airtime to customers. What makes NSSL different is our ability to package the right products and services for our customer, our technical and service expertise in marine electronics and communications, and our experience of customer requirements in this sector. This enables us to advise on the most appropriate solution and to provide a total service including 24 hour service support, tailored technical solutions, IT expertise, project management skills, installation and maintenance service world wide. "

Within the contract NSSL can carry out a regular health check on electronics equipment and keeps copies of ships' radio and GMDSS licences on behalf of the customer.
Ms. Ray explains: "In the event of any technical problems that cannot be resolved quickly by our helpdesk operation, we undertake to have an engineer at the ship's next suitable port of call anywhere in the world. In the case of a fixed offshore installation, we'll get the engineer out there as fast as possible.

Ms. Ray concluded: "The trend is for more and more shipboard IT equipment for communications and navigation, and for greater integration with corporate networks. It's vital to develop the appropriate solution for each customer and to provide totally dependable back-up - otherwise these complex and even mission-critical tools will not deliver the desired benefit to the bottom line".
For further information contact: NSSL, +44 1737 648 800, or visit www.satcom-solutions.com

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