Through this, it will offer the KVH Watch connectivity service as part of its suite of digital tools and services. These tools include Smart Vessel Optimiser, a platform that uses vessel data to optimise fleet operations by benchmarking ship performance, predicting and optimising asset availability, performing emissions reporting, and managing multiple facets of operational efficiency.
KVH provides the Ku-band VSAT connectivity for IoT platforms and associated applications for vessel operators and system manufacturers through its global high-throughput satellite network, which is based on Intelsat’s geostationary constellation of wideband and spot beam coverage.
“We are pleased to provide the connectivity that enables real-time data flow and insights,” said KVH senior director of IoT business development Sven Brooks. “KVH Watch will enable TechBinder’s customers to engage in remote expert interventions, allowing technical troubleshooting and maintenance work to be carried out at sea,” he said.
Vessels and ship fleets benefit from real-time insights when their crew are able to use sailing time to troubleshoot problems. These insights and interventions are made possible by VSAT satellite connectivity.
“Smart Vessel Optimizer’s plug-and-play architecture for data analytics can be easily integrated with KVH Watch connectivity and we expect our customers will greatly benefit from our partnership with KVH,” said TechBinder managing partner Bram van den Boom. “Today, shipowners increasingly want a real-time visual of their vessels’ key performance indicators, so they need satellite communications as vessels are not within LTE [mobile phone network] reach all the time.”
Unlocking already available data sources on a vessel can translate to information that helps maritime companies to optimise their operations. By leveraging advanced satellite technology, maritime IoT and service companies can utilise real-time data feeds from vessels and help operators make improvements on every vessel in the fleet.
KVH Watch provides secure machine-to-cloud satellite connectivity for remote monitoring of onboard equipment and enables on-demand remote expert interventions using video, voice, or text via KVH’s HTS network.
KVH Watch is designed for maritime equipment manufacturers, multi-card service providers, and shipyards seeking affordable monthly subscription-based connectivity.