Qatar Gas Transport Co (Nakilat), a leading shipper of liquefied natural gas (LNG), has signed a contract with Global Eagle Entertainment’s emerging markets communications (EMC) service line to upgrade its satellite communications system.

Nakilat’s contract with Global Eagle Entertainment’s EMC service line will provide marine very-small-aperture terminal (VSAT) services for vessels in its fleet of LNG and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) carriers, said a statement.

Under the contract, the EMC service line is supplying global Ku-band VSAT connectivity and content to enable a range of internet, data and voice services for the vessels and crew, it said.

The installations were completed recently on eight Nakilat vessels, which will ensure continuous connectivity for their ships sailing global routes. The on-board satellite communication suite includes a high-quality voice-over-IP system for the corporate network, lowering the costs of voice calls over the satellites. The crew welfare system provides always-on internet connectivity to communicate with family and friends at home, it added.

Rashid Hamad Al-Marri, administration director, Nakilat, said: “We are delighted to sign this agreement with EMC which will significantly contribute to the development of the communication systems’ infrastructure and facilitate Nakilat’s maritime operations.”

“As an owner of one of the largest LNG fleets in the world, staying connected while at sea is essential for Nakilat’s global operations. By utilising EMC’s VSAT technology, we are able to ensure real-time information is accessible and that our personnel can stay in touch with their families during the vessel’s voyage while at the same time, realize cost savings for the company,” he said.

Gilles Gillesen, president of EMC’s commercial shipping business unit, said: “We are honoured that Nakilat has chosen EMC to perform this project.”

“Nakilat’s modern LNG and LPG carriers are highly sophisticated specialised ships, requiring the highest levels of dependable connectivity for ships’ business and crew welfare,” he said.

“Our seamless global coverage and network infrastructure, coupled with our suite of patented technologies, provides an unmatched value proposition enabling customers like Nakilat to bring the benefits of modern voice, internet and high-speed data to their ships at sea,” he added. – TradeArabia News Service