The Finnish communications company Promarine will be showing its proTAC5311 antenna at Seawork, an antenna that it says currently outperforms all other 4G antennas on the market, and will be fully compatible with 5G.

The proTAC5311 allows coastal-based vessels greater use of cellular data rather than the more expensive satellite options, and can handle all current generations of cellular signal, including 2G and 3G. The fifth generation of cellular signal, 5G, is due for general roll out from 2020, and the proTAC5311 has been future-proofed to be compatible with the new service with no modifications required. (Some networks, such as EE, will be rolling out in 2019.)

The antenna is remarkably compact, with a height of only 12cm. When used with proISO isolators it has full protection against electromagnetic compatibility issues (EMC) electrostatic discharge (ESD) and electromagnetic pulses from lightning strikes (LEMP).  The range, when mounted correctly, is up to 60km.

Promarine says that the proTAC5311 antenna should be chosen for its cost savings, reliability and peace of mind, and is an easy way to replace existing antennas on a vessel. With an adapter, the unit fits standard 1in screw mounts.

“Today’s hectic work environment requires more and more online activity from ship crews,” says Jani Jarvinen, the CEO of Promarine. “Failing to connect to the Internet can prevent the crew from accomplishing daily routines. Typically the better the network connection, the faster the job is done. The use of cellular data, even roaming, is practically free when compared to satellite-based data. So there is a good reason to maximize the cellular usability.”

Samples of the proTAC5311 can be found on the Promarine stand no PY75 at Seawork International 2018.