The multi-year contract also includes KVH’s IP-MobileCastT service for news, sports, movie, and TV delivery, and preventive maintenance checks to ensure peak performance on all fielded systems as part of the KVH OneCare programme.
“In working with KVH during the past five years, we realized that having a reliable communications partner is essential to the smooth operation of our vessels and welfare of our crews,” said Rob Frenks, Vroon’s group ICT manager.
He added: “We also witnessed firsthand the advantage of the IP-MobileCast entertainment packages in enhancing crew welfare. KVH offers us a total and affordable managed service that brings together proven hardware and a fully integrated global network management system that will support our business for years to come.”
The first installations of KVH’s 60 cm diameter TracPhone V7 systems onboard Vroon vessels took place in early 2011. Now more than 140 Vroon vessels employ the KVH mini-VSAT Broadband system onboard.
Vroon vessels covered by the contract are also equipped with the KVH CommBox Ship/Shore Network Manager.
CommBox provides a suite of network management tools including web compression and acceleration, least-cost routing among multiple communications services, prepaid Internet access, and remote access for Vroon’s shore-based IT personnel.
“Our mini-VSAT Broadband service provides the most complete end-to-end solution for the maritime market’s rapidly expanding communications needs,” added Martin Kits van Heyningen, KVH’s CEO.
He concluded: “We design and manufacture the hardware, provide the global connectivity and network management solution, offer a flexible variety of customer support options, and license and deliver a wide variety of onboard content, all in an affordable way.”
“Vroon clearly sees the value of this comprehensive solution, and we look forward to continuing to work with them as one of our key customers.”
By Alice Mason
