Turkish tanker operator Gungen Maritime & Trading is investing in high-speed communications to improve seafarer welfare at a time when crew changes are challenged by travel restrictions.
Also know as Güngen Denizcilik ve Ticaret, the Suezmax operator has contracted Marlink and its local partner Ozsay Satellite to provide satellite communications via Inmarsat’s Fleet Xpress service, using Ka-band through the Global Xpress network and L-band from FleetBroadband. This will be supplemented by Marlink’s voice service provided via XChange for Fleet Xpress.
Gungen Maritime IT manager Burak Guler said investment in fast satellite communications brings benefits to its tanker operations. “We like to be ahead of the curve in terms of compliance and the advantages that technology can provide us in achieving efficiency gains and emissions reductions,” he said. “We follow technology very closely and we will implement smart and innovative solutions on our vessels to improve safety, efficiency and compliance.”
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For secure communications, Gungen Maritime will continue to use Cyberoam, its own firewall and server system for remote access and synchronisation.
Marlink will also provide tools enabling onboard and shore staff to analyse usage and prioritise data intensive downloads when in areas of the strongest Fleet Xpress coverage.
Its high-quality voice service will be configured to provide local Turkish telephone numbers for the ships, providing added flexibility of voice communications options.
Gungen Maritime is installing Fleet Xpress on four tankers in the six-ship fleet.
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It has a proactive strategy towards personnel selection and retention, employing highly skilled and qualified staff on shore and at sea, investing in its seafarers with regular online training delivered on board which will be enhanced through Fleet Xpress.
Source: riviera
