 The close relationship Mach6 enjoys with the fishing port of Urk in the Netherlands has resulted in a remarkable partnership between the traditional fishing industry and satellite technology.Fishing vessels have two challenges: to find the fish to catch and then bring them to market in prime condition. But which market? With a range of possible markets and auctions, vessels can waste valuable time bringing their catch to one market when it is another that requires particular fish. With increased fuel costs and greater EU regulation on fish-catching and transportation, more precision is vital if the fishing industry is to continue to be viable. Satellite communications take away this element of guesswork. From June 2008, the project "Onshore Innovation" involves supplying the fishing fleet of Urk with a Vsat satellite connection. This is used for an e-logbook (obligatory from 2009) and for the use of direct sales at the fish auctions. The cutters are equipped with a 60cm Seatel antenna and an iDirect 3000 infinity modem. The satellite speeds vary from 64/128 to 64/256 per cutter. The speed of 64/128 is good for the use of phone, internet and e-mail. Communication from ship to shore and ship to ship is available 24 hours a day and at a fixed subscription price. The VOIP phone costs are comparable to local costs for landlines - and sometimes even less expensive. 'Iridium is cheaper but the variable costs are much higher,' says Jurie Post, Captain of the UK237. 'I can phone my colleagues for free using the same system. It's a thousand times better than using the broadcast station with scrambler.' Klaas-Jelle Koffeman, Captain of the FD281, has also experienced significant benefits: 'Everything is going through e-mail nowadays. Our operational management has improved considerably - we depend on daily communication which is now possible at an affordable price. My crew also benefits from the free contact with home.' Vessels can now be easily directed to the most appropriate fish market where demand is greatest. Results: more freshness and less waste - and significant cost savings on time and fuel. The fishing fleet of Urk operates in the North Sea where we use the Hellassat satellite coverage. Check our coverage footprints in the Coverage menu. '24 hour communication from ship to shore' Download the Maritime Custom Case.pdf |