UAE-based Thuraya, the mobile satellite services subsidiary of Yahsat, has responded to strong demand from the maritime sector and distributors by launching the MarineStar, its best in class, affordable maritime voice solution with advanced two-way tracking and monitoring capabilities.

Yahsat is a leading global satellite operator based in the UAE, fully owned by Mubadala Investment Company.

The MarineStar is Thuraya’s new flagship voice terminal for entry-level maritime users, said a statement from the company.

It is based on the same successful platform as other Thuraya voice hardware that have sold in excess of 1 million units to date. Quick and easy to install, Thuraya MarineStar is a one-stop solution for a wide range of operations including vessel tracking and monitoring, crew welfare and voice communications, it said.

Thuraya MarineStar is perfectly suited to small vessels, and highly scalable to satisfy the operational requirements of larger vessels. The service will be available through Thuraya’s global distribution network, and will cover the world’s busiest sea routes and fishing hotspots within the Thuraya satellite footprint.

High demand for Thuraya MarineStar is anticipated from within the global fishing industry, which is under increasing pressure to curb unreported and unregulated fishing.

Governments now require fishing vessels to report their catches electronically and log their movements while at sea. The MarineStar makes compliance simple by bundling all the essential elements into one affordable package.

Key applications include Geofencing, Tracking, Alerts and Fish Catch Reporting. Tracking is packaged as an end-to-end turnkey service based on time, distance, speed and area, with no extra hardware required.

An SOS button is included for use in emergencies. According to data from the Western & Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC), 80 per cent of the world’s fishing regions lies within Thuraya’s footprint, so this is a truly global service.

Thuraya MarineStar is also ideal for regional merchant fleets needing a backup alternative to radio communications, GSM, VSAT or any other primary voice communication service.

Shawkat Ahmed, chief commercial officer of Thuraya, said: “Thuraya MarineStar represents a new and important chapter in Thuraya’s maritime portfolio.”

“With more than 300K small vessels expected to benefit from the service, we are looking forward to working with our distribution partners to roll out Thuraya MarineStar worldwide and benefit from strong potential demand from users for this game-changing solution,” he added.

Thuraya MarineStar offers outstanding functionality in multiple languages to users and system integrators. A range of physical interfaces will support multiple sensors and third-party devices.

Sensor information can be transmitted easily and affordably, supporting on-board monitoring of operations. The device also enables over-the-air programming and remote terminal access.

Low-cost, high-quality voice calls support day-to-day operations and keep crew in touch with shore while at sea. With more than 395 roaming agreements in 161 countries, Thuraya is the only L-band operator to open up business opportunities for Mobile Network Operators (MNOs).

The MarineStar is backed by local numbering plan and GSM roaming over the Thuraya satellite network. As a result, users continue to stay connected on GSM numbers even outside terrestrial coverage.   

Thuraya MarineStar’s unique value proposition means it is a must-have solution for users and distributors. Flexible and customized airtime bundles are available for all aspects, from voice through to tracking and monitoring, so the solution is affordable for most budgets.

There are no long-term contracts, no hidden fees and no early termination fees. These benefits, combined with the solution’s outstanding features and versatility, are a winning combination for users and make Thuraya MarineStar an essential part of any distributor’s portfolio. – TradeArabia News Service