Bringing together Orange’s global satellite network with BlueTide’s specialised maritime solutions the navigation, cybersecurity, voice and video, corporate applications, and asset management for boat vessels will be powered using this combined technology.
Emil Regard, chief executive officer for BlueTide Communications, said: “The relationship with Orange gives us the ability to reach more ships at sea with a larger variety of advanced communications. The maritime industry depends on consistent, reliable communications between ship and port to operate. Only Orange has a true, international network to make that connection. Running our solutions through Orange will have a transformative effect on how maritime shipping is conducted.”
Orange will provide BlueTide with global Ku band VSAT capacity that has the ability to switch to alternative satellite beams for better global coverage. BlueTide provides vessels with live video surveillance, cybersecurity and systems monitoring on the Orange Network for the best global coverage.
The Orange satellite network enables consistent coverage in even the most remote regions, opening more shipping lanes for travel, as well as providing high-quality communications for voice, video and data. As a result, ships at sea are able to give and receive real time updates that can help it navigate its path, better predict inclement weather, and access corporate applications in the cloud. In addition, crew benefit from Internet, movies/shows and phone service.
“BlueTide is a leader in the maritime industry, and a great North American addition to Orange’s established pedigree of satellite communications customers. Their expertise and knowledge about the maritime business, matched with our integrated, end-to-end network will push new innovations to fleets around the world,” added Rob Willcock, senior vice president of the Americas at Orange Business Services.
Overall the partnership marks a step towards smarter ships through the Internet of Things (IoT). By having a reliable broadband connection ships can manage the remote monitoring of its mechanical components, enabling predictive maintenance. It can also be used to remotely track pieces of cargo in transit to find its location, supply levels, temperature, travel conditions and security.
