Simon Møkster Shipping's 23 strong fleet of offshore supply and specialist vessels is now fully connected to the Microsoft Lync platform through Sealink, Marlink's customised VSAT service. Sealink has enabled the established Norwegian offshore vessel operator to roll-out Microsoft's standardised business collaboration and communication platform across its organisation on land and at sea, resulting in operational benefits in addition to substantial savings in the cost of crew calling.
Using Lync via Sealink enables bridge and engine room teams to access low-cost and reliable, telephony, video conferencing, instant messaging and data sharing. Sealink ensures high uptime, meeting Simon Møkster's requirements for continuous availability. Custom dynamic allocation of dedicated bandwidth enhances reliability, especially for bandwidth hungry applications.
"Standardised software enables significant IT efficiencies and through the use of Lync we can collaborate across our whole organisation to a greater degree than before, making every one of our vessels into a remote office," explains Terje Gjerde, ICT manager in Simon Møkster Shipping. "The file and document sharing, and communication aspects have provided tangible improvements in ship operations but in order for them to function fully we need a secure and reliable communication network. Sealink provides this with the added benefit that we can work closely with Marlink people to ensure availability and compatibility with our IT infrastructure."
Lync is fully integrated with the Simon Møkster company telephone system, so calls from terrestrial and mobile networks, and other Lync users can be made to vessels and received via Lync. A unique VoIP solution has also been implemented for crew members from the Faroe Islands, which reduces their calling costs by at least 50%.
"With on-going antenna testing collaboration aboard the 'Stril Myster' we already have a strong working relationship which gives us insight on Simon Møkster's, and other operators' communication needs," comments Tore Morten Olsen, Head of Maritime Services at Astrium Services. "Simon Møkster's IT standardisation introduces operational, management and crew welfare improvements. Marlink is well positioned to support operators wishing to explore the possibilities of this approach to vessel and fleet management."
