Globecomm Maritime, a leading provider of maritime communications solutions, has been awarded a contract to provide VSAT connectivity to PBJV Group's barge Kota Laksamana 101.

The barge, which accommodates up to 300 personnel, was recently chartered to Petronas, a fully integrated energy company based in Malaysia. Under the terms of the deal, PBJV is required to provide a dedicated 512kbps up and down link to Petronas staff working on board the vessel.

Globecomm Asia Regional Sales Manager Kian Ong, who led the project, says the scope of Globecomm's solution exceeded PBJV's expectations, despite intense competition for the contract. "We knew that the client had requested multiple quotes and although we were not the cheapest, PBJV was convinced that we could provide the reliability of service that they need to keep their customer happy. The quality of the Ku-band VSAT connectivity provided a flexible primary service and the unlimited L-Band failover was an added reliability component that gave the Globecomm solution a distinct advantage."

Co-ordinating between VSAT specialists in the US, The Netherlands and Singapore, Globecomm installed and commissioned the equipment to meet the start of the charter in late April.

Although PBJV specified a pure data solution via a single satellite beam, the below deck equipment is also equipped with a VoIP solution. If Kota Laksamana 101 is awarded future charters in locations outside the current coverage, Globecomm can remotely re-configure the equipment to connect to other VSAT satellite operators.

En Hisyam Ismail, Assistant Technical Superintendent, PBJV Group Sdn. Bhd says the company chose Globecomm because of its ability to provide a flexible, high quality communications solution. "PBJV had very specific requirements from its communications partner for the Kota Laksamana 101 contract. Our charterer wanted a guaranteed data rate for ship to shore connectivity and Globecomm's creativity in providing a reliable high quality primary solution with a robust back-up made them the natural choice."

Globecomm Maritime VSAT solutions deliver flat rate monthly pricing, with options including hardware leasing for approved packages and customers, Ku-band unlimited usage and L-band airtime.

This core package includes all components and configuration needed to provide the vessel with global seamless connectivity.