GVF Focus On Maritime Satellite Broadband Communications, Need Now More Than Ever

Recent headline news of the latest of a growing number of acts of high-seas piracy — the latest incident off the Horn of Africa — has brought a renewed emphasis on the vital and increasing importance of the freedom and security of the oceans.

The hijacking of the Sirius Star, a Saudi Arabian super tanker carrying US$100 million worth of U.S.-bound crude oil, is a notable illustration that the high-seas are a prime means of transporting our globalized trade goods. This renders our ability to communicate effectively while on the ocean surface just as important as at times when we undertake our economic activities and social pursuits on dry land, activities that are more and more dependent on information and communications technology-related efficiencies aboard vessels on the high-seas. This latter point is the key premise behind an innovative conference — jointly organised by the Global VSAT Forum (GVF) and its partner organisation UK-EMP — which will address a range of topics that are at the cutting-edge of satellite broadband communications in the maritime environment.

Recognizing the need for the development of a networking platform, within which the role of the satellite communications industry in meeting the very latest broadband communications applications requirements of various industry segments in the maritime sector could be discussed, the organisers of the Broadband Maritime: New Communications Networking Offshore & the High-Seas 2009 (BM 2009) conference have selected Singapore as host city in recognition of its premier status in the shipping and ports industries. The conference organizers are delighted to announce BM 2009 will be held in association with Inmarsat, internationally recognized as a pioneer in the field, operating a constellation of geostationary satellites designed to extend phone, fax, data communications and broadband applications all over the world, including in the maritime space. GVF and UK-EMP are also delighted to welcome Intelsat as a sponsor and supporter of the Singapore event.