FB150 does its duty in the Middle East

A Thrane & Thrane SAILOR FB150 was installed by Monarch Telecom and its partner in the region, Master Systems in Abu Dhabi, UAE, with airtime provided by Stratos.

Zakher Marine International is introducing the newest member of the FleetBroadband family to its fleet due to the increased data demands it has experienced over the last two to three years, according to Mr. Baret Kouyoumdjian of Monarch Telecom.

Monarch Telecom and Master Systems are also celebrating another five FB150 installations in UAE this month on Zakher's offshore tugs, including Zakher Eagle, Zakher Pelican, Zkaher Atlanta and Zakher Falcon.

The decision by Capt. Anil Kumar Verma for the vessels to adopt this higher speed data service was made because of the increasing volume of data communications the company vessels were experiencing over email, to enhance and introduce more flexibility into vessels' internet access, and to benefit from the improved cost efficiency.

Monarch Telecom has worked with Zakher Marine International for over two years and Capt. Anil, who specified Inmarsat, is responsible for the communication infrastructure between the office and the vessels, providing contracts for telephone systems, satellite communications and software.

Commenting on the sale Mr. Stavros Synapalos, Monarch Telecom Marketing Director said:

"Modern shipping needs to deliver communication convenience and flexibility to its working crews who rely heavily on reliable connectivity, easy-to-use software, dependable voice and consistent data. With FB150 we know that business communication will be reliable, consistent and of the highest quality."

"The FleetBroadband success story continues to develop, led by the global adoption of FB150," said Helene Bazzi, Senior Regional Manager, Middle East & Africa at Inmarsat.

"Around the world, we are seeing vessels of various sizes, and sailing some very different routes, committing to FB150. But they all share a common goal: access to cost-effective communications, through the most powerful compact satellite communications service, on the world's most advanced mobile satellite network".