This article addresses the issues facing LEO constellations. These are both technical and financial. While the concept of bringing connection to the unconnected might be regarded as the finances associated with trying to achieve income from less developed and sparsely populated areas is a conundrum that is yet to be resolved. Introduction The technical problems…
The American satellite operator announced net income of $8.7 million for 2022, compared to a net loss of $9.3 million in 2021. Iridium’s total revenue of $721 million; $534.7 million of service revenue, and $182.3 million of revenue related to equipment sales and engineering and support projects. Iridium’s revenues increased 24% in 2022 versus 2021,…
ABSTRACT Aquaculture is not a new concept. Humanity has been farming the sea for over 6,000 years. The Classics of Fish Culture, by Fan Li, is the earliest written record of aquaculture from 475 BCE and, around 500 BCE, the Romans farmed oysters and fish in Mediterranean lagoons. Modern aquaculture is more scientific and intensive…
ABSTRACT At this time of the year, when frosty winds made moan in the Northern hemisphere, what we need is a little horror story to keep us all warm. So here is a story about the shipless seas. INTRODUCTION Far in the future, probably 2026 or thereabouts, aliens have dropped by and decided this is…
Introduction Valour Consultancy recently released its third edition update of the Maritime Tracker service. The database now contains details of 17,390 commercial maritime vessels, with 286 new companies included since the previous edition. New Additions Our collection of container and tank vessels has remained roughly the same, bar the inclusion of Anthony Veder. The gas…
Abstract Competition between ports is slightly more complicated than hanging around ocean corners, looking as desirable as possible, and waiting for the punters to roll up but the economics are remarkably similar. Historically, port operations are low-skill, labour intensive and very sensitive to market demands. The advantage that ports can bring to bear is sufficient…
Digitalisation beyond the sea: An Introduction Written by Alishia Sims – Maritime Research Analyst Not a portion of the globe was left untouched by the Covid-19 pandemic, and in its wake society changed. The consequences of the pandemic made technology a significant focal point, the need for faster connectivity and also the possibility of bypassing…
What is Starlink Maritime? Starlink Maritime is a division of SpaceX and it’s LEO satellite connectivity network started in 2015. The company is now entering into new mobility applications that use satellite connectivity services. Starlink Maritime is the name of this satellite connectivity service being offered to maritime vessels. Introduction to Starlink Maritime Connectivity Starlink’s…
Abstract – AI for ferries would be a game-changer Can AI be the Ferry Godmother? Artificial Intelligence (AI) for maritime applications is normally considered for larger shipping companies and major ports. These are where immediate and major advantages are easily envisaged. This tends to leave smaller operators of diverse fleets in multiple locations out of…
In early August, Joshua Flood took ferry rides across the Irish Sea from Scotland to Belfast, Northern Ireland (Stena Superfast VIII) and later, Dublin, Republic of Ireland, to Wales (Stena Estrid), and reflects on his connectivity experiences. The routes are covered by a couple of operators, and I choose Stena Line for both journeys. The…
The Valour Consultancy tour bus is back on the road. Join our maritime experts at SMM in Hamburg! On 7 September, our friends at Inmarsat will be running a thought-provoking lunchtime seminar on the state of play of the maritime connectivity market. The seminar will be moderated by Joshua Flood, Co-Founder & Senior Research Consultant…
Little Boxes made of Ticky Tacky* Having recently discussed modular maintenance, this piece examines alternative possibilities for vessel design concepts, in particular, the development of the existing Articulated Tug Barge and Stena Bulk’s Infinity concept. Separating drive train from cargo seems like a commercial winner but is it safe and reasonable? Existing Methods of Barge…