Danelec Marine Teams with Mackay Marine to Retrofit VDRs for Diamond S Tanker Fleet

(Birkeroed, Denmark – March 27, 2018) – Danelec Marine and global distributor Mackay Marine are nearing completion of a Voyage Data Recorder (VDR) retrofit program for Diamond S Shipping’s fleet of 30 medium-range product tankers.

Mackay is installing Danelec’s new-generation DM100 VDRs on the ships as replacements for the existing VDRs, which had been installed at construction. The original products were nearing the end of their service life and were becoming very expensive to maintain.

The type-approved DM100 exceeds the regulatory requirements and incorporates new features not previously available in marine VDR systems; featuring Danelec’s exclusive SoftWare Advanced Protection (SWAP) technology for serviceability and the DanelecConnect remote data gateway for ship-to-shore transfer, according to Danelec CEO, Hans Ottosen.

The VDR retrofits are being conducted by Mackay Marine India in Mumbai. To date, 26 of the 30 ships have been fitted.

The installations were facilitated using “retrofit conversion kits,” which include specific sets of hardware, software and data interfaces tailored to replace more than 45 different brands of VDRs and Simplified VDRs (S-VDRs). The mechanical kits include pre-drilled adaptor plates and mounting brackets for the main unit, memory capsule and bridge microphones. They also include Remote Data Interface (RDI) units for serial, analog and digital connections, as well as a software tool for conversion of old configuration files. In many cases, existing sensor modules and cables can be reused, saving extensive time and effort on the part of installing technicians.

“By conducting pre-install site surveys on each class of vessel and using the Danelec conversion kits, we were able to accelerate the installation process with zero equipment failures; ensuring the ships’ schedules were not disrupted,” said Ram Sitaraman, Managing Director of Mackay India. “The average installation time was 18-24 hours per ship.”

Mackay and Danelec look forward to collaborating on other projects and applaud Diamond S Shipping for its proactive decision making to streamline a fleet-wide VDR retrofit; resulting in minimal downtime and significantly enhanced features and operational efficiencies.

Download a high-resolution image at: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/o76gxjtr1ks6dx4/AACRME_4w-fTLEp7eTrCCSUEa?dl=0.

Photo caption: Danelec Marine DM100 VDR

About Danelec Marine | Headquartered in Denmark, Danelec Marine is a leading supplier of Voyage Data Recorders (VDRs), ship-to-shore data communication systems and Electronic Chart Display and Information Systems (ECDIS). Danelec Marine was one of the first companies to bring to market VDRs and Simplified VDRs (S-VDRs) to meet the original IMO carriage requirements. More than 6,000 vessels today are equipped with a VDR or S-VDR designed and manufactured by Danelec Marine. The company has service facilities with factory-trained personnel in more than 50 countries and Certified Service Centers at strategic locations worldwide. To learn more about the Danelec difference, visit www.danelec-marine.com.

About Mackay | Mackay Communications, Inc. (dba Mackay Marine) sells, installs, and services communication and navigation equipment on board vessels of all class and size. Mackay, in business for over 130 years, has 3,000+ customers spread over every continent, annually conducts 17,000+ service calls, employs 300 professionals, with locations in more than 30 major ports. Mackay World Service coordinates service, installation and inspections 24/7 for all ports, worldwide. For more information visit: http://www.mackaymarine.com.

Media Contacts:

Danelec Marine: Jim Rhodes, Rhodes Communications, Inc.
+1 757.451.0602, jrhodes@rhodescomm.com

Mackay Marine: Sue Ellen Rosen, Marketing Manager
+1 919.850.3014, srosen@mackaycomm.com

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Where Will Your Boat Take You? Volvo Penta Accepting Stories for its Boating Dreams Contest

(CHESAPEAKE, Va.) – March 15, 2018 – If you have dreams of navigating the high seas, cruising along a quiet canal or snorkeling in the crystal clear Caribbean waters, Volvo Penta of the Americas wants to hear about it. Through July 31, the company, a global supplier of engines and power solutions, is accepting inspirational stories in its inaugural Boating Dreams contest.

To qualify, boaters must have bought a new Volvo Penta-powered gasoline boat in 2018, purchased no later than June 30. By completing an online form and submitting their stories in 500 words or less, contestants will be entered in a drawing to win a new Chevrolet Silverado. Photos and videos will also be accepted, with select submissions to be featured on the Boating Dreams microsite at www.volvopenta.us/shareyourdream.

“Where ever your dream takes you, we want to hear about it,” said Marcelo Puscar, director of marketing for Volvo Penta of the Americas. “What aspirations do you have for spending time on the water, where do you hope your boat will one day take you, and who will be there by your side for the ride? These are the questions behind Boating Dreams, and we want to know what your dreams are all about.”

Early submissions have included the stories of a second-generation boater whose dream day includes water tubing and picnicking with youth who are experiencing boating for the first time, and a long-time boater who aspires to sail the northern section of the “Great Loop” and race in the Bermuda Challenge.

All entries will be reviewed, with selected ones chosen for video interviews to be shared online. The winner will be selected in a random drawing to be announced Aug. 15.

For details and story submission, please visit: www.volvopenta.us/shareyourdream. For a high-resolution image, visit: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/mmdseojco6t96tv/AABvWDnzzRpEtUvz27azgSKBa?dl=0.

About Volvo Penta

Volvo Penta, with approximately 3,500 dealers in over 130 countries, is a world-leading and global manufacturer of engines and complete power systems for boats, vessels and industrial applications. The engine program comprises diesel and gasoline engines with power outputs of between 10 and 1,000 hp. Volvo Penta is part of the Volvo Group, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of heavy trucks, buses and construction equipment.

Connect with Volvo Penta of the Americas on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for the latest company news and insights.

For further information, please contact:

Christine Carlson
Volvo Penta of the Americas
Phone: +1 (757) 382 4084
E-mail: christine.carlson@volvo.com

Jim Rhodes
Rhodes Communications, Inc.
Phone: +1 (757) 451 0602
E-mail: jrhodes@rhodescomm.com

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THINKOM DELIVERS NEW KA-BAND AERO SATCOM SYSTEMS FOR US E-4B AIRCRAFT

Next-Generation Low-Profile Antenna Systems Provide Industry-Leading Throughput,
Cost-Efficiency and Zero Drag in Flight

HAWTHORNE, Calif., – March 12, 2018 – ThinKom Solutions, Inc. today announced it has delivered its next-generation Ka-band aeronautical satellite antenna systems for the U.S. government’s E-4B National Airborne Operations Center aircraft.

The E-4B aircraft (SLC3S-A) serves as the National Airborne Operations Center and is a key component of the National Command Systems for the President, the Secretary of Defense, and the Joint Chiefs of Staff, providing secure and highly-survivable 24/7/365 global communications.

ThinKom was competitively selected to supply its ThinAir® Falcon-Ka2517 fuselage-mounted phased-array antenna systems for installation on the E-4B platforms under a modernization program to replace the aging less-efficient Ku-band ESA systems. The new satcom system will enable more reliable and more cost-efficient higher-bandwidth voice, data and video connectivity in a highly-survivable low-profile subsystem that can exploit both military and commercial satellite assets. Installations are now underway and the upgrades are expected to become operational by the third quarter of this year.

The ThinAir Ka-band fully integrated satcom suite provides industry-leading high throughput and transponder bandwidth efficiency. It supports data rates up to 400 Mbps forward link and 100 Mbps return link. The phased-array antenna apertures are packaged in the industry’s lowest-profile radome, eliminating aerodynamic drag in flight. The unit’s superior high skew angle performance ensures highly efficient connectivity in equatorial regions, while also being able to reliably close links along high-latitude/polar routes at elevation angles below 10 degrees. Importantly, it is the only commercially available Ka-band airborne antenna system with the bandwidth and beam agility to support hybrid operation with both geostationary (GEO) and low-earth orbit (LEO) satellite networks.

The system’s low-profile form factor and fuselage footprint is designed to fit easily on a wide range of military and commercial air transport aircraft including regional, single-aisle and dual-aisle airframes.

“The decision to rely on ThinKom’s new Ka-band system for this mission-critical application is an important validation of the reliability and performance of our superior technology solution,” said ThinKom Director of Sales, Greg Otto. “The product is fully compatible with both commercial and government Ka-band services. We are already engaged with leading inflight entertainment and connectivity service providers, and we expect to see a significant number of deployments in the commercial aviation sector.”

“The future is built into this next-generation antenna system. Its hybrid GEO/LEO capability means it will be fully compatible with the new low-orbit Ka-band satellite networks expected to proliferate in the next few years, as well as high-throughput GEO satellites,” Otto added.

The ThinAir Falcon-Ka2517 has achieved FAA RTCA/DO-160 qualifications, and ARSTRAT/WGS/DISA certifications for the E-4B platform are expected in Q3 2018.

About ThinKom Solutions, Inc.
ThinKom Solutions, Inc. is a leading provider of innovative highly affordable compact broadband antenna and products for aeronautical, on-the-move (OTM) and man-portable applications. The company’s primary products uniquely enable near-term worldwide availability of affordable high-data-rate connectivity in the X-, Ku-, Ka- and Q-bands. With more than 640 aeronautical satcom antennas currently deployed, ThinKom offers a range of reliable, proven technology solutions for the consumer, enterprise, first responder, civil, military and intelligence communities. For more information about ThinKom Solutions, please visit www.thinkom.com.

Photo caption: The low-profile ThinKom ThinAir® Falcon-Ka2517 antenna eliminates aerodynamic drag in flight. Download a high-resolution image at: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/coldawkg9neyf9l/AACHoN1FsYxN3XdedyguX9Gwa?dl=0.

Press Contacts:
Greg Otto
ThinKom Solutions, Inc.
+1 310 802 4507
gregory.otto@thinkom.com

Jim Rhodes
Rhodes Communications, Inc.
+1 757 451 0602
jrhodes@rhodescomm.com

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The Manufacturing Institute to Honor Volvo Penta’s Valerie Harriell with STEP Ahead Award on April 10

Award Honors Top Women Leaders in the Manufacturing Industry

(CHESAPEAKE, Va.) – March 7, 2018 – The Manufacturing Institute has announced that Valerie Harriell, vice president of human resources for Volvo Penta of the Americas, has been named one of the top women in U.S. manufacturing for 2018.

Harriell and the other honorees will be recognized at the 6th Annual Women in Manufacturing STEP (Science, Technology, Engineering and Production) Ahead Award at a gala dinner April 10 in Washington, D.C. The STEP Ahead Awards celebrate those women who have demonstrated excellence and leadership in their careers in all levels of the manufacturing industry, from the factory floor to the C-suite.

“Companies across the U.S. agree there is a talent shortage in manufacturing. Through the STEP Ahead Awards, we hope to take another step toward closing the gap by highlighting the stories of successful women in manufacturing and giving them a platform to encourage other women to join the industry and be role models for the next generation,” said Carolyn Lee, executive director of The Manufacturing Institute. “The 130 women being honored demonstrate what modern manufacturing careers are all about: making an impact in their communities with meaningful careers that offer significant opportunities for growth.”

With primary responsibility for recruiting, retaining and supporting employees, Harriell, who has been with Volvo Penta 10 years, has been instrumental in branding Volvo Penta to attract top talent. She has recruited and retained more than 30 percent of the company’s 250 employees in the U.S., and extended her outreach efforts to find highly skilled internal employees in Sweden and Brazil who were interested in working abroad. By doing so, she enhanced Volvo Penta’s diversity footprint and brought talented workers to new environments.

“Valerie has a keen eye for attracting top talent. Once they are hired, she provides them with the support and continuing education skills they need to thrive and grow in their jobs,” said Ron Huibers, president of Volvo Penta of the Americas.

In addition to helping Volvo Penta build a strong and successful team, Harriell has championed diversity in the workforce. Over the years she initiated a Volvo Penta Professional Women’s Network; organized the Diversity and Inclusion Leadership Training classes for management teams; expanded the company’s summer internship program to include student mentoring and community outreach; and provided engagement training to company managers as a Volvo Group Attitude Survey (VGAS) Leader. Off the job, she has mentored high school-aged girls at risk through a local program, My Sister’s Keeper.

“I’m humbled to be considered among such an elite group of women,” said Harriell. “I look forward to continuing to mentor women, both those in the industry today and those who will serve as the next-generation of leaders in manufacturing.”

The STEP Ahead Awards are part of the larger STEP Ahead initiative, launched to examine and promote the role of women in the manufacturing industry through recognition, research, and leadership for attracting, advancing, and retaining strong female talent. In five years, STEP Ahead Award winners have impacted more than 300,000 individuals — from peers in the industry to school-aged children. Women constitute one of manufacturing’s largest pools of untapped talent. Women totaled about 47 percent of the U.S. labor force in 2016, but only 29 percent of the manufacturing workforce.

Harriell is the second Volvo Penta recipient of the STEP Ahead Award in recent years. Marcia Kull, then vice president of marine sales for Volvo Penta, earned the designation in 2016.

For a high-resolution image, visit: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/nkaa9gw1zwqbjvd/AAA5v2gR44f0BRzfk5qjwjwRa?dl=0.

About The Manufacturing Institute

The Manufacturing Institute (the Institute) is the 501(c) (3) affiliate of the National Association of Manufacturers. As a non-partisan organization, the Institute is committed to delivering leading-edge information and services to the nation’s manufacturers. The Institute is the authority on the attraction, qualification and development of world-class manufacturing talent. For more information, please visit www.themanufacturinginstitute.org.

About Volvo Penta

Volvo Penta, with approximately 3,500 dealers in over 130 countries, is a world-leading and global manufacturer of engines and complete power systems for boats, vessels and industrial applications. The engine program comprises diesel and gasoline engines with power outputs of between 10 and 1,000 hp. Volvo Penta is part of the Volvo Group, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of heavy trucks, buses and construction equipment.

Connect with Volvo Penta of the Americas on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for the latest company news and insights.

For further information, please contact:

Christine Carlson
Volvo Penta of the Americas
Phone: +1 (757) 382 4084
E-mail: christine.carlson@volvo.com

Jim Rhodes
Rhodes Communications, Inc.
Phone: +1 (757) 451 0602
E-mail: jrhodes@rhodescomm.com

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Danelec Marine and NAPA Partner to Offer Complete End-to-End Internet of Things Cloud Solution

Collaboration Removes Need for Costly Custom Interfaces, Allowing Wider Access to Valuable Performance Data and Analytics

(Birkeroed, Denmark – March 6, 2018) – Danelec Marine, the manufacturer of Voyage Data Recorders (VDRs), ECDIS and ship-to-shore data solutions, has teamed up with global maritime software, services and data analysis provider NAPA to deliver a complete cloud-based Internet of Things (IoT) solution for ship performance analysis and optimization.

The new shipping IoT package combines Danelec’s efficient, low-cost shipboard data collection and data transfer platform with NAPA’s advanced analytics and optimization tools. The integration with DanelecConnect allows NAPA to offer its shipping customers a comprehensive turnkey IoT package encompassing numerous elements from onboard data collection to actionable ship and fleet performance analysis.

Danelec’s second-generation DanelecConnect platform, which was launched last year, makes it easy for NAPA to capture data from shipboard sensors to use in their cloud-based applications thanks to the inclusion of an application programming interface (API) tool.

“This partnership with Danelec Marine eliminates one of the biggest barriers to delivering a true integrated IoT experience to ship owners, operators and charterers,” said Pekka Pakkanen, Director, Development, NAPA Shipping Solutions.

“Until now, accessing timely data from ships at sea has been challenging, typically requiring bespoke shipboard data collection and processing networks with connections to hundreds of data points. Often this involves custom interfaces with older legacy equipment or slow and sometimes unreliable manual data entry by ships’ personnel. This has been manageable for some big companies, but on chartered vessels, for example, the initial investment has often been too high. DanelecConnect’s universal data interface and wide service network solve these problems, enabling visibility into ships’ performance parameters from shore at a far lower cost. With this solution, we can add value with high-quality analytics and optimization for a much wider range of vessels, including time chartered vessels.”

DanelecConnect uses a small electronic remote server that connects with the ship’s VDR and other data sources. It collects and processes the desired datasets for transmission via satellite to Danelec’s cloud-based server ashore. NAPA pulls this data from DanelecConnect into its NAPA Office and NAPA Ship Performance Analytics platforms. These platforms offer a wide range of business intelligence and fleet optimization services for shipping companies; including machinery monitoring, fuel efficiency and hull condition analysis. This allows users to set key performance indicators and benchmarks, and use statistical modeling to predict performance.

“Our automatic data collection package is a technology spinoff from our VDR business,” said Danelec Marine CEO, Hans Ottosen. “As one of the largest suppliers of marine VDRs, we have many years of experience in interfacing with all types of data sources on ships. We’re now applying that accumulated expertise to the problem of capturing data and making it available to the maritime cloud-based specialists like NAPA, so they can focus on what they do best – providing ship operators, charterers and other maritime stakeholders with crucial data for better decision making ashore.”

“Another barrier in the past has been the high cost of ship-to-shore communications. To that end, we have designed our onboard interface to transmit data efficiently and inexpensively through narrowband satellite channels,” Ottosen said. “We can send hundreds or even thousands of accurate data samples per sensor through satellites for as little as $1 USD per day in total satellite airtime costs.”

“In addition, our worldwide network of more than 600 certified service technicians, in more than 50 countries covering all the main seaports in the world, removes another worry for software service providers by maximizing uptime and minimizing service interruptions or delays,” Ottosen added.

Ottosen noted that IoT is growing at a head-spinning pace worldwide. A recent Gartner report predicts that 5.5 million new IoT devices will come online every day in 2018, with more than 20.8 billion connected items by 2020. While other industry sectors around the world are embracing IoT solutions as a central part of their business, the maritime market has lagged behind. By bringing together the shipboard and shoreside components in a cost-effective integrated cloud-based package, the shipping industry can now become part of the IoT revolution with far-reaching benefits across all aspects of ships, shipping and the logistics value chain of which they are a part.

The first joint NAPA/Danelec Marine IoT solution has undergone successful sea trials on a vessel, with further installations scheduled in 2018, according to the two companies.

NAPA and Danelec Marine will present the ship IoT solution at a conference sponsored by Radio Holland at the APM 2018 Exhibition in Singapore, March 14-16, 2018.

About NAPA | In its nearly 30 years of operation, NAPA has become a global leader in software, services and data analysis for the maritime industry; providing best in class data-led solutions for safety, efficiency and productivity in both ship design and operations. NAPA operates globally, with 11 offices across Asia, Europe and the Americas supported by its Helsinki headquarters. To date, NAPA has nearly 400 user organizations for its design solutions and over 2,500 installations onboard vessels. For more information, visit www.napa.fi.

About Danelec Marine | Headquartered in Denmark, Danelec Marine is a leading supplier of Voyage Data Recorders (VDRs), ship-to-shore data communication systems and Electronic Chart Display and Information Systems (ECDIS). Danelec Marine was one of the first companies to bring to market VDRs and Simplified VDRs (S-VDRs) to meet the original IMO carriage requirements. More than 6,000 vessels today are equipped with a VDR or S-VDR designed and manufactured by Danelec Marine. The company has service facilities with factory-trained personnel in more than 50 countries and Certified Service Centers at strategic locations worldwide. To learn more about the Danelec difference, visit www.danelec-marine.com.

Media Contact: Jim Rhodes, Rhodes Communications, Inc.
+1 757.451.0602, jrhodes@rhodescomm.com

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AST&Science Announces Majority Investment in NanoAvionics

MIAMI – March 6, 2018 – AST&Science today announced that it has closed on the purchase of a controlling interest in the European satellite manufacturer and system integrator NanoAvionics.

All the key executives and management team of NanoAvionics will remain unchanged under the leadership of CEO Vytenis Buzas and CCO Linas Sargautis, both founders of the company. Abel Avellan, chairman and CEO of AST&Science, will become chairman of the board of NanoAvionics.

NanoAvionics is a satellite platform manufacturer and mission integrator for satellites weighing less than 50 kg (110.2 lbs). Its flagship multi-purpose M6P is the first preconfigured nano-satellite platform in the sector, designed to serve emerging commercial space markets. The company’s efforts are focused on enabling critical satellite functions and optimizing their launch, hardware and operating costs – ranging from single missions to constellations. Its core engineering team has implemented over 40 successful satellite missions during the past several years.

Avellan said: “NanoAvionics’ existing programs with the European Space Agency (ESA) and the European Commission, its track-record of successful satellite deployments, proprietary technologies for navigation and propulsion, and the abundant technical knowhow and vibrant energy throughout their company were key decision factors in our investment.”

According to Avellan, the investment into NanoAvionics will be used to expand its manufacturing capabilities both in Europe and the United States.

“NanoAvionics has made a huge leap in small satellite technologies during the past few years. The capital infusion, along with the involvement of the broadly experienced AST&Science management team, will be a significant contributing factor in entering the U.S. market and successful further commercialization of our products. Our combined venture will be focused on a goal to become a go-to company for manufacturing and launching small satellite constellations for businesses worldwide,” said Buzas.

In June 2017, NanoAvionics launched its second satellite under the European Commission’s QB50 project dedicated to atmospheric research. In addition to the scientific study, the satellite performed an important validation of an innovative green chemical propulsion system for small satellites developed by NanoAvionics. It was the first liquid chemical propulsion propelled nano-spacecraft in the history of the space-tech industry.

About AST&Science

AST&Science was founded by satellite-industry pioneer, entrepreneur and inventor Abel Avellan, a 25-year veteran in the global satellite communications sector and the founder & CEO of EMC until the sale to GEE for $550M in 2016.

For more information on AST&Science, please visit www.ast-science.com. For more information on NanoAvionics, please visit https://n-avionics.com.

Photo Captions
1. NanoAvionics M6P-6U Satellite
2. NanoAvionics engineers in testing facilities

Download high-resolution images at: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/0zsrgyuk9p0hii7/AABNWEQNSaX3NP_Yn8L4kzoKa?dl=0.

Press Contacts:

Andrea Moya
AST&Science
+1 305-913-7106
amoya@ast-science.com

Vaida Karaliunaite
NanoAvionics
+370 675-71730
vaida@n-avionics.com

Jim Rhodes
Rhodes Communications
+1 757-451-0602
jrhodes@rhodescomm.com

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