Arakan News Agency
Nautical Aliya, the vessel en route to Myanmar and Bangladesh to deliver aid to Rohingya refugees, is equipped with a state-of-the-art satellite telecommunications system.
The ship, on a humanitarian mission dubbed “Flotilla for Myanmar”, has been fitted with both internet and telecommunications linkages for on-board reciprocal data transfer, allowing it to stay in constant contact with the outside world.
Jointly organised by Kelab Putera 1Malaysia and the Malaysian Consultative Council for Islamic Organisation (Mapim), the mission will set sail for the two South Asian countries following a send-off ceremony by Prime Minister Najib Razak, which is scheduled after Friday prayers .
Nautical Aliya’s specially-purchased satellite telecommunications system, which retails for over RM200,000, was installed by SpeedCast Malaysia Sdn Bhd and SAB System Sdn Bhd.
Speedcast Malaysia project manager Razfan Mohd Noor, 44 said the installation of the satellite communications device, known as the Gyro Stabilised Antenna, was to make data transfer via the internet smooth, with almost no lag, when the ship is at sea.
“Its efficiency is 99 per cent, and can be used to transfer data such as digital photos and videos, and allows for internet surfing throughout the journey,” he said.
Razfan added that the company appreciated the importance of quick connectivity, reliability and stability in satellite telecommunications, especially for the 28 members of the local and international press on Nautical Aliya who will provide daily coverage during the trip.
A ship rolling and pitching in the sea proves to be a difficult, dynamic environment for data-sending. Satellite antennas in such conditions, therefore, require gyro stabilisation in order to accurately receive or transmit data.
“The maintenance of Nautical Aliya’s internet service can be done remotely, as we are tracking it through the satellite service linkage,” said Razfan, adding that the technology originated from the United States and is widely used by seafarers.
He said in all, there are five components to the system, which includes the modem, router and switcher, which allow for ship-wide wireless connectivity.
