New Oilfield Comms Products from Moog Focal
Moog Focal has introduced the Quad Serial Server (QSS) module, which combines a 4-channel serial server with integrated 3-port Ethernet switch on a single 3U Eurocard to seamlessly integrate serial interface sensors with modern Ethernet-based control systems. It also enables transmission of Ethernet data over legacy serial telemetry links. The QSS has extra connectors for modular expansion, enabling the addition of more serial ports, 4-20 mA channels, and fault-tolerant CAN Bus interfaces. This product interfaces with all types of SIIS level 1, 2, 3 and IWIS compatible data interfaces.
New Tracking and Comms for Vattenfall Wind Farms
Semco Maritime and Systematic have together entered into a framework agreement with Vattenfall for a solution that provides full overview of all personnel and vessels to improve safety for offshore and onshore work at wind farms. Semco Maritime and Systematic have been tasked with delivering a fully-integrated resource tracking and communication system for Vattenfall’s onshore and offshore wind operations. The solution, SemPAM, provides overview and safety for employees when Vattenfall construct and maintain the company’s many wind farms in the U.K., Germany, the Netherlands, Sweden and Denmark.
James Fisher Acquires Visual Information Businesses
James Fisher and Sons plc has acquired three renowned visual information design and communication brands, R2S Visual Asset Management (VAM), R2S Forensic as well as digital product provider Max and Co. According to James Fisher, the acquisition will enhance its expertise and abilities in asset integrity and management services in a wide range of markets worldwide. The pioneering use of technology, that delivers dynamic, visual asset management solutions across a broad spectrum of applications and industries, will further consolidate and strengthen James Fisher’s existing capabilities and provide further added value to clients.
ST Engineering Y-O-Y Profits Slip
Singapore Technologies Engineering Ltd reported today its full year financial results ended 31 December 2014 (FY2014) with a Group revenue of $6.54b compared to $6.63b as reported for FY2013. Profit before tax (PBT) of $650.7m was $79m or 11% lower year-on-year compared to $729.7m, and Net Profit of $532.0m was $48.8m or 8% lower year-on-year compared to $580.8m. At the business sector level, revenue for the Aerospace sector was comparable at $2.06b, and PBT was down 11% to $283m from $319.4m reported for FY2013. The Electronics sector achieved higher PBT of $184m, up 8% compared to $170.3m in FY2013 on the back of comparable year-on-year revenue of $1.58b.
Internet at Sea: Staying Connected
The maritime industry is at a crossroads, with a dearth of next-generation talent willing and available for a life at sea, yet increasing demands for efficiency and clarity of operations. At this crossroads lies modern communication technology, the connective tissue that can help to cure many of the industry’s ills, as Frank Coles, President of Inmarsat Maritime, contends. Commercial shipping will always remain a pivotal link in the global transport chain, but the very nature of the industry is changing rapidly as the current group of mariners age and there is a decided lack of ample replacements available.
