Products & services

Attica Group selects Orbyt Global and Telenor Maritime to deliver the onboard connectivity

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

Category: Products & services Products & services

Published: 19 December 2024 19 December 2024

Orbyt Global and Telenor Maritime have announced a significant milestone: a three-party partnership with Attica Group to provide passenger connectivity across their fleet. This includes Superfast Ferries, Blue Star Ferries, ANEK Lines, and Hellenic Seaways. Attica Group is the largest ferry operator in the world as per passenger capacity, operating more than 40 ships in the Mediterranean Sea.

Orbyt Global and Telenor Maritime will deliver connectivity services, mobile services and Wi-Fi to passengers and crew from a single hybrid connectivity platform to manage a range of technologies; the three-party contract covers end-to-end solutions for ship and passenger connectivity. It has been signed for five years with an option for a further five-year extension. The agreement includes a significant investment of 7 million Euros in capital expenditures (CAPEX), demonstrating the partnership’s dedication to improving the quality and reliability of maritime communications.

Panos Dikaios, CEO, Attica Group stated: “At Attica Group, our mission is to consistently exceed expectations. On-board connectivity is a top priority for both our passengers and crew, and access to reliable, high-speed internet is essential for staying connected. To meet this need, we are making substantial investments in digital infrastructure, providing a personalized experience for our passengers, through data and advanced technology. Simultaneously we’re enabling connectivity for our crew and their families, as well as the use of entertainment services when off-duty. Excellence, for us, means ensuring convenience at every stage of the journey. We’re excited to enhance on-board Wi-Fi through partnerships with leading maritime telecommunications providers like Orbyt Global and Telenor Maritime.”

Hybrid connectivity

Orbyt Global will provide high-speed/low-latency LEO Connectivity through Starlink, while Telenor Maritime’s Connectivity Platform will combine a suite of best-of-breed next-generation technologies, including LEO and GEO satellites, into one unified system. It automatically selects the best available and most cost-effective option in real time, whilst ensuring both the best passenger experience and optimized operational costs. All from one point of contact. The platform is designed to be flexible and compatible with a wide range of technologies and providers, allowing Attica to select whichever backhaul provider best suits their needs.

Theodore Nikolopoulos, Group CEO and Founder, Orbyt Global Group stated: “Being chosen by the world’s largest passenger-carrying ferry operator is a coming-of-age moment for Orbyt Global. Not only have Attica Group expressed confidence in our capabilities to manage such a large and prestigious contract, but they have also recognised our combination of best-of-breed, next-generation technology and our support services, both of which underpin our market-leading platform, Orbyt Nexus. It’s an important step forwards for the dynamic development of our group.”

Mobile service

Telenor Maritime is a leader in specialized connectivity solutions for the maritime industry. Their mobile services support all technologies, from 2G to 5G and eSIMs, backed by over 400 global roaming partnerships to ensure seamless mobile coverage. Additionally, their solutions are 5G-ready, meaning that 5G roaming will be available onboard Attica’s fleet as operators roll out 5G roaming on their subscriptions.

Lars Erik Lunøe, CEO of Telenor Maritime, expresses his gratitude for the new partnership: “This three-party agreement marks a significant advancement for the maritime industry in the Mediterranean. By combining Telenor Maritime’s and Orbyt Global’s expertise and shared commitment to innovation, we are positioned to raise connectivity standards across the region's ferry services.”.

'Attica plays a crucial role in connecting communities across the Greek islands, as well as international traffic, and we admire their significant role.”, Lunøe notes. We are proud to be chosen as a partner by both Attica Group and Orbyt Global, and I look forward to a successful, long-term collaboration that will bring substantial benefits to our customers and the entire Mediterranean ferry market.”

Wi-Fi service

Telenor Maritime's Wi-Fi services will allow passengers to stay connected while at sea. Simple, pre-paid Wi-Fi packages can be purchased through an onboard digital portal on personal devices, offering easy access for internet browsing, streaming and social media. This portal, already used by several European ferry companies, enhances the overall passenger experience by keeping them connected and updated throughout their journey.

Local presence and customer support

Orbyt Global and Telenor Maritime will manage the delivery and installation of equipment together, ensuring smooth integration. Orbyt Global’s local presence allows for native-language customer support, ensuring fast responses and efficient operations. Their technical expertise and strong global support complement Telenor Maritime’s decades of experience in maritime communications, making this partnership an ideal fit for delivering innovative and reliable solutions to the maritime sector.

With this contract, Orbyt Global strengthens its operation whilst Telenor Maritime strengthens its position in the Mediterranean market, following its nearly two decades of service in the ferry industry.

Langh Tech goes to market with innovative onboard carbon capture

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

Category: Products & services Products & services

Published: 27 November 2024 27 November 2024

Finnish green tech company Langh Tech expands its portfolio of exhaust gas treatment solutions for ships by an innovative system for onboard carbon capture (OCC). Langh Tech’s OCC system supports customers in their decarbonisation journey by reducing CO2 emissions from ship operation.

A unique feature of the system is the possibility to sell and utilize the sodium carbonate, which results at the end of the chemical process, for diverse applications in other industries. Thus, Langh Tech combines the environmental benefits of decarbonisation with creating additional value by selling and utilizing the waste product, which marks a significant contribution to creating a circular economy.

A pilot project with an OCC installation onboard of one ship of sister company Langh Ship was successfully run in test-mode during 2024. The pilot plant has shown that it is possible to capture rates over 80 percent from the exhaust gas flow coming into the system. The overall CO2-emissions can be reduced at least by 20 to 30 percent, depending on the available space, and other ship and product specifications.

The first commercial installations will take place early in 2025 onboard of four bulk carriers. Langh Tech has sold the OCC components to Damen Shipyards Group, who will do the installation on the bulk carriers. The ships will be equipped with a hybrid scrubber and an additional onboard carbon capture system from Langh Tech.

Rutger van Dam, Business Development Manager of Damen Shipyards Group explains:” The decision to choose Langh Tech was simple. CO2 capturing is the only economic way to drastically reduce emissions as of now. My main concern was the value of the CO2 end product being created onboard the ship. Langh Tech delivered on every front: a high capture rate, a high-value CO2 end product, and a significant reduction in emissions. From a commercial perspective, it made perfect sense. On a personal note, we share the same vision and goal: to greenify the global fleet. That alignment made Langh Tech the natural choice.”

The installations by Langh Tech are part of a project between Atal Solutions, BAM Shipping and Damen Shipyards Group. It aims at retrofitting ships with different technologies and to reduce fuel consumption to achieve a maximum reduction in CO2, SOx, and NOx emissions, while using traditional fuels. The ultimate project goal is to bring CO2 emissions down by up to 60 percent with onboard carbon capture. This could be achieved through the continuous development of the system itself, as well as optimizing other limiting factors, such as installation size and onboard space, ship efficiency, loading and operations, or voyage planning.

“This partnership with Damen Shipyard Group and Langh Tech showcases how innovative collaboration drives meaningful change. Atal’s vision and willingness to embrace bold solutions demonstrate how we can address the challenges of decarbonization while unlocking economic and environmental benefits for the maritime sector. By investing in Langh Tech’s onboard carbon capture technology, we’re not just setting a new benchmark for sustainable shipping—we’re also paving the way for future projects and ongoing transformation in the industry. It’s a big leap, but one that aligns with our shared commitment to building a more sustainable future”, says Edwin Sieswerda, Founder and CEO of Atal Solutions.

Carbon capture as a vital tool for decarbonizing shipping

Carbon capture is emerging as a key technology in the transition of shipping towards net-zero as it provides a cost-effective addition to other decarbonisation options. Langh Tech is one of the first movers within the industry.

“Our onboard carbon capture solution gives shipowners and operators the possibility to decarbonize and balance their costs. The scarcity and significantly higher costs of carbon-neutral fuels are a substantial hurdle to the decarbonisation of shipping. It will take time until those fuels can be widely used and afforded. We are here to bridge this gap and help companies to decarbonize efficiently and according to their abilities”, says Laura Langh-Lagerlöf, Commercial Director of Langh Tech.

“At the same time, it is important to emphasize that the captured CO2 can also be used in the production of biofuels and synthetic fuels. Thus, our technology – if applied smartly – contributes to a green-fuel transition by setting up a circular economy.”

Langh Tech’s onboard carbon capture system is based on the long-standing experience of the company in exhaust gas treatment and applies a post-combustion technique. In short, the ship’s exhaust gases containing CO2 are directed into a capture unit. CO2 dissolves into the liquid phase through counter-currently flowing aqueous NaOH solution. A maximized surface area ensures highest possible carbon capture rates. As a result of several consecutive reactions, CO2 is chemically bound into a thermodynamically stable product of sodium carbonate.

Langh Tech’s Onboard Carbon Capture system: sustainable life-cycle approach

Throughout the whole development process of its onboard carbon capture-system, Langh Tech followed a circular approach. The system does not only reduce emissions but utilises the waste product. This creates monetary value and avoids and reduces emissions in the value chain of other industries.

In comparison to other carbon capture technologies, which are mostly based on amines, Langh Tech’s onboard carbon capture system has noteworthy advantages:

1. Value creation and circular economy approach:

Sodium carbonate, the solid product, which results in the end of the OCC process, can be turned into value. It can easily be marketed as it is widely applied as a key ingredient by various other industries, for example in the manufacturing of glass and detergents.

2. Less consumption of energy and other resources:

With Langh Tech’s post-combustion capture, there is no need for solvent regeneration or CO2 compression, which significantly reduces the additional energy consumption onboard, as well as the resources needed to operate the OCC system. No additional specialized equipment is needed. In turn, the capture reagent, sodium hydroxide, can be produced by electrolysis of sodium chloride using renewable energy. This ensures minimized emissions and sustainability over the whole lifecycle.

3. Simple and safe operations:

Langh Tech’s OCC system allows simple operation processes which do not require new specialized equipment. The used chemical is already applied and established in the maritime industry. The sodium carbonate can be collected in containers and be easily transported.

4. Customizable and scalable solutions:

Langh Tech’s OCC systems are designed with flexibility in mind. They can be adapted and scaled according to the specific needs of each vessel. This approach ensures a seamless integration of the technology into the existing ship infrastructure, offering a practical solution for a wide range of ship types.

Anglo-Eastern to manage Four Seasons I

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

Category: Products & services Products & services

Published: 06 December 2024 06 December 2024

Marc-Henry Cruise Holdings, Joint Owner/Operator Four Seasons Yachts has appointed Anglo-Eastern as its ship management partner for their ultra-luxury yacht, Four Seasons I. Anglo-Eastern will oversee the technical management of the vessel, which is under construction at Fincantieri’s shipyard in Ancona, Italy. Four Seasons I is scheduled to commence sailings in 2026.

Built to the highest standards of luxury and featuring innovative design elements, the vessel will reflect a commitment to luxury and sustainability with an emphasis on achieving a low carbon footprint.

Anglo-Eastern will support the construction phase to ensure seamless integration of advanced maritime technology and operational excellence.

Carsten Ostenfeldt, Chief Operating Officer of Anglo-Eastern, shared his enthusiasm about the partnership: “This landmark collaboration marks a significant step in our growth as a premier provider of ship management services, now spanning into the luxury yachting category. By uniting leaders in hospitality and ship management, we’re creating a one-of-a-kind experience at sea. Anglo-Eastern will leverage its deep expertise in the maritime sector and the Group’s global resources to meet the exacting standards of Four Seasons Yachts.”

Donald Mason, Chief Financial Officer of Marc-Henry Cruise Holdings Ltd, commented: “We are committed to delivering a first in class maritime experience ensuring the highest safety and environmental standards. Choosing the right technical ship management partner has been key to achieving this objective. We selected Anglo-Eastern because of their industry-leading maritime and technical expertise to ensure the utmost comfort and safety of our guests and crew on the forthcoming Four Seasons Yacht.”

CSI Design Expo Europe moves to Hamburg in 2025

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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä

Category: Products & services Products & services

Published: 25 November 2024 25 November 2024

Cruise Ship Interiors (CSI) Design Expo Europe, the leading European trade fair for the interior design and outfitting of cruise ships, will find its new home port in Hamburg from 2025. This has been agreed by organiser Elite Exhibitions which merged with global exhibition organiser, CloserStill Media earlier in the year, and Hamburg Messe und Congress (HMC). They are thus establishing a new, long-term partnership that will also see the annual trade fair relocated from London to Hamburg. Hamburg Messe und Congress already plays host to the world's leading shipbuilding trade fair, SMM, and the European trade fair for cruise destinations, Seatrade Europe. Hamburg is thus further expanding its importance as a hotspot for the cruise industry.

“Hamburg isn’t just Europe’s cruise hub; it’s a global centre for maritime innovation, offering our exhibitors access to designers, cruise operators, shipyards, and industry leaders,“ says Toby Walters CEO of Elite Exhibitions. “It’s prime location and robust cruise infrastructure mean better access for decision-makers, making it the ideal stage for our event.“ As a specialised exhibition and conference format, Cruise Ship Interiors Design Expo Europe is aimed at the European cruise interior design industry and focuses on Europe's luxury ocean, river, and expedition cruise ships.

“With CSI Design Expo Europe, we are gaining a high-calibre event for Hamburg as a trade fair location that complements HMC's portfolio in a special way,” says a delighted Heiko M. Stutzinger, CEO of Hamburg Messe und Congress. “The cruise industry continues to boom, and there is a great demand for sustainable solutions for ship interiors. In conjunction with our broad-based maritime network and the modern, centrally located campus of our exhibition centre, together with our partner Elite Exhibitions we see ideal conditions for the event's long-term growth.”
With the premiere of CSI Design Expo Europe 2025 in Hamburg, the partners are combining their activities in the maritime interiors sector. The previously independent MARINE INTERIORS Cruise & Ferry Global Expo fair organised by HMC will be merged into CSI Design Expo Europe.

The first CSI Design Expo Europe to take place in Hamburg will be held on 3rd and 4th December 2025 and will then be held annually in December at the Hamburg trade fair centre. There is already strong demand from exhibiting companies to take part next year.