Spliethoff chooses Worldwide Connectivity
Solution of Radio Holland for its fleet

Rotterdam, 22 november 2010

Radio Holland Netherlands (Rotterdam) and Spliethoff’s Bevrachtingskantoor (Amsterdam) signed a contract for the supply of a substantial connectivity solution on the global VSAT network of Radio Holland. The total solution supplied by Radio Holland consists of the hardware, the installation thereof, the airtime and the maintenance of the hardware.

The three year contract comprises an initial 16 (with envisioned growth to about 50) VSAT Ku-band installations on the Spliethoff fleet and will be configured for the use of the worldwide VSAT Ku-band network of Radio Holland. The Spliethoff vessels will use automatic beam switching between the various satellites without human intervention. This so called “Global Roaming” and “Automatic Beam Switching” is an important feature of the Maritime VSAT network of Radio Holland. Spliethoff vessels sailing from one part of the world to another can take advantage of this feature. It allows vessels to switch between individual beams on the same or different satellites to maintain coverage and connectivity without any human interaction.

“We have chosen Radio Holland after a careful selection process. The solution of Radio Holland fits our demands. It provides our crew the much appreciated internet access and on the business side it speeds up communication (not having to wait for e-mail exchange a few times per day), and gives captains access to relevant on-line information like port and cargo details. It also gives our vessel support engineers the ability to provide remote support by directly taking over PC’s.” said Mr. Peter Van de Venne, Director IT, Spliethoff.

Mr. Paul Smulders, General Manager of Radio Holland Netherlands: “Radio Holland can offer Spliethoff a worldwide network for Ku-band satellite communication. Additionally, we have a unique 24/7 VSAT support desk that monitors the satellite links pro-actively and we provide worldwide local support through more than 60 branch offices. The solution offered by Radio Holland to Spliethoff fits very well in Radio Holland’s strategy to offer customers complete connectivity ’packages’. Combining the best of breed hardware, together with optimal communication solutions and global support, leading to highest Quality of Service at lowest operational costs. Spliethoff has been a valuable customer for many years and we appreciate that they wish to continue to work with us, not only for hardware but also for connectivity solutions.’

Major shipping routes

Radio Holland is a total-supplier of Connectivity Solutions. Besides VSAT, Radio Holland also offers Inmarsat, Iridium and Thuraya satellite communication solutions. The VSAT solution of Radio Holland offers a reliable, cost effective always-on broadband communication solution for the maritime industry. Radio Holland covers the major shipping routes and provides quality of service. The available service levels start from 128/128Kbps shared up to a 12Mbps dedicated connection.

About Radio Holland Group

Radio Holland Group is a specialized company in the supply, installation, integration and service of maritime electronics and is also known as satellite airtime provider. The company employs more than 1000 people worldwide in more than 60 ownbranches, strategically located along all major shipping routes. Radio Holland is part of Imtech Marine B.V., a leading group of companies in the global maritime market, operating as full-service provider and system integrator of tailor made, innovative technology solutions covering the whole ship.

The Radio Holland Group represents a wide range of internationally renowned manufacturers and continuously focuses on electronic & functional innovations in Communication, Navigation and Automation equipment. Radio Holland is known for its 24-hour service on the spot. Many ship owners around the world use the services of Radio Holland to maintain and repair the equipment on board. Radio Holland has many customers in the international shipping market: deep sea ship owners, coastal & inland shipping, dredging, government & navy, mega yacht shipyards, fishery, etc. Radio Holland enjoys a high reputation worldwide as an all round maritime electronics specialist. Unique is its worldwide ISO: 9001 certification, granted by Lloyds, emphasizing RH’s focus on delivering quality at all times. Please visit the web: www.radiohollandgroup.com.

About Spliethoff

The Amsterdam-based Spliethoff Group is the largest ship owner in the Netherlands and the parent company of its operating subsidiaries BigLift Shipping, Sevenstar, Wijnne & Barends and Transfennica. Established in 1921, the company has built a reputation within the industry as a reliable, resourceful and dedicated shipping partner with a wealth of experience.

The Spliethoff Group plays a leading role worldwide in the transport market for forest products, project, super heavy lift, general cargo and yachts. It owns and operates a large and modern fleet of well over 100 multi-purpose, heavy-lift and ro-ro vessels ranging in size from 2,100 to 21,000 tonnes. Most of these vessels have 1A Super Ice Class and all of them sail under the Dutch flag. To ensure its customers have access to latest technology in shipping the Spliethoff fleet is constantly renewed. Since January 2009 no less than 10 ships were added to the fleet to be followed by a further 15 vessels in 2011.

Our highly trained personnel at our global network of offices, on board our ships and in ports all over the world are dedicated to maintaining our high standards. Their expertise enables us to offer our clients quality services ranging from optimum stowage plans to on-the-spot supervision of complex cargo operations.

Radio Holland Group, press release