Technology partnership enables shipping lines to equip vessels with low-cost GSM architecture for wireless monitoring and control of smart containers and cargo throughout the supply chain
Rochelle Park, NJ, May 23, 2017 – ORBCOMM Inc. (Nasdaq: ORBC), a leading global provider of Machine-to-Machine (M2M) and Internet of Things (IoT) solutions, announced today that it has partnered with Vobal Technologies (Vobal) to enable end-to-end visibility of refrigerated smart containers and other IoT-connected assets transporting temperature-sensitive, high-value cargo across international waters.
Based in Evanston, IL, Vobal Technologies has developed and deployed its CargoGSM™ network over the past 5 years, thereby extending IoT connectivity to sea. ORBCOMM is deploying Vobal’s maritime GSM technology as part of its new VesselConnect solution, which allows shipping lines to monitor and control smart containers and their cargo on-board their ships. As announced last week, early adopters of ORBCOMM’s VesselConnect solution include TOTE Maritime Puerto Rico, a premier shipping carrier specializing in moving cargo between the U.S. mainland and Puerto Rico.
VesselConnect allows carriers to receive critical data from smart containers loaded on their ships above and below deck, including reefer status, temperature and slot location, as well as to adjust reefer container set points and conduct pre-trip inspections on-board, reducing manual labor and expediting cargo distribution on land. The solution enhances crew efficiency and safety by eliminating the need to manually check reefer and other containers carrying perishable cargo. Status reports and alarms are automatically displayed on the VesselConnect console on-board and can also be viewed by shore-based personnel on ORBCOMM’s Cloud platform for immediate action.
“Bringing connectivity to the sea leg of the supply chain is a critical extension of ORBCOMM’s extensive portfolio of IoT solutions for remote monitoring of transportation assets on land,” said Christian Allred, ORBCOMM’s Senior Vice President and General Manager of Global Sales. “We are pleased to partner with Vobal Technologies to deliver the next generation of connected container solutions that help our customers reduce cargo damage, decrease operating costs and enhance customer service.”
“Vobal’s core GSM technology was developed specifically for use at sea, which means that not only does CargoGSM work with VSAT but also, uniquely, with FleetBroadband®. CargoGSM on board enables ORBCOMM VesselConnect to extend reliable network coverage throughout the vessel’s cargo spaces, above and below deck,” said John Nix, Vobal Technologies’ Founder and Chief Executive Officer. “Using Vobal’s system to plug the mid-ocean connectivity ‘black hole’, ORBCOMM can now provide shipping lines with end-to-end traceability of reefer containers throughout the supply chain both on land and at sea in real time.”
About ORBCOMM Inc.
ORBCOMM (Nasdaq: ORBC) is a global leader and innovator in the industrial Internet of Things, providing solutions that connect businesses to their assets to deliver increased visibility and operational efficiency. The company offers a broad set of asset monitoring and control solutions, including seamless satellite and cellular connectivity, unique hardware and powerful applications, all backed by end-to-end customer support, from installation to deployment to customer care. ORBCOMM has nearly 1.8 million subscribers with a diverse customer base including premier OEMs, solutions customers and channel partners spanning transportation, supply chain, warehousing and inventory, heavy equipment, maritime, natural resources, and government. For more information, visitwww.orbcomm.com.
About Vobal Technologies, LLC
Vobal Technologies delivers high-quality, low-cost and secure VoIP and M2M Solutions for commercial maritime customers. Founded in Evanston, Illinois in 2010, Vobal Technologies’ team has built a reputation for solving the unique telecommunications challenges of commercial vessels. These solutions were created by leveraging more than 20 years’ experience providing networking connectivity in many of the world’s most technically challenging operating environments.
As of mid-2017, Vobal’s maritime network has enabled monitoring of over 15,000 refrigerated containers and connected more than 20,000 mobile handsets on more than 100 vessels ranging from small cruise ships to large container ships. Vobal’s solutions have also carried nearly two million minutes of phone calls at sea. For more information, visit www.vobal.com.
About ORBCOMM Inc.
ORBCOMM Inc. (Nasdaq: ORBC) is a leading global provider of Machine-to-Machine (M2M) communication solutions and the only commercial satellite network dedicated to M2M. ORBCOMM’s unique combination of global satellite, cellular and dual-mode network connectivity, hardware, web reporting applications and software is the M2M industry’s most complete service offering. Our solutions are designed to remotely track, monitor, and control fixed and mobile assets in core vertical markets including transportation & distribution, heavy equipment, industrial fixed assets, oil & gas, maritime, mining and government.
With nearly 20 years of innovation and expertise in M2M, ORBCOMM has more than 1.5 million subscribers with a diverse customer base including premier OEMs such as Caterpillar Inc., Doosan Infracore America, Hitachi Construction Machinery Co., Ltd., John Deere, Komatsu Ltd., and Volvo Construction Equipment, as well as end-to-end solutions customers such as C&S Wholesale, Canadian National Railways, CR England, Hub Group, KLLM Transport Services, Marten Transport, Swift Transportation, Target, Tropicana, Tyson Foods, Walmart and Werner Enterprises. For more information, visitwww.orbcomm.com.
