AST Networks Australia installs the first Thrane & Thrane SAILOR 90 (Satellite TV Antenna) in Australian waters on client's offshore vessel

About the Client

Offshore Unlimited operates in Australian waters, with its modern fleet of offshore support vessels operating from the ports servicing Australia’s oil and gas industry.

They provide a comprehensive range of offshore services including offshore installation re-supply, survey, seismic ship re-supply, standby, dive & ROV support, crew transfer, scientific research and chase boat services.

One of their vessels, “Limitless”, is a 28.7m catamaran built for offshore support and is based at Exmouth, Western Australia.

Project Overview

The client required an on board satellite TV system for their vessel, as it is essential to keep their crew and clients in touch with world news, sport and entertainment especially given their crews work a 5 week on, 5 week off rotating roster.

AST Networks Australia provided a Thrane & Thrane SAILOR 90 antenna to fulfil the client's needs. Easy to install and a straight forward user interface, the SAILOR 90 quickly ticked all the boxes.

Client Requirements

The vessel works in an remote part of Australian waters, where there is very limited access for free to air TV. The client made the decision for crew and client welfare to install a quality satellite TV system on board their new vessel.

No matter where or under what conditions, SAILOR 90 delivers reliable TV reception. Advanced technology, multiple tracking methods, fast satellite acquisition and an extra wide elevation range ensures a steady signal, even when travelling for long distance and in rough seas.

Should the antenna momentarily lose its signal due to bad weather or blockage, the hardware and software in the SAILOR 90 is fully optimised to reacquire satellite signals quickly and automatically.

AST Networks Australia also installed an Iridium OpenPort and a Thrane & Thrane FleetBroadband communication systems.

It’s easy

A user-friendly control unit with intuitive interface makes operating a SAILOR 90 Satellite TV system easy. Menu choice covers what you need, without an overwhelming list of options. For advanced maintenance or adjustments, the control unit has an easily accessible interface for laptop connection.

Because every satellite has limited coverage, it is necessary to be able to change from one satellite to another. With SAILOR 90 you just have to push a button on the control unit upon entering a new satellite territory – no manual adjustments above deck are necessary. SAILOR 90 Satellite TV is also compatible with all major satellite service providers, includes pre-installed satellite locations and offers the option to easily change locations if desired.

Proven Performance

With probably the most ambitious internal test criteria in the industry, SAILOR Satellite TV systems have gone through a battery of demanding tests to ensure they live up to Thrane & Thrane’s high standards.

Business Benefits

While TV is not a necessity at sea, most would agree it plays a significant role in the welfare of officers and crew. Make it easier to recruit crew and retain them with a SAILOR 90.