Seafarers get connected with Irish firm


10 Dec 2007

Irish GSM communications company Blue Ocean Wireless has won a contract to provide GSM coverage to the fleet of Admibros Shipmanagement.

Admibros will initially install Blue Ocean Wireless’s GSM solution on eight of its container and tanker vessels. Seafarers will now be able to make and receive voice calls and send and receive SMS messages using their existing mobile phones.

To date, Blue Ocean Wireless has signed up over 150 vessels for installation and expects to grow installations as negotiations with major shipping groups continue.

Admibros fleet director Chris Christofides commented: “The Blue Ocean Wireless service will allow our seafarers to enjoy the most innovative crew calling and SMS solution of the maritime market. The solution separates crew communication from ship’s business calls and allows crews for the first time ever to receive incoming calls and SMS on to their mobiles. The solution also prepares us for the future since we will proceed with the fleet broadband upgrade.”

Blue Ocean Wireless CEO Robert Johnson said: “This represents another significant customer milestone for our company. We have a rapidly growing customer base and have made strong progress since our foundation less than one year ago.”

By Niall Byrne