SES has installed communications equipment on Condor ferry

Ships Electronic Services (SES) supplied and installed the communications equipment on Condor Ferries’ new high-speed Condor Liberation.

The multi-hull ferry, which was launched on 31 March and operates on the route between Poole and the Channel Islands in the UK, will be fitted with the Sea Tel 4009 Mk3 VSAT system designed by Cobham Satcom.

The Sea Tel 4009, which provides broadband voice and data on Ku-Band frequency, was chosen for its advanced technology that isolates the antenna from the ship’s motion, regardless of the weather conditions. The system adjusts at a rate as fast as 90 degrees per second, enabling it to remain connected to the satellite even in rough weather.

“We are delighted that our superb new ship, Condor Liberation is now operating on the route between Poole and the Islands,” said Captain Fran Collins, executive director of operations at Condor Ferries. “As an experienced operator of high-speed ferries in the English Channel, we are particularly impressed with the functionality that the new communications equipment provides, helping to ensure that our masters have the latest technology available to them.”

SES has supplied and carried out the VSAT installation along with a Sailor RT6222 VHF, which was also developed by Cobham Satcom.

“We have a good working relationship with Condor having worked on several of its other high-speed vessels, so we are particularly pleased to be installing the central communications systems on this latest ship in the fleet,” said Stephen Roper, managing director of SES. “This superb new vessel is at the forefront of long-range ferry technology and travelling at high speeds means its communications need to be robust and reliable, which is why the Sea Tel system has been selected.