Japan Radio Co., Ltd. (JRC) has signed an agreement with Inmarsat to manufacture and deliver maritime terminals for its forthcoming Global Xpress™ Ka-band broadband service.

JRC is one of the world’s longest-established companies in the field of marine electronics, and a pioneer in global mobile L-band satellite communications as Inmarsat’s longest-serving manufacturing partner.

As one of the initial launch partners for Global Xpress, Inmarsat’s visionary response to the rapidly-changing broadband needs of international shipping, JRC will ensure the availability of high-quality maritime terminals at service introduction, planned for 2013.

“JRC has a well earned reputation of providing top-quality maritime equipment, backed up by the highest caliber of service,” said Frank Coles, President – Maritime, Inmarsat. “We are extremely pleased to have JRC contributing to the success of the Global Xpress service. This now completes the range of leading manufacturers supporting GX.”

JRC’s terminals operating over Inmarsat’s new fleet of Inmarsat-5 Ka-Band satellites, will provide seafarers with greatly enhanced levels of communications speed, quality and service.

From the beginnings of the satellite communications era JRC has invested heavily in research and development year-on-year. This investment will continue so as to offer creative solutions to the marine industry, through a new design of compact Ka-Band terminal and antenna delivering enhanced connectivity in response to user demands.

“Our Global Xpress terminals will complement the suite of Inmarsat marine products we have available today,” said Mr. Tamiho Shinya, Executive of Marine Division, JRC. “We are using the experience and expertise gained through our rich heritage of delivering successful Inmarsat products to ensure that our new product range for use with Inmarsat’s Global Xpress will provide customers with JRC’s renowned quality and reliability at a competitive price and with full global support.”

About JRC

Established in 1915, JRC has built and maintained a hard-earned reputation in the marine business for reliable and innovative engineering backed up by an extensive global customer support network. Our products are valued in the market because they provide modern affordable services which work dependably. JRC’s engineering standards are matched by the rigour of our Quality Assurance process -- our brand and our reputation are critical to our continued success.

Marine Electronics comprises some 30% of our activities. JRC worldwide has over 3500 employees (including subsidiaries) working in 41 locations in Japan and 13 overseas offices, with the main marine service centres being in Tokyo, Amsterdam and Seattle as our hubs for global coverage. In FY2010, ended March 31, 2011, the JRC Group posted consolidated net sales of JPY107,705 million($1.295.3 million). For more information, please visit www.jrc.co.jp/eng/ir/annual/2011/annual11.pdf

About Inmarsat

Inmarsat plc is the leading provider of global mobile satellite communications services. Since 1979, Inmarsat has been providing reliable voice and high-speed data communications to governments, enterprises and other organizations, with a range of services that can be used on land, at sea or in the air. Inmarsat employs around 1,500 staff in more than 40 locations around the world, with a presence in the major ports and centres of commerce on every continent. For the year ended 31st December 2010, Inmarsat plc had total revenue of US$1,171.6 million (2009: US$1,038.1 million) and an EBITDA of US$696.1 million (2009: US$594.2 million). Inmarsat is listed on the London Stock Exchange (LSE:ISAT.L). For more information, please visit www.inmarsat.com.

For further information please contact:

Japan Radio Co.,Ltd
Marine Electronics Division
Tel No.: 81-(0)3-6832-1814
Email: marine-contact@jrc.co.jp

John Warehand
Inmarsat
Tel No: 44 7739 778128
Email: john_warehand@inmarsat.com

It is now one year since the IMO amendment to SOLAS came into force on 1st January 2011, and JRC is pleased to provide an update on our activities to date.

As a world leader in the design and manufacture of marine electronics, this latest new IMO requirement has been a lot longer in the making than many others, with the first pioneering models designed as far back as 1995 when IMO adopted the initial ECDIS performance standard. Since then JRC has delivered nearly 5,000 IMO compliant ECDIS systems worldwide, with approximately half that number made up of the current ECDIS product line.

Even with the IMO vessel specific installation deadlines still to enter into force, this shows ship owners demonstrating their own pioneering spirit by fitting early, great signs that ECDIS is already a natural fit on today's and tomorrow’s bridge.

It is expected that tens of thousands of vessels will be required to install and adopt ECDIS carriage over the next 6 years, both for newly built vessels and those existing. With a minimum of one ECDIS system being required per vessel and two systems to go “paperless”, this represents a significant number of what will be a major manufactured item. With the number of units already delivered, JRC has clearly demonstrated it has the capability and the capacity to meet the demand.

The final long term commitment that JRC offers is after sales service and support. Even after the carriage requirement has been effected by all specified vessels, JRC’s support philosophy and global service network will always be at the ship owner’s disposal for many years to come.

Set sail for JRC to see the latest line of new generation multi function and navigation information displays. Featuring an aesthetic and harmonized design, the 4.5-inch displays are a natural addition to JRC’s comprehensive product line.

In keeping with the company’s philosophy of an easy to use Man Machine Interface, the new displays have allowed JRC’s engineers to develop an exciting new software approach.

The 4.5-inch display can be used as a multi-function display (MFD), speed log, (D)GPS and GPS compass. The cost-effective approach allows full NMEA data share for up to 10 displays. The same applies for dimmer share. By changing the intensity on one of the units, it automatically shares the new display settings through all.

The keys are solid and backlit allowing for precise operation while easy to operate in low-light settings on the bridge.

Also new is power distribution. When powering one of the displays, it has the option to distribute power to two additional units, which allows for a flexible installation approach in confined spaces.

JRC also introduces a new 4.5-inch Class A AIS in line with the common display series mentioned above. The AIS can “see around corners” allowing avoidance of dangers before visual or radar contact has been established. The JRC AIS is renowned as best choice for long-range detection.

JRC’s advantage of long-range detection has been the basis for the new model. Outside the antenna will be the same, but the inner parts are completely renewed and RoHS compliant.

This will result in a cost-effective AIS system with uniform design and MMI approach while keeping the same technical advantages in place.

We expect to introduce all 4.5-inch displays gradually through the first six months of 2012.

Also on display at the exhibition will be the new JLR-21 GPS compass, which reaches a new level of performance and stability with many new features and enhancements. This system is also known as a 3D Dynamic Sensor™ which, besides giving heading information, is designed to provide highly accurate information of the ships movement in all axis.

JRC will show its JMA-5300Mk2 and JMA-9100 radar which integrates the Tornado™ radar processor.

Developed exclusively by JRC’s engineers, the Tornado™ radar processor has brought a new level of performance and reliability to radar operation. This capability allows the radars to easily perform the complex tasks associated with the company’s other in-house developed technologies, Constaview™ and Target Enhancement Function, TEF™ .

We will also show the new all-in-one radar JMA-3300 with a 10.4-inch ultra bright glass-bonded LCD (1000 candelas) integrating our new System-on-Chip technology. It features a clear radar picture with True Trails in Head-up mode, semi-Constaview™ and it has the option to easily view required data, such as own ship and/or cursor data in a transparent window. The radar has 50 AIS and 10 tracked MARPA targets as standard and is available in a 4, 6 and 10kW version (including high speed models for 6 and 10 kW).

Get to see all our products at (Alphatron) stand 3406.

Japan Radio Co., Ltd. (JRC) is pleased to announce it has delivered its 15,000th Tornado™ radar from the Mitaka factory in Tokyo, Japan.

Developed exclusively by JRC’s engineers, the Tornado™ radar processor has brought a new level of performance and reliability to radar operation. Found in the JMA-5200 through to the JMA-9100 series, this new capability allowed the radars to easily perform the complex tasks associated with the company’s other in-house developed technologies, Constaview™ and Target Enhancement Function (TEF™).

JRC’s Constaview™ allows full processing of data within milliseconds, generating a smooth and continuous (radar) image rotation. TEF™ allows target enhancement relative to the target size, resulting in a proportional enhancement where the relative enhancement of smaller targets is greater than applied to larger targets.

Since the first JMA-5300 Tornado™ radar was shipped in 2004, JRC has delivered an average of 6 per day to reach this 15,000 milestone. Mr. Tamiho Shinya, Executive Officer of the Marine Division commented, “We are thrilled to have delivered so many radars around the world and even more pleased to see that so many of our customers are able to take full advantage of our systems.“

JRC is pleased to announce the first JMA-5300Mk2 radars installed on board a modern Superyacht, the MY Sea Horse.

Comprising of one 25kW X-Band ARPA and one 30kW S-Band ARPA, the radars were a retrofit installation onboard the 52m vessel, with Captain Anthony Priest the Project Manager. They were supplied in “black box” configuration, which allowed the use of Hatteland monitors for the bridge displays.

Commenting on the installation, Mr. Andy Naito, General Manager of JRC’s Seattle branch office said; “JRC is well known in the commercial shipping industry as one of the most comprehensive manufacturers of marine electronics. It is such a natural thought to us that significant vessels as these Superyachts should benefit from the same superior performance and reliability that the commercial operators clearly acknowledge.”

The radars were sold and installed by Paradise Marine of Fort Lauderdale and they quickly proved themselves during sea trials on the vessel’s way to Italy, stopping in Bermuda for fuel and then a 17-day sailing passage to Rome.

“We are extremely grateful to the MY Sea Horse and Paradise Marine for this opportunity to demonstrate that JRC can be a natural partner within this fine Superyacht industry,” concluded Mr. Naito.

Set sail to the JRC – ProNav stand at Nor-Shipping this year to discover the newest-generation products featuring a beautiful and harmonized design. Our products exhibited include, among others, the new JLR-21 GPS compass, which reaches a new level of performance and stability with many new features and enhancements. This system is also known as a 3D Dynamic Sensor™ which, besides giving heading information, is designed to provide highly accurate information of the ships movement in all axis.

We will also show the new all-in-one radar JMA-3300 with a 10.4-inch ultra bright LCD (1000 candelas) integrating our new System-on-Chip technology. It features a clear radar picture with True Trails in Head-up mode semi-Constaview™ and it has the option to easily view required data, such as own ship and/or cursor data in a transparent window. The radar has 50 AIS and 10 tracked MARPA targets as standard and is available in a 4, 6 and 10kW version (including high speed models for 6 and 10 kW).

The Remote Maintenance System (RMS) will also be shown which allows for cost-effective monitoring of performance and functionality of your onboard equipment while at sea, significantly reducing downtime and maintenance costs. JRC accredited technicians can remotely link to the equipment onboard the vessel to inspect, analyze, resolve or determine what actions are necessary at the vessels next port in order to quickly return the equipment to a full operational status.

We wish to express our sympathy to the people of Japan whose lives have been affected by the devastating earthquake and tsunami that hit Japan on 11 March 2011.

Japan Radio Company (JRC) would like to inform you about the effect on our local establishments. Damage to our buildings and facilities in Sendai and Hachinohe, located in the north-east part of Japan, has been confirmed. Our office in Sendai has resumed regular operations, however, Hachinohe office still has suspended operations due to serious damages to buildings and facilities. The maritime division of Sendai office is taking care of operations on behalf of Hachinohe office until further notice.

At this stage JRC has committed to a contribution of 10 million yen to the Japanese Red Cross Society in order to assist those who have been affected by this disaster and to aid in the recovery. JRC will also put effort into dispatching manpower and lending wireless applications where possible.

JRC sincerely hopes for quick recovery of the people and areas in Japan that have been affected by this terrible tragedy.

Samsung Heavy Industries (SHI), a world-leading shipbuilding company from Korea, have awarded Japan Radio Company (JRC), one of the world’s longest established companies in the field of marine electronics, the prestigious Samsung-Q Mark Gold. This award is presented to the company selected from hundreds of manufacturers worldwide with the best quality performance. In 2011 JRC was chosen the best-qualified manufacturer of radio & navigation equipment.

In 2002 SHI started this program to achieve the highest rate of customer satisfaction. Since the start of the program, JRC has received consecutively in 2002, 2005 and 2008 the Samsung-Q Mark Silver and this year received the highest Samsung-Q Mark award Gold. SHI is focused on providing vessels with zero-defects, and JRC quality assurance, materials control, after-sales service and production management is proven world class. We will continue providing products with the utmost performance and services.
 

Mr. J.W. Nam, Vice President of SHI commented “As the result of your company’s prominent system for high quality management, JRC is awarded Q-Mark Gold and would like to express profound gratitude for your company been supplying high quality equipments to SHI”

Mr. Kazuaki Uchino, Vice Executive of JRC Marine Electronics Division, commented “We are honored to receive this prominent award. It is a great recognition for our policy to achieve the highest rate of customer satisfaction”.

About Samsung-Q Mark

At SHI, the decision-making power is focused on providing vessels with zero-defects and a high customer satisfaction rate. It is essential to cooperate with the best partners in the industry, providing high-quality materials and marine equipment in order to achieve the maximum performance. In dealing with this aspect, SHI has designed and introduced the Samsung-Q Mark to sub-contractors with superior quality to enhance quality systems as well as sub-contractor level.

An evaluation of sub-contractor quality systems is held annually to find companies with superior quality for the Samsung-Q Mark certificate. Sub-contractors that have achieved good quality performance and have met all the requirements according to SHI quality standards can be awarded, which is valid for three years.

Japan Radio Company Limited (JRC), the global leader of marine electronics. announces the establishment of the new subsidiary, JRC (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. in Shanghai, China on the date of 6 January 2011. The new subsidiary starts operation at new premises from 1 April 2011.

JRC opened the first representative office in 2007 to enhance product support for the customers in China working together with the agents. By upgrading this representative office to corporation, JRC intends to organize the locally suited sales and service network closely working with customers and expects to gain a higher level of customer satisfaction.

JRC(Shanghai) Co., Ltd., headed by Tamiho Shinya, executive officer of JRC Marine Division, aims to promote New Buildings of Highseas, work boat and fishery market by continuously improving technical support and delivery of JRC products to the customers of the biggest ship building country in the world.

In total 7 specialists from JRC Tokyo will be moving to JRC(Shanghai) who are all well-experienced in Sales and Technical field of Marine business. This would lead to building a robust foundation for future expansion cooperating with dedicated Chinese specialists of JRC(Shanghai) to support the customers efficiently covering geographically wide market.

To our valued customers,

You may already be aware of the news that Nisshinbo Holdings Inc, who is our major shareholder, executed a Take over Bid (TOB) of JRC stocks. With this bid, Nisshinbo Holdings Inc is planning to raise its stake in JRC to 64.3% from their previous holding of 34.0%.

The purpose of this TOB is to integrate Nisshinbo Holdings Inc groups. and Japan Radio Co Ltd groups in an equal partnership to ensure future development and mutual growth.

Moreover, in the press release of Nisshinbo Holdings Inc, it is clearly stated that they plan “To respect the independent management of our listed company” and “there is no plan to seriously change the overall structure of JRC”

Upon receiving the proposal from Nisshinbo Holdings Inc, JRC examined the proposal, taking into account the various points of view, and after careful deliberation, JRC has decided to agree to the proposal. It is judged that the advantage to us and our customers is great when considering our future development.

More importantly it is felt that:

- It will now become possible to offer the customer a novel product that contributes to the technical development of environmental improvement and energy efficiency.

- The satisfaction of the customer can be further improved by the concentration of effort formed by this powerful new cooperative business partnership.

Because our business is going to continue much as before, this TOB will not influence the relation between our company and you, our customer. Our company will further try to make the best use of this momentous event as a chance to revolutionize and improve our product quality and further enhance our currently offered services.

It is the situation in which a severe economic environment continues. However with the promised cooperation of all members we plan to push onwards with the further development of the business. We therefore hope you will favour us with your continued patronage.

Yours sincerely.


9 November 2010

Yorihisa Suwa
President

We have two new upgrades for the JUE-250 FleetBroadband. These are:

• A new firmware version 01.26 for JUE-250
• An upgrade of JRCl V2 to version 2.0.4.3

Users can now interface directly with the JUE-250 using our innovative JRC launcher V2 software. We recommend upgrading both firmware and JRC launcher V2 at the same time to avoid any compatibility issues with former versions.
 

JRC launcher V2

The JRC launcher V2 is a Windows-based application available in both English and Japanese that works in conjunction with the JUE-250 FleetBroadband terminal. It manages all operations, including data connections, phone and text messaging, as well as administrative aspects like setting provisions for TCP/IP, defining Access Point Names (APNs) and displaying equipment status.
 

JRC launcher V2 has a number of new features:
 

APN profile registration function
The administrator can create different APN settings to restrict users to the standard and/or streaming IP connections defined by their profile.

Packet filter registration
It determines which incoming/outgoing packets can be passed/ignored.

File export
A facility to export six different files including the call log and alarm pack to an external file.

Multiple connections
This allows standard or streaming IP connections to be made for other terminals simply by identifying their IP address.
 

JRC launcher V2 software is free for all JRC customers. It can be downloaded along with an accompanying operations guide detailing all the enhancements.

JUE-250 version 01.26


As well as providing support for the new JRC launcher V2 update detailed above, version 01.26 of the JUE-250 firmware includes a number of new features:
 

• A facility to disable/enable a call from/to the handset.
• A change to the ringback tone timing for a voice/fax originating call.
• A function to auto disconnect a standard IP connection - this function monitors the idle time of the standard IP connection and automatically disconnects it according to the rules specified by the administrator (e.g. by elapsed idle time in upload and/or download)

Click here to visit our update page.

The United Kingdom Hydrographic Office and Japan Radio Co., Ltd. have announced that shipping companies fitting a JRC ECDIS will now have immediate access to the Admiralty range of official global ENCs. All new JRC ECDIS systems orders will be preloaded in the factory with all AVCS (Admiralty Vector Chart Service) charts

This agreement will create an integrated service with direct access to the UKHO portfolio of ENCs, making it easier to obtain the data required for passage planning and voyage execution.

The JRC's ECDIS JAN-901B/701B/2000 series now offers seafarers a great value in bridge technology, delivering seamless access to navigational data.

JRC is confident that their ECDIS with Admiralty AVCS pre-installed is the most reliable system which significantly contributes to marine safety and efficient vessel operation.

At this year’s show we have the pleasure of presenting unsurpassed quality in combination with a streamlined design on all products.

We will show the new stand-alone 10.4-inch high brightness radar (JMA-3300), integrating our new System-on-Chip technology. It features a clear radar picture with True Trails in Head-up mode (semi-Constaview™) and it has the option to easily view required data, such as own ship data and/or cursor data in a transparent window. The radar has 50 AIS targets and 10 tracked targets as standard, and will be initially available in a 4 kW, 6 kW and 10 kW version (including high-speed for 6 kW and 10 kW model). 

We will also show our new Bridge Navigational Watch Alarm System (BNWAS), featuring a 4.3-inch LCD touch screen for high-performance operation. It fully meets IMO requirements, is compatible for JRC’s Remote Maintenance System and can in/output to JRC’s VDR and conning display. And we will have an LED version, showing alarm stages allowing easy operation.

Meet us at stand 301 (hall B6)

Set sail to the JRC stand at Posidonia this year to discover the newest-generation products featuring a beautiful and harmonized design.

Our products exhibited, include among others, our professional ECDIS solution. This 23-inch multi-functional ECDIS system does not only meet IMO requirements, but is one of the world most advanced and future proof e-charting solution available today.

JRC will show the new (D)GPS navigator, which includes the 3D highway display mode and you can use Great Circle and Rhumb line in the same route. It also integrates four configurable NMEA ports and the advanced LAN connection facilitates interswitching.

We will show the FB250 and FB500. The FleetBroadband family is the latest-generation maritime communication solution from JRC. It is compactly designed, easy to install and puts high-speed connectivity right at your fingertips.

Visit JRC stand 344, and discover a wave of products that meet today’s rising standards for more competitive ships.

Video of a stunning solar eclipse over South East Asia was relayed via FleetBroadband by members of Japan's media. The total eclipse on 22 July which lasted up to 6 minutes 39 seconds across the region - was the longest so far this century - and the first that could be seen from Japan for 46 years.

JRC supplied two JUE-250 FleetBroadband terminals to Nippon Housou Kyokai (NHK) Global Media Service.

Umbral shadow

On 20 July a JRC engineer installed the terminals - one as a back-up - on board the Pacific Venus cruise ship which departed Yokohama on the same day. The cruise liner stayed near Iou Island for the eclipse to be observed in cloudless conditions. According to Nasa, the total eclipse of the Sun was visible from within a narrow corridor that traversed half of the Earth.

Easy install

The path of the Moon's umbral shadow began in India and crossed through Nepal, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Myanmar and China. After leaving mainland Asia, the path crossed Japan's Ryukyu Islands and curved southeast through the Pacific Ocean. The solar eclipse could be seen in Japan from 10.30 local time and NHK's video was broadcast live onto the Yahoo Japan website for everyone to see

New firmware for JRC JUE-250 and JUE-500 FleetBroadband terminals which offers a number of enhancements and corrections for users - in particular improved fax stability.

The upgrades require users to have Windows XP or Vista operating systems.

The new version 01.16 offers:

• New satellite map management under three I4 satellites (IOR, AOR and POR)
• Improved satellite tracking, particularly for the 180 W to 165 W area
• A DHCP and configurable IP address that can be selected by the user and enabled or disabled
• Support for the USIM PIN function
• Support for the SMS reply function from handset
• Improved communications stability in case of blockage by shadowing
• Reduced echo on voice phone calls
• Improved fax communications stability
• Improved phonebook
• Changed extension number when forwarding call to one of the terminal phones (handset: **0, TEL port 1: **1, TEL port 2: **2)

Vessels fitted with JRC JUE-250 must be using version 01.04 in order to upgrade to the new 01.16 version.

The new version 11.27 offers:

• Support for Option Interface Unit NQA-2217
• Improved fax communications stability

Users of the JRC JUE-500 should already be using software version 11.03 in order to upgrade to the new version 11.27.

The new 01.16 and 11.27 firmware is available to download from the Support section of the Inmarsat website, along with supporting information in PDF format. Version 01.16 is 5MB and 11.27 is around 8MB. You can also click on the antenna to download the latest firmware.

Download firmware: 01.16 or 11.27
www.inmarsat.com/Support/FleetBroadband/Firmware.aspx

Inmarsat Customer Services:
Tel: 44 (0)20 7728 1020
Fax: 44 (0)20 7728 1142
Email: customer_care@inmarsat.com

Please be advised that effective 17 August 2009, our head office has moved to the following address.

Fujisawa bldg. 30-16
Ogikubo 4-chome Suginami-ku
Tokyo 167-8540, Japan

T 81 3 6832 1721
F 81 3 6832 1845

Our new office is located close to Ogikubo station (JR CHUO line or subway Marunouchi line), which is approx 5-10 minutes walking distance. For exact location and directions, please use below map.

View Larger Map

Set sail to the JRC – Alphatron stand at Europort this year to discover the newest-generation products featuring a beautiful and harmonized design.

The oceans and ships canals are essential to transportation, as ships move most of the world’s goods between the world’s seaports. Ships often require sailing under adverse and hostile environmental conditions where robust and technically advanced navigation and communication equipment is essential.

JRC is a leading innovator, supplier and manufacturer of these technologically advanced products that merchant, fishing and leisure vessels rely on for safe navigation.

Our JRC products set the new standard for goal-oriented work and high performance. The simplified menu structures, visual appeal and intuitive usage are of great importance on the ships bridge, a working and living environment of thousands of ships officers on a day-to-day basis.

Our products exhibited, include among others, the new MF/HF radiotelephone, featuring a built-in 6-channel DSC as standard and advanced digital audio amplifier. The modular design allows for a flexible installation approach.

JRC will show the new (D)GPS navigator, which includes the 3D highway display mode and you can use Great Circle and Rhumb line in the same route. It also integrates four configurable NMEA ports and the advanced LAN connection facilitates interswitching.

We will show the FB250 and FB500. The FleetBroadband family is the latest-generation maritime communication solution from JRC. It is compactly designed, easy to install and puts high-speed connectivity right at your fingertips – delivered globally¹ using Inmarsat’s highly reliable satellite network.

The Remote Maintenance System (RMS) will also be showed, which is a system designed to remotely monitor onboard equipment, reducing down time and service miscarriage by failure analysis, allowing immediate and cost-effective advice for onboard action. Click here to find out more.

Get to see all our products in hall 3, stand 405.

3-6 November 2009

1. Coverage restriction for the extreme polar regions apply.

Set sail to the JRC – ProNav stand at Nor-Shipping this year to discover the newest-generation products featuring a beautiful and harmonized design.

Our JRC products set the new standard for goal-oriented work and high performance. The simplified menu structures, visual appeal and intuitive usage are of great importance on the ships bridge, a working and living environment of thousands of ships officers on a day-to-day basis.

Our products exhibited, include among others, the new MF/HF radiotelephone, featuring a built-in 6-channel DSC as standard and advanced digital audio amplifier. The modular design allows for a flexible installation approach.

JRC will show the new (D)GPS navigator, which includes the 3D highway display mode and you can use Great Circle and Rhumb line in the same route. It also integrates four configurable NMEA ports and the advanced LAN connection facilitates interswitching.

We will show the FB250 and FB500. The FleetBroadband family is the latest-generation maritime communication solution from JRC. It is compactly designed, easy to install and puts high-speed connectivity right at your fingertips – delivered globally¹ using Inmarsat’s highly reliable satellite network.

The Remote Maintenance System (RMS) will also be showed, which is a system designed to remotely monitor onboard equipment, reducing down time and service miscarriage by failure analysis, allowing immediate and cost-effective advice for onboard action. Click here to find out more.

Get to see all our products in hall B, stand 04-08.

9-12 June 2009

1. Coverage restriction for the extreme polar regions apply.

Come to Digital Ship Scandinavia in Oslo to learn about how to get the most from maritime broadband satellite communications, electronic navigation and documentation, where Scandinavian shipping companies, in many respects, lead the world.

JRC will show the JUE-500 FleetBroadband FB500, the latest-generation maritime communication solution. It is compactly designed, easy to install and puts high-speed connectivity right at your fingertips.

10-11 March 2009
Telenor Expo Centre, Oslo, Norway

This memo is to advise customers to carry out LRIT software upgrading before conducting a Conformance Test on JRC Inmarsat C models JUE-75C and JUE-85.

Upgrading software for existing new GMDSS compliant JUE-75C’s and non LRIT capable JUE-85’s is required before carrying out a Conformance Test with LRIT application service providers (ASP), for example: Pole Star, Transas Limited, or Absolute Maritime Tracking Services INC, in order to meet the IMO LRIT requirements MSC 263(84). We believe that Inmarsat C equipment for LRIT should conform to Inmarsat’s new specification¹

Without upgrading the equipment with LRIT software, most Conformance Tests may fail. Even if the Conformance Test is completed successfully, upgrading of the equipment with LRIT software is still required later on, in order to avoid troubles like no data transmission to the LRIT data center during the LRIT operation due to the following factors:

• Low success rate due to Inmarsat-C communication traffic congestion²
• Partial operational change in Inmarsat-C system to introduce LRIT system at LES
• Partial mismatch of operation between JRC models (JUE-75C/85) and LRIT ASP system

If you ask JRC for service because there is no data transmission from your JRC Inmarsat C terminals, without having upgraded the unit with LRIT software, we will advise you first to arrange to upgrade the JRC equipment with LRIT software before taking further action.

For further information, please contact our sales representatives.

1. Inmarsat’s new specification (CN141 and CN142)
   CN141: Enhanced Data Reporting with delivery confirmation and the retransmitting function
   CN142: Multi-Ocean Region Polling (downloading function for DNID of all Ocean Region)
2. A burst (data reporting) collision occurs essentially due to Inmarsat C communication traffic congestion, because Inmarsat C system adopts the slotted-ALOHA method. And it causes the decreased communication success rate.

JRC strongly recommends that FleetBroadband JUE-250 mobile terminals requiring full global coverage should be updated to the new satellite map after the deployment of the I-4 EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa) satellite on 6 February 2009.

Why is the update required?

Inmarsat is repositioning two satellites in the Inmarsat-4 (I-4) satellite constellation to optimize the network in readiness for the introduction of global FleetBroadband coverage. This repositioning process commenced on 7 January, and is due to complete on 24 February 2009.

Without the map update, the JUE-250 will have access to the new I-4 Americas satellite at 98 degrees West, but not to access the repositioned I-4 EMEA (formerly I-4 F2) and I-4 Asia-Pacific (formerly I-4 F1) satellites, in their new locations at 25 degrees East and 143.5 degrees East respectively. This is due to incompatibility of satellite map management (location, frequencies and coverage area). Therefore JRC strongly recommends that after 6 February users and service providers download the JUE-250 satellite map update tool to enable them to update to the new satellite map to access the full global FleetBroadband service.

When is the update required?

From 6 February 2009, the date the I-4 EMEA satellite re-enters commercial service at 25 degrees East.

At this point, from 16:00 UTC on 6 February, in a window lasting for about one hour, FleetBroadband traffic in the Indian Ocean Region will be transferred from the I-4 F1 satellite to I-4 EMEA.

Users in the Indian Ocean Region

For FleetBroadband terminals currently located in the I-4 Indian Ocean Region (IOR) satellite area, the satellite map must be updated after 17:00 UTC on 6 February 2009, after the transfer of traffic has been completed. If the satellite map is updated before 6 February 2009, user terminals will be unable to communicate in the IOR satellite area.

In the event that a user’s satellite map is updated before 6 February 2009, the associated terminal will be unable to communicate in the new I-4 Asia-Pacific satellite region after 24 February 2009. In this case, the satellite map must be re-updated after 6 February 2009.

Users in the Asia-Pacific Region

FleetBroadband users are reminded that the second planned I-4 service outage begins in parts of the Asia-Pacific region from about 16:00 UTC on 6 February. This is currently scheduled to last for 19 days, ending at approximately 18:00 UTC on 24 February.

Obtaining the update tool

The JRC FB250 terminal JUE-250 new satellite map update is downloaded from the Inmarsat support website.

Click here to visit the Inmarsat support page.

For any queries, users are advised to approach their Inmarsat service provider for update support.

It should be noted that if the JUE-250 satellite map update tool is downloaded over the air, it will add cost to users' airtime bills. The file size is around 1.5 MB.

Customer queries relating to the terminal or tool should be addressed to the JRC contacts below.

JRC Europe
Tel 31 20 658 0750
Fax 31 20 658 0755
Email service@jrceurope.com

JRC America
Tel 1 206 654 5644
Fax 1 206 654 7030
Email marineservice@jrcamerica.com

For other queries, please contact email customer_care@inmarsat.com

On 19 November 2007 Inmarsat launched the FleetBroadband service and simultaneously JRC introduced the JUE-250 FleetBroadband FB250. Now with the third I-4 satellite in orbit, Inmarsat has started repositioning a number of satellites to provide global coverage – expecting to be ready end February 2009.

In parallel to this, JRC introduces the next-generation JUE-500 FleetBroadband FB500.

This newest member of JRC’s highly successful Inmarsat products is the second IP-based maritime terminal, capable of supporting always-on broadband connectivity at speeds up to 432kbps and streaming IP data rate of up to 256kpbs. These unparalleled levels of bandwidth and connectivity will significantly reduce the cost for both business and crew communication.

In addition, it allows users to send and receive text messages of up to 160 characters, a feature that is proven popular with crew who are used of texting from their GSM mobiles while on shore.

High-speed voice and data communication will be delivered to the maritime world in an economical package. The electronics and mechanical design make the JRC JUE-500 as advanced on the inside as it is on the outside. JRC adapted the three-axis control system in the antenna, which is proven to be highly reliable and the best way to keep the size to a minimum. Our company's long experience of antenna design also ensured that the antenna and below deck equipment would be robust and easy to install.

JRC’s cost-effective cable management allows you to install the JUE-500 easily. No gyro or GPS input is required and by having JRC proven no cable unwrap system integrated, efficient installation is guaranteed.

JRC plans to start shipping the JUE-500 FleetBroadband FB500 spring 2009.

The first two I-4 satellites were launched in 2005 and the third I-4 satellite was recently launched on 18 August 2008. This will bring global coverage for FleetBroadband services. Now the I-4 launch program is complete, Inmarsat will be repositioning its I-4 satellites in order to optimize its network. This repositioning process is expected to be complete by late February 2009.

FleetBroadband service outages

During the satellite repositioning process, there will be two short service outages. This will affect a small number of FleetBroadband users in specific locations for a short period. Other Inmarsat maritime services will continue to operate and there will be no impact on GMDSS.

First service outage

Once the I-4 F3 satellite is operational, FleetBroadband traffic from I-4 F2 will transferred to the new I-4 F3 satellite, which will then assume the name of I-4 Americas, covering the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans.

Once the I4-F2 satellite has been vacated, it will then move from 53W to 25E, to assume its new position over EMEA. FleetBroadband service will not be available on this satellite during the repositioning process, which is expected to take 25 days, from 7 January to 2 February 2009.

The map below shows the area where FleetBroadband service will not be available on the I-4 F2 satellite, affecting users transiting through a vertical strip of the Atlantic Ocean.

This map depicts Inmarsat’s expectations of coverage during the first phase of repositioning of its I-4 satellites. The red area indicates where FleetBroadband service will be temporarily unavailable. The repositioning process does not affect services on the I-3 satellites. This map does not represent a guarantee of service. The availability of service at the edge of coverage fluctuates depending on various conditions.

Second service outage

Once the I-4 F2 satellite is in its new position, FleetBroadband traffic from I-4 F1 will be transferred on to the I-4 F2 satellite, which will then assume the name of I-4 EMEA, covering the Atlantic and Indian Oceans.

Once the I4-F1 satellite has been vacated, it will then move from 64E to 143.5E, to assume its new position over Asia-Pacific. FleetBroadband service will not be available on this satellite during the repositioning process, which is expected to take 19 days from 6 – 24 February 2009.

The map below shows the area where FleetBroadband service will not be available on the I-4 F1 satellite, affecting users in parts of Asia-Pacific.

This map depicts Inmarsat’s expectations of coverage during the second phase of repositioning of its I-4 satellites. The red area indicates where FleetBroadband service will be temporarily unavailable. The repositioning process does not affect services on the I-3 satellites. This map does not represent a guarantee of service. The availability of service at the edge of coverage fluctuates depending on various conditions.

Come to Cyprus in February 2009 to learn how Cyprus ship management companies are leading the world in environmental and safety performance, managing costs, and use of advanced information technology, to provide a better service to their employees, customers and the environment.

Cyprus leads the world in ship management - come and find out why, with some bright Cyprus sunshine to brighten your winter.

During Digital Ship, JRC will present updates of the FleetBroadband family, the JUE-250 and the JUE-500. The electronics and mechanical design make the JRC FleetBroadband solutions as advanced on the inside as it is on the outside.

3-4 February 2009
Grand Resort hotel, Limassol, Cyprus

Starting 1 October 2008, JRC will re-introduce the online service arrangement system, which will include a refreshed appearance and an easier way of operation.

The new look of JRC’s online service system comes with a special promotion. We are pleased to offer 10% labor-charge price cut, when a service request is directly made by the customer.

The discounted rate – 10% on labor charges invoiced¹ – is valid from 1 October 2008 through 31 December 2008.

Visit our service request page², which is available in English and Japanese. Click on your preferred language for direct access.

Additionally, as of 15 October 2008, the Marine Service Department portal will be open to all customers to easily access all product catalogues and copies of type approval certificates.

Need further advice?
Call us at 81 3 3492 1305/2192 or send an email to tmsc@jrc.co.jp.

1. Service parts, consumption tax etc are excluded
2. To login, it is necessary to acquire ID and install security certificate on PC. Email our staff tmsc@jrc.co.jp to issue.

Digital Ship Athens is one of the biggest events in the Greek technical shipping calendar, where IT, technical and operation managers come together to discuss the latest technology and practice.

The theme for the November 2008 event is ‘operational excellence in shipping’ – and how to get the ships, seafarers, systems, and standards to achieve it.

Learn more about JRC JUE-250 FleetBroadband FB250 satellite communication terminal, delivering the most advanced maritime service available. Enhanced connectivity, based on 3G standards, provides constant, simultaneous access to voice and high-speed data in a compact solution, designed specifically for the marine environment.

18-19 November 2008
Aegli Zappiou, off Syntagma square, Athens

Japan Radio Company has developed and received certification for JRC model JMA-9172-SA, solid state S-band marine radar from EU certification notified body QinetiQ.

The new radar complies with new IMO radar performance standard MSC. 192 (79). This new performance standard is applicable for all IMO radars installed onboard vessels on or after 1 July 2008. Draft approval certification was issued to JRC on 12 September 2008, and JRC is pleased to make a world’s first announcement of a type approved solid state radar complying with these new IMO regulations.

The JMA-9172-SA solid state radar is a model within JRC’s JMA-9100 series, which also were the world firsts magnetron based radars, complying with the new IMO requirements and has approval certification issued by QinetiQ in May earlier this year.

The JMA-9172-SA radar is available as a two-unit solid state system comprising the new scanner and display unit of the JMA-9100 radar series. JRC have designed and built in-house the JMA-9172-SA solid state transceiver and processing units, all of which are key devices of this technology in a new model NKE-1532 scanner unit.

Essential features of the new radar

• High reliability and quality with no need of traditional high voltage control
• Improved clutter suppression by new signal processing technology
• Very low unwanted emission levels via simple transmitting wave control
• Low maintenance costs by using solid state transmitter without magnetron technology

Minoru Saito, 74, Guinness Book world record holder as the most senior person to sail around the world at the time of his seventh circumnavigation. At the age of 71, Saito will soon set sail on ‘Challenge 8’, an even more daunting voyage. This time he will sail single-handed and non-stop westward around the world, against opposing winds, waves and currents, which is said to be a challenge on the same level as climbing Mount Everest without oxygen.

His 56-foot steel sailing vessel will be equipped with a sponsored JRC JUE-33 Fleet 33, the terminal of choice of many marine users worldwide. Its compact design with one of the smallest Fleet 33 antennas is a well suited solution for smaller vessels.

It is important to note this is an ideal solution, not only as a primary communication tool, but for whatever application, the JUE-33 is an easy-to-fit system. Only one coaxial cable is required to connect the antenna to the below deck unit. This makes it a virtually ‘plug and go’ phone to keep the world updated on the adventures of Minoru Saito at sea.

The JUE-33 will be used not only for telephony, email, and fax messaging, but also for downloading real-time weather data and graphic forecasts, using highly specific weather software developed by ClearPoint Precision Weather. Such software is useful for ships on the open ocean, permitting location-specific details on weather and sea conditions.

Saito has nearly completed extensive refitting of his boat, ‘Nicole BMW Shuten-dohji III,’ and will continue final preparations before his journey starts at the end of September 2008. He recently sailed it 9,500 km from Auckland where it was refitted with new mast, sails, engine, auto tiller, and other mission-critical components.

Challenge 8 is an officially approved event within the program of the 150th anniversary of the Port of Yokohama in May 2009 when he will be back after his unassisted circumnavigation with no port calls. It will be the eighth time Saito has sailed around the world solo since the age of 53, when he began competitive sailing.

When he arrives back in Japan he will be 75 years old, further advancing his Guinness Book world record and potentially adding several others.

JRC, as a contributing sponsor, wishes Minoru Saito all the best and good luck on his upcoming solo around-the-world adventure.

To JRC GPS users: Customers who utilize GPS date data from the GPS navigator, receiver and plotter, and also GPS receiver installed in the JRC JUE-75A Inmarsat-C models will experience difficulties on 17 August 2008 as the date data will output and display 1 January 1989.

The maximum possible duration of the date data from the GPS is 19.6 year. As a result, at 0:00AM (UTC), 17 August 2008, the date data will automatically relapse to the initial commencement date 1 January 1989.

The actual date will be incorrect. The time display and output will not be affected, and the positioning function will operate normally, though may temporarily be interrupted, taking a longer time or fail to fix the position after the date reverts.

Find below list of affected equipment and appropriate countermeasures per model. Contact our service agent or sales representative to arrange countermeasures. Due to age of GPS model concerned, costs for any modifications will be at the customer’s expense.

(!) All other JRC GPS and Inmarsat-C models do not require countermeasures.

If any of the above GPS equipment is used in combination with the following equipment, the functionality will be affected.

• Electronic Chart Display and Information System (ECDIS)
• Chart Radar
• Ship Security Alert System (SSAS)
• Simplified Voyage Data Recorder (S-VDR)
• Other equipment employing the date data from a GPS

For more information, and countermeasures, please contact our service agents or sales representatives.

In June 2008, JRC, a leading manufacturer of maritime NavComms products, announced today the launch of a new corporate website. The launch of the new website is aimed at giving JRC a fresh, professional look that fits with their industry.

The website is in alignment with our "simple, to the point" corporate identity, featuring improved navigation, more in-depth product information, global network and more.

We hope you enjoy your stay and keep coming back as new features are added.

Japan Radio Company (JRC) has developed and received certification for 3 new series of marine radars, comprising a total of 24 models, complying with the new IMO radar performance standard MSC 192(79). The requirement for radars installed conform new IMO performance standard will be implemented on or after 1 July 2008.

The European MED approval certification acquired from EU notified body QinetiQ is the first in the world for radars complying with these new IMO requirements.

The new IMO radar performance standard IEC62388:2008 has the following improvements and additional functionality compared to the current requirements:

• Improved radar target detection performance in rain and sea clutter
• Additional changes in the basic requirements for radar performance
• ITU-R Conformity to the frequency band spurious emissions.
• Conformity to IMO performance standards on navigation presentation MSC 191(79)
• Radar image display and measurement by Consistent Common Reference Position (CCRP)

In addition, JRC has integrated the latest leading technologies, such as the second generation and patented Constaview™, which rotates and displays the radar images in real time. Also developed exclusively by JRC, Target Enhancement Function (TEF™) allows target enhancement relative to target size. The smaller echoes are far more enlarged than bigger echoes, giving a better on-screen separation and identification.

Radars installed on or after 1 July 2008 are required to conform to new IMO radar performance standards MSC 192(79).

JRC MED approved radar series:

JMA-9100 radar series – 9 models
23.1” color LCD: 10, 25 and 30kW, X and S-band

JMA-7100 radar series – 9 models
19” color LCD: 10, 25 and 30kW, X and S-band

JMA-5300Mk2 radar series – 6 models
19” color LCD: 10, 25 and 30kW, X and S-band

Date of MED acquisition: May, 2008

Japan Radio Company, one of the worlds longest established manufacturers in the field of marine navigation and communication equipment, opened today a new JRC office in Hamburg, Germany, which enables us to strengthen our presence and expand our reach in the German market.

Throughout the opening ceremony, JRC addressed many important topics, including the launch of new products, reflecting the latest IMO rules and regulations. With the business partially driven by IMO regulations, JRC is aware the constant process of development and evaluation to meet, and exceed IMO requirement are a key factor in providing safety at sea.

JRC provided a live demonstration of Inmarsat’s new FleetBroadband service via the JUE-250 FleetBroadband FB250, and temporarily transformed the terrestrial grounds into a “broadband floating office”, staged in the heart of Hamburg.

The JUE-250 antenna was located on the terrace at the 30th floor, and via the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) satellite, we were able to demonstrate the capabilities of JRC’s unique Remote Maintenance System (RMS). The requirement for quicker repair and maintenance of equipment onboard vessels can simply be realized with existing VDR technology, resulting in more economical time/value solutions for the modern IT driven, maritime industry.

As a part of the JUE-250 FleetBroadband FB250 focal point, JRC has invited Mr. Piers Cunningham, head of maritime business of Inmarsat. Mr. Cunningham relayed the importance of the industry-changing FleetBroadband service to the audience. “These unparalleled levels of bandwidth and connectivity will significantly reduce the cost for both business and crew communication.”

Another guest speaker was Mr. Volker Sommer from airtime provider Vizada. “FleetBroadband has the potential to alter the way mariners and vessels communicate, just as terrestrial broadband has changed the way people use the internet”.

“A range of new JRC products are coming in the near future” said Mr. Jun Nakazawa, Operations Manager of JRC Europe. “The new JRC products have common design and modern user interface. The new products include MF/HF, DGPS, ECDIS, IMO radars, and FleetBroadband products.”

“The opening of our new office will allow us to further build upon our successes, as well as demonstrating an ongoing commitment to Germany”, Mr. Harry Miyashita, General Manager of JRC Europe commented. “It is undoubtedly a very competitive market, but we have recognized that there are huge opportunities and we look forward to introduce our new range of navigation and communication to existing and future JRC users.”

After a successful grand opening of JRC Germany, JRC hosted a buffet and drinks reception that proved to be a perfect opportunity for everyone to meet one another and share their thoughts. JRC was proud to have had so many major German re-sellers & ship-owners in attendance at the opening, something that was key to the success of the event.

Starting last SMM, JRC embarked on an ambitious plan to introduce new advanced global navigation and communication products. After navigating another two years through its maritime product development program we have at this year’s show the pleasure of presenting this unsurpassed quality along with a new streamlined design on all products. The new design is not only “looking good”, but the result of goal-orientated work to ease the everyday navigation tasks onboard.

Having optimized the user-friendliness and bringing the man-machine interface to a uniform level on all instruments, the “JRC bridge” now exceeds any expectation to a sophisticated line of navigation and communication equipment.

We will have the Remote Maintenance System (RMS) live throughout the exhibition. This system is designed to remotely monitor onboard equipment, reducing down time and service miscarriage by failure analysis, allowing for immediate advice for onboard action. Click here to find out more. Feel free to ask for a demo.

Set sail to the JRC stand 301, hall B6, and discover a new wave of communication and navigation products that meets today’s rising standards for more competitive ships.

23-26 September 2008
Hamburg Messe, Germany

JRC is once more delighted to present its global navigation and communication product range at Posidonia, one of the world’s biggest high-sea exhibitions, held every two years.

In 2006, JRC embarked on an ambitious plan to introduce new advanced NavComms products, and at this year’s show we have the pleasure of presenting this unsurpassed quality along with a new streamlined design on all products. The new design is not only “looking good”, but the result of goal-orientated work to ease the everyday navigation tasks onboard.

At JRC, we constantly keep the user to the forefront of any new product design, as a good man-machine interface ensures enhanced ergonomics and user-friendliness. JRC continues the proud tradition of renowned hardware and software which is further enhanced with a good reputation for total product support around the world.

You are welcome at stand 344 – don’t miss out on this valuable waypoint

2-6 June 2008
Hellenikon Exhibition Centre, Piraeus, Greece

Our Norwegian distributor ProNav held a 2-day dealer meeting beginning of February, and traditionally, they invited all manufacturers to attend. Over the years, presenting awards on the closing day has become a hallmark of the ProNav dealer meetings. Two awards were to be given to the attending manufacturers to recognize the achievements over the last 12 months.

Mr. John Hestnes, CEO of Pronav awarded JRC with “Best Customer Focus Support” and “Best Customer Focus Innovation”.

We’re very pleased to receive both awards, and would like to express our gratitude to ProNav, a company that successfully demonstrates commitment, focus and continuous support to JRC.

Japan Radio Company (JRC), today launched the Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) NJJ-95B Handy Search, and as a result of a recently acquired a CE and FCC approval, JRC is ready to enter the worldwide ‘GPR’ market.

The main purpose of the Handy Search is to inspect the quality of constructions, and as the demand for quality assurance inspections of concrete buildings is booming, JRC’s new advancements in technology has made the Handy Search a valuable and highly reliable tool to perform inspections.

The Handy Search is a device that radiates electromagnetic waves through concrete surfaces and receives reflected signals from specific objects that have different characteristics. The depth and location of those specific objects are displayed and recorded as image data.

Today, the Handy Search is already a highly reputable and well accepted inspection device in the Japanese market, having the ability to detect non-metallic objects, such as cavities and polyvinyl chloride pipes and metallic objects, avoiding any accidental cutting of reinforced steel bars, electrical conduit and wiring, gas pipes, or plumbing.

The NJJ-95B Handy Search continues the tradition of enhanced depth data technology, sharing the same simple configuration as its predecessor, but gives users a range of new features not previously found on this class of ‘concrete radars’. Its high performance (allowing for a detection depth of 30 centimeters) and all-in-one functionality provides enhanced stability and read-out. Also the exceedingly compact and light-weight design, weighing only 1.1 kilogram, contributes to improved ergonomics and user-friendliness.

Maritime communications are a dynamically expanding sector, covering the need of shipping companies for cost effective, reliable and online connection between ship and office. On 31 January 2008, Japan Radio Company (JRC), one of the market leading manufacturers of navigation and communication equipment, specifically organized a high profile, not to miss, seminar in the heart of Athens for the Greek market, one of the word’s major shipping countries.

JRC addressed many important topics including the launch of new equipment and a product development policy that reflects the latest IMO rules and regulations. With the business partially driven by IMO regulations, JRC is aware that commercial operators are looking for durability and longevity in the equipment that they choose. The constant process of development and evaluation that JRC undertakes to meet, and exceed, future IMO requirements, and the benefits of advancements in technology, are a key factor in providing improved safety at sea.

“A range of new JRC products are coming in the near future” said Mr. Harry Miyashita, General Manager of JRC Europe. “The new JRC products have common design and modern user interface. The new products include MF/HF, DGPS, ECDIS, IMO radars, and FleetBroadband products.”

After the successful seminar, JRC hosted a drinks reception that proved to be a perfect opportunity for everyone to meet one another and share their thoughts. JRC was proud to have had so many major Greek re-sellers & ship-owners in attendance at the seminar, something that was key to the success of the event.

Digital Ship will be holding its conference / exhibition in Oslo in March, returning once again to the beautiful Telenor headquarters building in Fornebu. Two day conference and exhibition on satellite communications, software, navigation for the deep sea shipping and offshore shipping industry.

During Digital Ship, JRC will focus on one of the most innovative and useful aspects of the new JUE-250 FleetBroadband FB250, as existing JRC customers will have the ability to re-use parts of the communication system in place.

11-12 March 2008
Telenor Expo Centre, Oslo, Norway

Get the first sunshine in 2008 with a trip to Digital Ship Cyprus in Limassol, which is well supported by the local shipping community. The conference will include insight from shipping companies about their experiences with electronic purchasing, maintaining systems, remote monitoring, and electronic charts.

During Digital Ship, JRC will present updates of its newest member of our highly successful Fleet family products, the JUE-250 FleetBroadband FB250, the first fully IP-based maritime terminal capable of supporting always-on broadband data connectivity at speeds up to 284kpbs.

5-6 February 2008
St Raphael Resort, Limassol, Cyprus

This document describes the Inmarsat-A Service Termination information. Inmarsat has already announced that Inmarsat-A service terminate at 23:59 31st December 2007 for All Ocean Region. When the Inmarsat-A service terminates, the TDM carrier from NCS will terminate completely such as the receiving level will be reduced to 0.

Model type

Action taken

If you will dismount the Inmarsat-A terminal, please follow the disposal regulation according to each countries organization.

Japan Radio Company (JRC), one of the worlds longest established companies in the field of marine electronics, achieved today Inmarsat’s type approval for the JUE-250 FleetBroadband FB250 satellite communication terminal.

This newest member of JRC’s highly successful Fleet family products, the JUE-250, is the world’s first FB250 type approval granted by Inmarsat, a company that has unrivalled experience in designing and operating satellite communication networks.

As part of the process, Inmarsat’s second phase consist of Marine Field Evaluation (MFE) of ten (10) vessels of which five (5) vessels JRC has been selected for, guaranteeing the FB250 infrastructure is set to satisfy the broadband requirements of those navigating the world’s seas.

The much-anticipated FleetBroadband FB250 will effectively transform your vessel into a broadband floating office, with simultaneous access to voice and boasting data speeds of up to 284kpbs and streaming IP data rate of up to 128kpbs. Existing JRC Fleet 33 users can easily upgrade to increased bandwidth, and new users will see a compelling combination of form and function, JRC’s new FB250 is the first fully IP-based maritime terminal, exceedingly suitable for the broadband playground.

One of the most innovative and useful aspects of the new JUE-250 FleetBroadband FB250 for existing JRC customers will be the ability to re-use parts of the communication system in place when upgrade to FleetBroadband. Existing users with an JUE-33 Fleet 33 installed onboard need only to replace the below deck unit to upgrade to the FB250 – keeping the same antenna and same cabling that is already installed on the vessel.

With the new JUE-250 FleetBroadband FB250, JRC is able to meet the demanding requirements – whether to support crew communications, or to explore new ways of working and enhance operational efficiency, and all in a highly cost-effective manner.

Officially launched on 19 November this year, FleetBroadband is set to satisfy the broadband requirements of those navigating the world’s seas. At one fell swoop, JRC will launch its next-generation satellite communication terminal together with Inmarsat’s industry-changing FleetBroadband communication service, delivering the most advanced maritime service available from 19 November 2007.

Ensuring that your business runs smoothly is just as important while you are at sea as when you are on shore. With boasting data speeds of up to 284kbps and streaming IP data rate of up to 128kbps, the FleetBroadband FB250 practically ensures that maritime users have better access then ever before. This newest addition to the family gives you faster and more cost-effective access to broadband services, offering seafarers an affordable voice and data option, while providing your vessel with a coverage area of millions of square miles.

Your vessel is effectively transformed into a broadband floating office, with simultaneous access to voice and high-speed data, along with fax and SMS capabilities. This allows you to run online operation systems, whilst still having access to e.g. email, intranet and voice calls – a significant improvement to both operational and social use.

Existing JRC Fleet 33 customers can utilize our dedicated upgrade path to make global voice and broadband data more accessible than ever before. This makes it necessary to replace only the main unit rather than obtaining a completely new system. This unique, exclusively to JRC, cost-effective feature will provide seamless Inmarsat's ocean coverage all via a single main unit upgrade.

On October 2006, JRC and several other manufacturers were invited to participate in the A.P. Moller – Maersk makers’ management project. The objective was to evaluate and select vendors for future newbuilding programs, creating a list of approved suppliers from which both A.P. Moller – Maersk and 3rd party yards may choose from when deciding on the specifications of a new vessel or rig.

Based on the evaluation of JRC’s overall level of quality, design, innovation, service and commercial competitiveness, the project group has recommended JRC to be approved for the A.P. Moller – Maersk makers’ list. This recommendation has subsequently been approved and verified.

JRC will now be listed on all newbuilding projects orders in the future by A.P. Moller – Maersk.

Blue Ocean Wireless (”BOW”), an Irish company focused on delivering GSM communication capability for the merchant maritime sector, and Japan Radio Company (“JRC”), one of the world’s longest established companies in the field of marine electronics, today announced that JRC will provide BOW with its Fleet F33 terminal, the JUE-33, to connect BOW onboard equipment to the Inmarsat satellite system.

JRC was selected by Blue Ocean Wireless to provide Fleet F33 terminals onboard customers’ vessels given its proven track record in wireless communication and its position as the leading supplier of Inmarsat mobile earth stations. JRC’s Fleet F33 terminal has the world’s smallest antenna, and is easily fitted to any maritime vessel. It also provides the opportunity to be easily upgraded to the next-generation FleetBroadband terminal which will be launched in late 2007. This will ultimately provide greater bandwidth and add service capability to Blue Ocean Wireless’ product offering.

Blue Ocean Wireless, together with Inmarsat, Stratos, JRC and a leading GSM network operator, provides a dedicated global GSM service for crew members of merchant ships. Blue Ocean Wireless’ service, for the first time, enables seafarers to use their existing mobile phones on board vessels in deep ocean water in exactly the same way that they do in port or on land. BOW also enables ship owners, insurers and government authorities, as well as suppliers and customers, to track and monitor individual containers on board merchant vessels as they traverse the globe using a combination of GPRS and RFID technology.

“This is a cutting-edge product, far superior to anything in the market place” said Mr. Jun Nakazawa, Operations Manager of JRC. “JRC is very excited by our partnership arrangements to co-provide seafarers with an affordable entry to the world of GSM communications at sea..”

Mr Robert Johnson, CEO of Blue Ocean Wireless, commented, “We are delighted to announce this agreement with JRC, an established provider of global communications solutions to the merchant maritime sector.”