ORBCOMM, Pole Star and Weatherdock Launch Tri-Mode Class B Vessel Tracking Solution
ORBCOMM Inc. has collaborated with maritime technology industry leaders Pole Star and Weatherdock to develop Hali, a Class B tri-mode vessel tracking solution that ensures complete vessel visibility. Hali combines terrestrial and satellite Automatic Identification System (AIS) data capability with two-way satellite M2M technology to deliver reliable vessel location data to small craft and fleet owners & operators, maritime authorities and enforcement agencies, providing the actionable intelligence required to maximize maritime safety, security and environmental compliance.
The Hali solution includes powerful, tamper-proof AIS Class B hardware that is attached to small vessels, such as pleasure craft and fishing vessels, to track their position at all times, in any location. The tri-mode device transmits reliable AIS data to land-based receivers along coastlines, to space-based satellite AIS receivers, and also through ORBCOMM’s entire two-way proprietary data satellite network, enabling small vessels to be tracked and accounted for anywhere in the world. The Hali device also includes SOS functionality and can send a distress message, providing accurate positional data to facilitate search and rescue operations. The data is delivered to maritime customers in an easy-to-use and secure web-based platform, which can filter user-defined fleets, sub-fleets and ports as well as create detailed user permissions and custom zones. In addition, the enterprise-grade Pole Star platform provides 24/7/365 multi-lingual customer support.
Currently, Hali is the only solution on the market to provide a comprehensive view of Class B vessel activity worldwide. The cost-effective and reliable solution enables national agencies to improve Search and Rescue (SAR) operations, enhance Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) and increase surveillance of marine protected areas. For fisheries, Hali enables regulatory compliance through AIS reporting requirements for fishing quotas as well as geofencing within exclusion zones and mitigates risk and loss through increased safety and SOS alert capabilities.
“We’ve partnered with some of the maritime industry’s leading technology experts to create a unique tracking solution that gives small vessels the protection and accountability they need to be safe and secure at sea, even in the harshest environments,” said Marc Eisenberg, ORBCOMM’s Chief Executive Officer. “Leveraging ORBCOMM’s two-way satellite M2M network augments Hali’s coverage and reliability to provide our customers with a complete situational picture of global Class B vessel activity.”
“Pole Star’s enterprise platform / API seamlessly combines three Class B data sources into a single user interface to provide near real-time data, actionable intelligence and over-the-horizon visibility,” said Julian Longson, Pole Star’s Managing Director. “Our platform’s unparalleled global coverage lets our customers know where Class B ships are in relation to security threats, risks and regulatory zones at all times so they can take immediate action if needed.”
“The Hali device employs advanced wireless technology and provides a cost-effective, verifiable solution to create an environment of safety and security for small vessels and flag administrations alike,” said Alfred Kotouczek-Zeise, Weatherdock’s Chief Executive Officer. “We are proud to be part of this partnership, which offers the only vessel tracking solution of its kind for the maritime industry.”