(MENAFN- Muscat Daily) Oman will be able to obtain important data regarding the identity freight and itinerary of all vessels in its surrounding waters with the installation of a state-of-the-art maritime communications network along its coast. The network is expected to be ready by February 2015.
In addition to monitoring the new technology will help boost safety of thousands of boats and ships in Omani waters.
The technology consists of a worldwide distress and maritime radio system that delivers additional safety measures and ensures that ships receive help quickly in an emergency situation.
Through its local partner Al-Madakhel Investment Qnective Middle East has been tasked with the design construction and operation of the new maritime communications network. A close strategic partner Frequentis will be responsible for the technical infrastructure.
Built upon the GMDSS Standard (Global Maritime Distress and Safety System) the technology ensures quick delivery of emergency services.
'We are very proud of having been selected by the Sultanate of Oman and Al-Madakhel. This assignment is benefiting the whole region' said Oswald Ortiz CEO of Switzerland-based Qnective.
Surrounded by the Arabian Sea and the Sea of Oman the sultanate is at a strategically important and highly sensitive geopolitical location. There are roughly thousands of active fishing boats generating a significant amount of domestic traffic.
'They will benefit directly from the new network together with the constant import/export traffic through the Strait of Hormuz. This first class network is consistent with the new world class port facilities in Oman' a statement from Qnective said.
Khashayar Saravandi-Rad director of Frequentis Maritime said 'We are very happy to contribute with our technology to the economic growth and coastal security of Oman. The cooperation with Qnective Middle East has proven to be a real success and we are looking forward to further joint projects.'
The network will be managed from a Maritime Radiocommunication Operations Center (MROC) run by Qnective Middle East in Muscat which is equipped with state-of-the-art technology for control of all maritime communications in Oman. The operations centre is manned 24 hours a day.
The coastal infrastructure includes strategically located radio sites around Oman's coastline from Khasab in the north to a location west of Salalah as well as two NAVTEX ((Navigational Telex) transmission sites in Wattayah and Salalah to give coverage of Oman's sea lanes out to 275 nautical miles. AIS receivers and direction-finding antennae are located at remote radio sites to track and monitor vessels - including Oman's large commercial fishing fleet - out to 30nm offshore.
In 2013 Al-Madakhel got the first Class A licence to build and operate the GMDSS system for 15 years.
Qnective will be the sole operator throughout this period. The Swiss parent company is a specialist in design and operation of secure communications networks and is developing its own software.
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