Iridium (News - Alert) Communications Inc. has announced that Norbulk Shipping will be installing Iridium’s OpenPort, a high-speed satellite communication systems, across Norbulk’s fleet of more than 70 ships, in an effort to reduce its monthly ship to shore communication costs. Norbulk Shipping is committed to higher standards of ship management practice, their core business being technical management of over 80 ships. Iridium OpenPort offers multiple phone lines for simultaneous captain and crew use. It provides complete coverage for the ships at sea at affordable rates. Since it contains no moving parts, its lightweight, low-profile antenna is quick and easy to install and integrate with existing systems.

Representing the communication equipment industry, Iridium is the world’s largest and only complete global provider of satellite voice and data communication services to the U.S and several foreign governments, business, private organizations and consumers. Its products include, post-paid mobile voice and data satellite communications, prepaid mobile voice satellite communication, high-speed data services, machines to send and receive messages from a remote location to a central monitoring station. It also provides voice and data equipments and accessories, like satellite handsets, voice and data modems, machine-to-machine data services, holsters, portable auxiliary antennas, antenna adaptors, USB data cables, and charging units.

Mr. Ian A. Robinson, CEO of AND Group said that, "We have now installed Iridium OpenPort terminals on more than 400 ships around the world. The system provides reliable, global, high-bandwidth satellite connections at a fraction of the cost of other high-speed mobile satellite systems."

AND Group Plc, Iridium’s service provider, will be supplying the equipments and service plans for the Norbulk ships. AND Group is an internationally known provider of engineering and communications services to marine and offshore sectors like Oil and Gas. It provides design, consulting, management and installation services of navigation, alarm and monitoring, automation and communication services.

In a release, the EVP of Global Distribution channels at Iridium, Mr. Greg Ewert (News - Alert) said that, "Iridium OpenPort is rapidly gaining momentum in the maritime marketplace as more ship operators like Norbulk discover its unique advantages and benefits. Since introducing the product in 2008, we have delivered and activated more than 2,300 terminals."

The Director and General Manager of Norbulk, Mr. Walter Woodage has added that, “Iridium OpenPort, coupled with AND Group's flexible service plan, will help us greatly reduce our monthly satellite communication charges. In the current economic climate, it's vitally important for us to control our operating costs in order to remain competitive."