Rickmers appoints Telemar for Broadband Satellite Communication for its fleet of more than 100 vessels

The Telemar Group through its German subsidiary Telemar GmbH is to provide broadband satellite communication for the entire Rickmers fleet. The Rickmers Group, operating a fleet of 102 vessels, is a diversified group with activities in the business fields of ship owning and ship management, liner shipping, investment and real estate as well as maritime related services. Today, the Rickmers Group employs more than 3,200 crew on board and more than 450 staff ashore worldwide.

The contract encompasses satellite airtime through Telemar's partner Vizada until the end of 2014. Moreover, Telemar will - in a turnkey approach - deliver and install a customized hardware solution including Thrane & Thrane FB500 terminals as per Rickmers' specifications, which will allow access to the global arteries of digital communications in real time via the Inmarsat Fleet Broadband network. Further value will be generated by Telemar's dedicated project engineer, maintenance of the equipment and a 24/7 priority customer service.

Rickmers has selected Telemar for its unique value of integration and management of all communications and networking needs. The Rickmers project is remarkable not only in terms of figures and numbers but also for the future-proof integrated architecture that may set the pace within the shipping Industry. A scalable design has been chosen to meet future requirements and will allow Rickmers continuous optimization and enhancement, also through possible further technological options.

Rickmers appreciates the distinctive global servicing network offered by Telemar and its integrated capabilities. Telemar is not only a communication provider and a last mile systems integrator with distinct technical expertise but also a global maintenance player close to the end user. This puts Telemar in the best position to design and implement Broadband systems and to optimise the total cost of ownership for Rickmers.

About Rickmers Group

Rickmers is a diversified group with activities in the business fields of shipowning and shipmanagement, liner shipping, investments and real estate as well as maritime related services.

As a ship owner and manager, the group manages a state-of-the-art fleet, mainly consisting of container ships. Multipurpose/heavy lift vessels, bulkers and car carriers complement the portfolio. Currently, more than 100 ships are being operated. Another key business of the company is liner shipping. Rickmers-Linie, with its worldwide network of offices and agents, is a leading specialist in the sea transportation of breakbulk, heavylift and project cargoes.

The activities of the group are being complemented by activities in the investment sector, real estate and maritime related services.

About Telemar Group

Telemar operates in all main shipping ports and is directly present through 12 subsidiaries in ten markets worldwide, including Germany, Italy, UK, USA, Sweden, Russia, Finland, China, Hong Kong and Santo Domingo - possible new openings under consideration.

Telemar is a leading group in its markets: Maritime Ship Owners - Managers, Yachting & Mega Yachting and Land Satellite Communication addressing Ministers, Media and Energy Companies.

Telemar integrated model covers globally design, purchase, air-time, communication and navigation equipment installation, maintenance and repairs.

Telemar is number one provider, worldwide, of global servicing contracts, which are increasingly appreciated because they combine extensive expertise in handling direct contacts with customers, a network of partnerships and global service points. Telemar manages 10,000+ service interventions worldwide per annum.

About Telemar - Vizada Partnership

Telemar is the first worldwide partner of Vizada and benefits from the best of Vizada valuable support and solutions.

The Rickmers project consolidates the value of the Vizada and Telemar concrete cooperation and building on complementary strengths and capabilities.

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Information about the manifold activities of the Rickmers Group is available at www.rickmers.com.