Welcome to the new Pole Star sales website. Aimed at improving the customer experience, the focus of the redesign is to convey information about company products and services in a user-friendly and informative style. "Improving the website is just one of the important steps we are taking to upgrade the services we provide to our customers."

Paul Morter,
Head of Commercial Marine Products

The website focuses on the four main product groups that Pole Star offers the commercial marine sector: Fleet Management, Ship Security Alert Systems, Marine Asset Tracking Systems (for powered and unpowered assets, tug and barge, rig/platform monitoring management) and LRIT compliance. Each product page provides a summary of the product/service, its key features and benefits, and information on where to buy. The inclusion of an RSS news feed will ensure subscribers are kept up to date on company activities and alerted when new products and features are introduced.

Commenting on the launch of the new website, Paul Morter, Head of Commercial Marine Products, said: “Improving the website is just one of the important steps we are taking to upgrade the services we provide to our customers. Our design philosophy has centred on sending a clear message about Pole Star and its products and services; I hope that people will enjoy using it.”

David Plumer, CEO of Pole Star, was recently interviewed for a special feature on the Future of Shipping, which was published as part of the Safety and the Environment supplement to the September issue of Shipping World & Shipbuilder magazine. He was asked to give his thoughts on how shipping, and ships, will look in 20-50 years time, and what technology will be utilized.

To read the article, please click here.

Pole Star, the leading supplier of Long Range Identification and Tracking (LRIT) conformance testing, now provides the largest number of LRIT Data Centres worldwide.

Since the LRIT system became operational on 1st July 2009, Pole Star has established more than 30 Data Centres, representing around 8,500 vessels which transmit positional data on a continuous basis. This flow of data provides SOLAS Contracting Governments with a level of information that has never before been possible, enabling them not only to monitor vessels registered to their own flag but also to request information on other vessels in which they have a legitimate interest.

Dr Sam Ryan, Chair of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) LRIT Ad Hoc Working Group, says, "Pole Star has worked very closely with the IMO and the many Flag Administrations to whom they provide LRIT Data Centre services to ensure the data reporting procedure is seamless. This is an outstanding example of technology being used to produce a robust and reliable system that is going to have a substantial impact on maritime safety and security. We are looking forward to continuing our partnership with Pole Star in order to further develop and improve the system."

Guy Sear, Pole Star LRIT Project Manager, said: "Data Centres have the potential to be a major contributor to marine domain awareness, but the success of this initiative depends upon global involvement and compliance. Already we are pleased to note that more and more Flags are using Pole Star to provide their Data Centres and we are very proud to provide this vital service."

Amver, the voluntary global search and rescue system sponsored by the United States Coast Guard, and Pole Star, a supplier of marine asset tracking systems, have been short listed for the prestigious Lloyd’s List Innovation award for their life saving information sharing agreement. The award will be presented at the Lloyds List Global Awards at London’s Royal Lancaster Hotel on September 8, 2009.

Shipping companies that subscribe to Pole Star’s Fleet Management service can elect to have their vessel positions forwarded to the Amver system automatically and at no cost.

What are the benefits to this information sharing system? Since initiating the program the number of Amver messages received from Pole Star has increased from approximately 175 vessel reports a year to over 700 per day. The average number of ships available to divert has also climbed to over 3,600 a day.

"This innovative agreement leverages technology to automate information sharing and increase the number of vessels available, with the cumulative effect of a more robust volunteer safety network that saves lives by providing timely assistance to mariners in distress. I congratulate Pole Star and Amver on their collaborative efforts," said United States Coast Guard Commandant, Adm. Thad Allen.

"We are very pleased with the Commandant’s recognition of our efforts," said Pole Star CEO David Plumer, “We have worked with Amver for a number of years and are very proud of our association with an organization dedicated to saving lives at sea. We are delighted that Pole Star technology is able to make a significant contribution to marine safety."

Amver, sponsored by the United States Coast Guard, is a unique, computer-based, and voluntary global ship reporting system used worldwide by search and rescue authorities to arrange for assistance to persons in distress at sea.

With Amver, rescue coordinators can identify participating ships in the area of distress and divert the best-suited ship or ships to respond. Prior to sailing, participating ships send a sail plan to the Amver computer center. Vessels then report every 48 hours until arriving at their port of call. This data is able to project the position of each ship at any point during its voyage. In an emergency, any rescue coordination center can request this data to determine the relative position of Amver ships near the distress location. On any given day there are over 3,600 ships available to carry out search and rescue services. Visit www.amver.com to learn more about this unique worldwide search and rescue system.

As the leading supplier of Long Range Identification and Tracking (LRIT) conformance testing, Pole Star has provided BP Shipping with all its LRIT compliance testing and certification requirements.

BP Shipping has tested and certified its entire fleet of 55 vessels, making it the first major ship owner in the world to be 100% LRIT compliant.

David Plumer, CEO of Pole Star, said: “BP Shipping has led the way in conforming to the requirements of the LRIT regulation and is to be congratulated on being the first major fleet to comply in full”.

“We have developed our products and systems to make compliance with this very important regulation as simple as possible for shipping companies and Maritime Administrations”.

The Pole Star LRIT testing system manages all aspects of the LRIT test, including, where authorised, issuing an LRIT Conformance Test Report (certificate) on behalf of the ship’s Flag. Pole Star, working directly with major ship owners and through its network of distributors, has already completed over 16,000 LRIT tests and is the Authorised Testing Application Service Provider (ASP) for over 70 flags.

Pole Star has announced the launch of MAT3. This new hardware option is the latest enhancement to its successful Marine Asset Tracker (MAT) system developed for the tug and barge sector, support vessels and inshore operators.

The MAT3 self-contained unit, designed specifically for tugs and barges, comprises a SkyWave DMR800 transceiver and integral power pack with a guaranteed operational life of 12 months. Small, robust and reliable, the unit is linked to the web-based MAT service, providing automatic tracking and reporting at fixed six hourly intervals.

Paul Morter, Pole Star’s Head of Commercial Marine Products, said: “MAT3 is designed to be a fit and forget, maintenance free solution for monitoring marine assets that do not have a regular or reliable power supply. It provides critical position reporting and voyage information for owners and operators, enabling them to monitor the safe passage of their vessels through adverse weather and sea conditions and security risk areas which may be affecting trade routes.”

With an RRP of US$1,200 (ex works), MAT3 comes with a 24 month warranty on the transceiver and a 12 month warranty on the power pack. The unit can be fitted to any vessel in less than one hour and comes complete with fixing plate and vibration proof fixings.

MAT3 is available from Pole Star London and Hong Kong and from its global network of 40 distributors.

Further information on MAT3 is available on: PSMAT3TS_web.pdf

Pole Star, as a world leader in marine asset tracking, will be exhibiting its newly enhanced product range of fleet management, ship security and vessel tracking systems at Nor-Shipping, 9th to 12th June 2009 Oslo Norway. Products demonstrated will include the world’s most advanced Fleet Management system which provides key information to owners, operators and charterers; Pole Star’s proven SOLAS XI-2/6 Ship Security Alert System; and a low-cost asset tracking system designed primarily for tug and barge operators.

In addition, Pole Star will be available to discuss ship operators’ Long Range Identification and Tracking (LRIT) requirements. Since testing of shipboard terminals began in July 2008, the company has established itself as the leading supplier of LRIT conformance testing, having tested over 15,000 terminals for LRIT compliance, and is already the LRIT Authorised Testing Application Service Provider for more than 77 Flags. Pole Star has also recently launched an LRIT package including dedicated hardware and conformance testing for under $1,500.

David Plumer, CEO of Pole Star, said “We are delighted to be exhibiting at this prestigious event for maritime professionals. We look forward to welcoming the delegates to our stand where we will be demonstrating our products and services and ready to answer any queries on LRIT hardware and conformance testing.”

Pole Star will be at stand E02-14.

European Satellite Link GmbH (ESL), Germany’s leading satellite solution provider, has completed 1,000 Long Range Identification and Tracking (LRIT) tests using the Pole Star LRIT conformance testing system.

Henrik Christensen, CEO of ESL, said: “We have been working with Pole Star for over five years and have been delighted to supply our clients with their web-based Fleet Management and Ship Security Alert systems. Now joining our unique hardware offering with Pole Star’s LRIT testing service, we can provide our customers with a complete LRIT solution. Pole Star is at the forefront of LRIT compliance and their support is excellent. We are pleased to be working with them to make a major contribution to marine safety”.

Pole Star is the leading supplier of LRIT conformance testing in the commercial marine market and is already the LRIT Authorised Testing Application Service Provider (ASP) for over 70 Flags. The Pole Star LRIT testing system manages all aspects of the LRIT test, including, where authorised, issuing an LRIT Conformance Test Report (certificate) on behalf of the Flag State of the vessel.

David Plumer, CEO of Pole Star, said: “I would like to congratulate ESL on achieving this milestone”.

“We work with all the major satellite equipment manufacturers, communications service providers, land earth station operators, Inmarsat and other satellite communication network providers to ensure that the LRIT system works end-to-end. Our unrivalled experience in the marine industry means that we have the capacity to offer leading LRIT testing services to the global market via our excellent network of distributors. Our partner ESL has been able to provide these services to their customers quickly and efficiently, to ensure they are LRIT compliant in good time”.

“Pole Star and ESL work well together,” continued David Plumer, “and I look forward to continuing and developing our relationship”.

A new LRIT Conformance Test for the SkyWave DMR-800LRIT satellite terminal has been launched by Pole Star. An easy to use, web-based, product that allows the ship operator who has installed a SkyWave DMR-800LRIT terminal to carry out their LRIT Conformance Test is now available.

The Conformance Test perfectly complements the new DMR-800LRIT hardware package recently launched by Pole Star as an effective solution for meeting LRIT compliance.

“Ship owners are responsible for ensuring its ships and their equipment are LRIT compliant,” says Paul Morter, Head of Commercial Marine Products at Pole Star. “For vessels where existing terminals are not suitable, adopting our solution with a SkyWave DMR-800LRIT terminal can save them time and money and a free Conformance Test is included with each hardware package.”

“SkyWave DMR terminals are easy to install and low cost. Providing a total solution again demonstrates Pole Star’s ongoing commitment to the shipping industry.”

David Plumer, CEO of Pole Star said, “This is a demanding time for the industry as ship owners need to ensure their fleet is fully compliant with the regulation. They have been looking for a simple, cost effective, stand alone solution to help them meet their regulatory obligations, and this provides them with something they can buy off the shelf, that is pre-configured for LRIT, can be installed without the need for a technician to visit the ship and that can also be tested immediately using our online testing system.”

With over 10 years' experience offering a wide range of marine tracking services to the shipping industry, Pole Star announces the launch of a new LRIT package combining proven technology with Pole Star’s expertise.

The product is a dedicated LRIT package utilising the SkyWave DMR-800LRIT satellite terminal which has been specially programmed for LRIT functions and compliance.

Pole Star’s objective is to offer its customers a cost-effective, reliable, fit and forget LRIT compliant option to ensure that vessels engaged in international voyages meet the SOLAS V/19 amendment.

Paul Morter, Pole Star’s Head of Commercial Marine Products, said, “By using proven technology and our expertise we are confident that this new package will provide LRIT compliance for our customers and their ships.

"This new product is a part of the range of marine information products and services that we supply to over 12,000 ships and further demonstrates our commitment to provide complete solutions.”

The package includes the satellite terminal, stainless steel universal mounting brackets, cabling, an inclusive conformance test and a 24 month warranty. It is available directly from Pole Star’s London and Hong Kong offices or via their global network of distributors.

Pole Star, based in London and Hong Kong, supplies the world’s most advanced Fleet Management system which provides information to owners, charterers and operators.

This information gives the user improved voyage management, cost savings and up-to-date ETA information. These are just some of the commercial advantages enjoyed by users of Pole Star’s web-based Fleet Management (FM) vessel monitoring system.

The system is easy to use and allows 24/7 monitoring of vessels. FM provides a track history that can be used to monitor off-hire, allows production of company specific 3D maps using the Google Earth or World Wind feature and sends notifications of ships in high risk areas. These are just some of the many benefits Fleet Management customers enjoy to help them deliver peak efficiency voyage management results.

The system also allows automatic Amver (The Automated Mutual Assistance Vessel Rescue System) reporting if required. For information on Amver please visit www.amver.com. David Plumer, CEO of Polestar, said, “Being an ex Mariner, I know firsthand what a great service Amver provides and we are keen supporters of the work they do.

“We are looking forward to CMA this year as Pole Star has made further improvements to the range of products and services we supply to the Marine Industry. We look forward to meeting with the Marine World at this important exhibition.”

Pole Star will be attending the CMA exhibition on March 23 - 25th at Booth 76 and would be happy to demonstrate their enhanced Fleet Management system and answer queries on the conformance testing and hardware required for Long Range Identification and Tracking (LRIT) and the vitally important Ship Security Alert System (SSAS).

27 February 2009, Cambridge, UK. 1Spatial, through its subsidiary ComSine, has delivered to Pole Star Space Applications Limited (UK) an advanced geospatial analysis subsystem to form part of its MarVTS LRIT-DC product and in addition its suite of associated Fleet Management and Alert offerings.

The International Maritime Organisation’s (IMO) Long Range Identification and Tracking (LRIT) Regulation i.e. SOLAS V/19-1, requires that in general all ships on international voyage should automatically transmit a GPS position report every 6 hours via a satellite communication system to a Data Centre (DC) established by the Flag the ship is registered to. 1Spatial’s geospatial components provide Pole Star with the mandatory functionality to allow each DC to establish the relational location of the incoming position reports against a published set of dynamic geographical areas and complex associated position reporting rules (set-up by each participating Government to represent approximately their coastline, territorial sea and outer 1000 nm LRIT zone).

As a result of this project 1Spatial is delighted to announce a new formal partnership with Pole Star. The partnership is an exciting mutually beneficial collaboration that sees Pole Star’s expertise in the provision of highly successful commercial marine asset tracking services, complimenting 1Spatial’s digital spatial data handling and associated operational software development expertise. In the future and in addition to the continued evolution of Pole Star’s MarVTS LRIT-DC offerings, 1Spatial will be working with Pole Star to enhance the spatial data management and web mapping services in other Pole Star commercial tracking services and products, through the application of geospatial data management and access standards.

Julian Longson, Business Development Director of Pole Star, commented:
‘We have been extremely impressed with 1Spatial’s implementation of our geospatial analysis subsystem – the project was delivered on time and to budget by an extremely competent project team that worked with Pole Star’s Research and Development team. Their geospatial and access standards domain knowledge was crucial to the success of the project and will continue to be so now that we have formally established a technology development partnership in this regard.’

Richard Proud, Managing Director of ComSine added:
‘We are delighted to be working with Pole Star on the development of their LRIT services and, in the future, other aspects of their asset tracking systems. The Maritime IT sector represents a new business area for us, which we look forward to mutually exploring further. We recognise Pole Star as a leading global company in the provision of operational asset tracking services and having formalised our partnership with them, our complimentary skills and experience stand us in good stead to achieve a great deal, both now and in the future.’

Pole Star Space Applications Ltd (Pole Star), the global leader in maritime tracking, security, fleet management and Long Range Identification Tracking (LRIT) systems, is pleased to announce that SkyWave Mobile Communications (SkyWave), in cooperation with Pole Star and other Recognized Application Service Providers (ASPs), has built a dedicated LRIT system, developed exclusively to enable LRIT compliance.

The new LRIT system consists of the SkyWave DMR-800LRIT shipborne terminal which will be commissioned and locked to SkyWave’s dedicated IsatM2M LRIT service. The combination of a specially designed terminal and the IsatM2M network service with its seamless global coverage is particularly suited to meet the exacting conformance testing and reporting requirements of the LRIT regulation.

David Plumer, Pole Star CEO states, “Pole Star has tested SkyWave’s new LRIT terminal and system and we are pleased to confirm that it meets all the IMO LRIT Performance Standards and Functional Requirements. We are impressed with SkyWave’s response to this technical challenge and are fully supportive of their new system which we intend to recommend to our Flag Administration clients and subsequently offer to ship owners as a cost-effective solution to LRIT compliance”.

The DMR-800LRIT terminal is the only equipment that can be registered on the SkyWave LRIT system. Access to that system will be limited to the Recognized ASPs (who can control and test equipment on the system, transfer equipment between Flags, and manage the LRIT communication between the ship and the Flag’s National LRIT Data Centre) and to Authorised Testing ASPs who can test and certify equipment after installation.

Speaking of their new LRIT system, Dan Poirier, Senior VP of Sales & Marketing for SkyWave, says: “SkyWave is delighted to be working with Pole Star. Joining our telecommunications experience with Pole Star’s expertise as an ASP and as world leader in the development of LRIT systems, we are able to provide Flags and ship owners with a reliable and cost-effective solution to LRIT compliance”.