В периода 02-06.12.2019 специалисти на СКОРТЕЛ преминаха интензивен технически курс на обучение за напреднали – KVH Advance Training, в централата на KVH за Европа, намираща се в град Кокедал (Дания). Курсът осигурява подготовка и сертифициране за ниво 2 (Tier-2) на техническа поддръжка и инсталация на най-съвременните спътникови комуникационни системи на KVH – TracVision и TracPhone.

KVH TracVision Advance Training / Tier-2

Този курс осигурява интензивно практическо обучение за работа и поддръжка на спътниковите телевизионни антени от серията KVH TracVision.

KVH TracPhone Advance Training / Tier-2

During the period 19-21.11.2019, representatives of Scortel visited the international maritime exhibition METSTRADE, held annually at the RAI Convention Center in Amsterdam (Netherlands). It is the largest trade fair in the world for marine yacht equipment, materials and systems. It has served as a platform for innovation, market development and business partnerships since its launch in 1988. In addition to the common maritime yacht sector, METSTRADE also offers three specialized sectors / pavilions - Superyachts, Yacht ports and Materials and structures for the yachting business. METSTRADE also offers specialized pavilions for the most innovative products and developments in the industry.

A number of meetings and discussions took place at the exhibition with our various partners and suppliers.

Traditionally, the annual meeting of the distributors of the American company KVH Industries was held before the exhibition, the leader in mobile satellite satellite TV systems and VSAT communication. Scortel Ltd. is a major distributor and service partner of KVH in Bulgaria. At the METSTRADE trade show there was a large booth of KVH, which presented all the main and new products and services of the company, including:

• KVH Elite - a new service for boat owners with KVH equipment to offer unlimited Streaming within the miniVSAT Broadband service to the Florida region (USA), and The Caribbean Islands. In 2020, the service will also be available to customers in the Mediterranean;
• KVH TracVision UHD7 - a new satellite TV antenna model for the US market, with unique technology for simultaneously receiving 3 DIRECTV satellites in Ku and Ka frequency bands, and providing 4K quality satellite TV;
• KVH TracVision TV10 – new model satellite TV antenna with a diameter of 1 meter for the European market. Expected in 2020;
• KVH Watch – technology solution to provide secure satellite connectivity for on-board IoT (Internet-Of-Things) solutions using KVH VSAT terminals and the global HTS VSAT satellite network

In connection with the implementation of the project“Personal assistant to technical manager in open production”, funded by the National Innovation Fund (9th session), Scortel Ltd. conducted a procedure for selecting a contractor and concluded a delivery contract with Cantek for the supply of a research center for robotic outdoor production management and specialized research and development jobs for intelligent personal assistants.

In connection with the implementation of the project BG16RFOP002-1.005-0037-C01 “Development and testing of a prototype of an innovative module for operational control and updating of production schedules in open production in a changing production environment in real time” financed by OPIC 2014-2020, co-financed by the European Union through the European Regional Development Fund, following a procedure “Development of product and production innovations”, has successfully completed the implementation of the “Delivery of software for the completion of MOCUP and the operating environment for testing it Scorpion 7 Ltd.

SCORTEL Ltd. signed a contract 9ИФ-02-1/28.11.2018 with BSMEPA and started the project implementation “Personal assistant to technical manager in open production” National Innovation Fund (9th session). The project will be implemented in conjunction with Naval Academy “N. Y. Vaptzarov” with an 18 month implementation period and a total budget of BGN 474935. The project investigates a model of intelligent personal assistant of a technical (operational) manager in open production as an approach to the robotization of the operational management of complex objects. The task of the research team is to significantly reduce the time and cost involved in making management decisions and to achieve flexible and secure operational process management. The project is the development of an automated system for managing open-air transport activities developed by Scortel Ltd. and is a continuation of the company's innovative work in the field of ICT usage in industry and transport.

СКОРТЕЛ ООД и Университет „Проф. д-р Асен Златаров“ - Бургас успешно изпълниха първия етап от проект "Иновативен метод и алгоритми за адаптивно автоматизирано управление на технологични процеси". Проектът е с общ бюджет 403534.33 лв и 18 месеца срок на изпълнение и се финансира от Националния иновационен фонд по Договор 8ИФ-02-16/12.12.2017 г. Изследваните метод и алгоритми за адаптивно управление на технологични процеси в открити производства (включително на подготовка и изграждане на строителен обект) са в основата на разработваната от фирма Скортел ООД автоматизирана система за управление на транспортните дейности в открити производства, която представлява по-нататъшно развитие на иновативната дейност на компанията в областта на използването на информационните и комуникационни технологии в промишлеността, строителството и транспорта.

In connection with the implementation of the project BG16RFOP002-1.005-0037-C01 “Development and testing of a prototype of an innovative module for operational control and updating of production schedules in open production in a changing production environment in real time (MOCUP)" ” financed by OPIC 2014-2020, co-financed by the European Union through the European Regional Development Fund, following a procedure “Development of product and production innovations” Scortel selected a contractor and concluded a delivery contract by selecting a contractor with a public invitation through the EUMIS 2020 system with the following subject:
Purchase Testing and Research Platform for the Development and Research of MOCUP. The final acceptance protocol was signed on 5.10.2018.

In connection with the implementation of the project BG16RFOP002-1.005-0037-C01 “Development and testing of a prototype of an innovative module for operational control and updating of production schedules in open production in a changing production environment in real time”, financed by OPIC 2014-2020, co-financed by the European Union through the European Regional Development Fund, of the procedure “Development of product and production innovations”, Scortel Ltd. announces a public invitation to tender for the selection of a subject supplier.

Lot 1: Development of a program for connecting MOCUP to external information systems;
Lot 2: Development of a program for remote access to the MOCUP prototype
Lot 3: Software package for calendar planning and production management
You can download the participation documentation from here
Deadline for submission of tenders from 27.07.2018 to 16.08.2018., in the EUMIS 2020 (https://eumis2020.government.bg).

At the end of May, SCORTEL Ltd. participated in the international exhibition “European maritime Day” in Burgas. The event took place in the building of the Burgas Free University, from May 31 to June 1, 2018.

European maritime Day (EMD) is a prestigious international two-day conference and exhibition organized each year in a different country. Over the years, host cities have been Brussels, Rome, Gothenburg, Athens and Bremen. Conference topics explore EU Integrated Maritime Policy for promoting economic growth, skills, technological innovation, environmental protection and sustainability across Europe.

This year, the main focus was placed on the Black Sea and various initiatives to stimulate sustainable blue growth, generate investment and increase cooperation in the Black Sea region. EMD 2018 EMD 2018 brought together over 700 industry participants, including ministers, commissioners, academics, scientists and maritime experts. The Forum is an official part of the calendar of the Bulgarian Presidency of the Council of the European Union. The conference was officially opened by the Mayor of Burgas - Dimitar Nikolov.

In addition to the conference, an exhibition was held in which many companies and organizations from across Europe participated. At its booth, SCORTEL presented up-to-date and up-to-date products and technologies for marine communications and navigation, for broadband satellite communications and telematic services. Up-to-date models of satellite phones and terminals operating in the satellite networks Inmarsat, Thuraya, Iridium were presented. A working onboard satellite monitoring kit for fishing vessels was demonstrated, as well as a system for electronic reporting and recording of fishing operations (electronic fishing logbook). The exhibition also introduced the latest marine satellite communications service from KVH (USA) - TracPhone V7HTS. SCORTEL Ltd. is a major partner of KVH in Bulgaria, with the status of KVH Master Service Partner.

In May, Scortel Ltd., leader of the Bulgarian mobile communications market and a member of the Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, successfully passed the "Assessment of Innovation Capacity" through the IMP3rove tool. The company has more than 25 years of history and numerous innovative projects in various fields of industry and transport.

The Thuraya X5-Touch - the first Android based satellite smartphone

Coming soon by Scortel !

Thuraya Telecommunications Company unveiled the world’s first satellite smartphone during its partner conference in Dubai. The Thuraya X5-Touch runs on the Android Operating System and has a 5.2” full HD touchscreen.

It targets users who frequently move in and out of terrestrial coverage across a range of market sectors including government missions, energy projects, enterprise communications, and NGO deployments. The phone offers fast and simple connectivity on the move, in remote areas normally beyond the reach of smartphones.

The Thuraya X5-Touch is a step closer towards complete convergence between terrestrial and satellite communications through its full dual-mode and dual-SIM capability. It has two SIM-card slots for full user flexibility, and with the dual-active mode it has the ability to have both its satellite and GSM (2G, 3G, or 4G) modes ‘always on’ simultaneously.

To cater for the needs of users in harsh and remote conditions, the Thuraya X5-Touch comes with a Gorilla® glass display, is the most rugged phone in the MSS industry with an IP67 standard for full dust and water protection, and complies with MIL standard. It also has a host of advanced features and functionalities including a high-capacity battery for extended talk time and standby time, a built-in SOS button and a front and rear camera. With the Android platform there is already a multitude of Apps readily available to work on the Thuraya X5-Touch, and developers will have easy access to develop and customize Apps for the needs of their customers. It complements the “Bring Your Own Application” (BYOA) concept, customers have the flexibility to download any App of their choice.

The Thuraya X5-Touch is equipped with GPS, Glonass, and BeiDou systems for advanced navigation and tracking functions, which are important safety features during critical situations and it comes with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and NFC.

The advanced omni-directional satellite antenna on the Thuraya X5 Touch ensures uninterrupted communications, offering seamless walk-and-talk functionality even in satellite mode. Thuraya’s comprehensive satellite network provides reliable, clear and uninterrupted communications in more than 160 countries across Europe, Africa, Asia and Australia; and in terrestrial mode the Thuraya X5-Touch supports most 2G/3G/4G frequencies across the world. The phone works either with Thuraya SIM cards or with GSM SIM cards or a combination of both.

The Thuraya X5-Touch will be available at Thuraya Service Partners in Q4/2018. 

Official information from Thuraya

Picture: Thuraya

Scortel Ltd is an authorized service provider of Thuraya since 2002.

Boyan Petrov climbed his ninth peak Gasherbrum II, part of his project  "14x8000". The expedition to Gasherbrum II this year is his second attempt to climb the peak after his first unsuccessful try in 2009. Climbing of Gasherbrum II is an outstanding achievement because it is the first eight-thousand peak he managed to climb after the car accident last summer.

There a many obstacles on the way to the summit like steep climbing on snow, huge icefall and deep crevasses. The passage of the frozen glacier is considered as the most difficult part  in climbing the Gasherbrum II on the classical route, because of the big cracks in the glacier. But despite the difficulties Boyan successfully  reached  the top of the mountain, proving his strength and courage. 

Numerous fans of the most successful Bulgarian mountaineer rejoiced of the news of his great achievement. Once again, Boyan made all Bulgarians feel proud of him.

Congratulations on Boyan!

Boyan Petrov, one of the most popular and successful alpinists, is quite close to his dream and is going  to be the first Bulgarian climber to conquer all fourteen peaks over 8, 000 meters without the use of supplemental oxygen. Among his great achievements is the fact that only within 8 days he succeeded in climbing of Broad Peak and K2 setting by this way a world record and proving to be an outstanding example of human endeavor. This success did not go unnoticed by the mountaineering legend Reinhold Messner who greeted Boyan for his success with a video message made especially for him. In his book “The first 7” Boyan made his supporters close to his experiences on the way to the summits of the world.

Fleet Xpress, the ground-breaking service from Inmarsat has secured commitments covering in excess of 10,000 ships within 12 months of launch, in an extraordinary level of service uptake surpassing expectations. The milestone has been reached as a result of contracts with individual ship owners, commitments from strategic Partners, and transitioning agreements with existing Inmarsat customers.

“The demand for Fleet Xpress has been unprecedented since its launch at the end of March 2016, demonstrating that the market has been truly ready for the connected ship and the network supporting maritime business applications” said Ronald Spithout, President Inmarsat Maritime. “Powered by Global Xpress, the Fleet Xpress combination of high-speed broadband via Ka-band backed up by reliable L-band has set a new standard for global maritime communications, acknowledged both by end users and by our partner network.

The role of Inmarsat as the sole provider of satellite technology performing to Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) standards is set for advancement, after an International Maritime Organization (IMO) Sub Committee decided to greenlight consideration of both FleetBroadband and Fleet One for formal approval.

To date, Inmarsat is the only company which has received approval from the IMO to provide the GMDSS data and messaging communications on which mariners rely in the last resort, currently via Inmarsat C and Fleet 77 services.

IMO delegates tasked with modernising GMDSS at a Navigation, Communications and Search and Rescue (NCSR) Sub-Committee meeting in March, agreed that FleetBroadband should undergo the necessary and technical assessment by IMSO (International Mobile Satellite Organization), with a report provided for consideration by the next NCSR in 2018.

GMDSS functionality

According to an assessment offered by the IMO’s UK delegation, FleetBroadband has achieved availability surpassing the 99.9 per cent required for GMDSS by IMO in every year since January 2010.

Operating on L-band via the Inmarsat fleet of four I-4 satellites, Inmarsat FleetBroadband terminals are equipped with the same GMDSS functionality as Inmarsat C. Today, around 160,000 Inmarsat C terminals are installed on ships operating worldwide.

“Given that most of FleetBroadband’s components already meet IMO performance standards, the service is on course for a formal approval, and this is very much in line with the agreed timetable for the modernisation of GMDSS,” said Peter Broadhurst, Inmarsat Maritime Senior Vice President, Safety and Security.

Завърши проект „Информационна система за управление трафика на плавателни съдове (VTMIS) - Фаза 3”, в който фирма СКОРТЕЛ взе участие в третата фаза като партньор на фирма Транзас – световен лидер в морските и речни брегови информационни системи. Европейският съюз провежда трайна политика за повишаване безопасността, сигурността и ефективността на морския транспорт, както и за намаляване на екологичните последствия от замърсяване, причинено от корабоплаването в морските пространства на Общността.

Проектът „Информационна система за управление трафика на плавателни съдове (VTMIS) - Фаза 3” е финансиран по ОП „Транспорт” 2007 – 2013 г., приоритетна ос 4 „Подобряване на условията за корабоплаване по морските и вътрешни водни пътища”. Бенефициент по проекта е ДП “Пристанищна инфраструктура”. С него Република България дава своя принос за провеждане на тази политика за Черноморския басейн, като провежда планирано и последователно развитие на морските технологични системи, организацията и хармонизирането на нормативната база, като осигурява на практика широкото внедряване на европейската платформа за безопасно и сигурно корабоплаване SafeSeaNet, на инициативите на Международната морска организация (IMO) и Международната асоциация на средствата за навигация и фаровите служби (IALA).