THISS Technologies Pte Ltd (THISS), a satellite communications service provider, is the first company to receive funding from the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA)'s Maritime Technology and Innovation (MINT) Fund for developing its new satellite communications tracking system for vessels. This follows the successful completion of a series of trials and service demonstrations that THISS had undertaken to test the responsiveness and range-effectiveness of the tracking device.

At the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Maritime Safety Committee meeting held in May 2004, THISS and MPA jointly gave a presentation on the innovative satellite communications tracking system, which drew keen attention given the IMO's interest in the Long Range Identification Tracking (LRIT) technology to enhance maritime security. The LRIT requirement for merchant ships is an extension of the international maritime security measures that have been adopted. They cover the new Ship Security Alert System.

The funding from MPA, with support from the Economic Development Board (EDB), would enable THISS to embark on its next phase of development for the tracking system. THISS aims to complete developing the key components of the system such as its C band antenna and modem technologies that support the tracking/messaging service.

The support from the MINT Fund underscores the commitment of the MPA to encourage the development of more maritime R&D projects that benefit the shipping industry. Says Mr Toh Ah Cheong, Director, Technology, MPA: "THISS has developed an affordable and innovative tracking service that will benefit the international shipping community in the present heightened security environment. We hope that the low cost of the system will encourage the shipping community to use it to safeguard their vessels on international trading voyages. The high reporting frequency tracking of the system facilitates better electronic data exchange between ships and shore-based facilities, thereby enabling closer monitoring of ships to enhance their security and navigational safety."

Adds Mr Manohar Khiatani, EDB's Director, Logistics and Transport: "The maritime industry is a key sector for Singapore. We therefore welcome the THISS Technologies project, which is a further endorsement of Singapore's attractiveness as a location to develop and test-bed innovative technologies for the maritime industry."

"We are very pleased to have the support of the EDB and MPA," says Mr Nick Hart, Chief Executive Officer, THISS Technologies. "It is important for start-up companies such as THISS to have the necessary support be it knowledge sharing or seed funding as they embark on developing new technologies and applications. In working with the MPA on this tracking system, we are contributing to promoting navigational safety and maritime security in shipping lanes such as the Singapore and MalaccaStraits."

THISS is also partnering with global satellite provider, Intelsat. For the testing of the satellite tracking services, Intelsat had provided capacity in its IS-904 satellite located at the 60ºE orbital location.

Says Mr Hart: "Intelsat, with its high availability and extensive global satellite coverage, offers ideal transport for the networks we are creating. In addition, Intelsat's powerful spacecraft and reliable services give us tremendous flexibility to develop our services as appropriate and in-line with the most recent technologies."

THISS is working closely with TerraVision in the development of the state-of-the-art Fisheries Management Networks that can utilise high reporting rates and low latency satellite links to provide a new level of Fisheries management solutions including unique network capabilities for satellite re-broadcast of Fisheries data.

Mr Peter Clifford, CEO of TerraVision adds: "Data collection and interpretation systems for Fisheries management always face a number of challenges for effective implementation and operation. Affordability has always been high on our list. THISS' application of its own unique satellite technology has resulted in a service that is affordable. Enabling features like re-broadcast also promise to significantly improve the enforcement capability of Fisheries Management Authorities in real-time data delivery, which is important to maximise precious maritime resources."

End.

For further information, please contact:

Chin Ying Duan (Ms)
Corporate Communications Officer
Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore
Tel: 65-6375 1624
Hp: 65-9623 5827
Fax: 65-6276 8927
Email: ying_duan_chin@mpa.gov.sg

Note to Editors:

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) and the MINT Fund

The MPA is a statutory board formed on the 2nd February 1996. Its mission is to develop Singapore as a premier global hub port and international maritime centre, and to safeguard Singapore's strategic maritime interests.

In September 2003, the MPA established the S$100 million MINT Fund to develop a strong and vibrant Maritime Technology Cluster in Singapore over 10 years, by supporting maritime R&D, test-bedding of maritime technologies and seed funding maritime technology start-ups. A platform under the MINT Fund is the Test-bedding, Research and Innovation Development for New-maritime Technologies (TRIDENT) for co-funding technology companies that wish to undertake maritime research, develop innovations and use Singapore's port and maritime facilities as test-beds for trials of their innovations. Promising start-ups in the maritime area could also apply for the Maritime Start-up Seed Fund, which is part of the MINT Fund.

Website: www.mpa.gov.sg/www.singaporemaritimeportal.com

THISS Technologies Pte Ltd

Through its role as technology developer and systems integrator, THISS works with a range of partners to bring affordability and enhanced services to users of satellite communications. THISS has developed and continues to evolve a set of highly efficient antennae and modem technologies that allow it to work with selected partners to produce scaleable satellite networks offering a range of services from low-speed messaging through to broadband data and voice. THISS intends to make these services available initially through a regional network in South East Asia scaling ultimately to a global service.

Website: www.thiss.net

For further information contact Nick Hart, Tel: +65 6273 1285

TerraVision

TerraVision provides tracking solutions to fleet owners and managers and maintains a client base that includes a large percentage of the mandated fisheries management systems installed around the world. TerraVision also provides its satellite system interfaces to a range of communication needs and also uses terrestrial networks to service SCADA and specialised mobile applications.

Website : www.sat.com.au/terravision