Spain has followed Ireland as one of the first EU member states to choose an IP solution to meet the e-logbook rules (Photo: Inmarsat)

Spanish Trawlers Adopt IP Solution for E-Logging

The European Union (EU) rules requiring fishing vessels to report catches electronically have seen more than 700 Spanish boats select FleetBroadband as the best compliance option.

The vessels – representing a significant proportion of Spain’s fishing fleet – will use Inmarsat’s (Public, LON:ISAT) broadband maritime service to transmit the required data easily, securely and cost-effectively.

The aim of the EU rules is to improve the sustainability of the world’s fish stocks by stopping illegal and unreported fishing

Spain has followed Ireland as one of the first EU member states to choose an IP solution to meet the e-logbook rules. The EU regulations, which were introduced in January 2010 for vessels over 24 metres (78ft), are being expanded to include all fishing boats over 15-metres (49ft) by July 2011.

Operators are required to migrate from a manual logbook to an electronic recording and reporting system (ERS). This supplies details of their catch, trans-shipments, landings and sales to European fishing authorities.The aim is to improve the sustainability of the world’s fish stocks by stopping illegal and unreported fishing.

Broadband communications on board can significantly improve business

Inmarsat distribution partner Vizada has put together a customised FleetBroadband package with Nautical, a leading mobile satellite services provider in the Spanish fishing market.

The regulations are being expanded to include all fishing boats over 15-metres

Fishing companies receive grants of up to EUR 4,500 (USD 5,800) from the Spanish government to subsidise the cost of the package.

Carlos Suarez del Villar, satcom director at Nautical, said: "The FleetBroadband service is the perfect system to meet the EU’s new fishing quota requirements.

“However, in the long term we also aim to show fishing companies that having broadband communications on board can significantly improve their business.

"The high-speed, always-on connectivity enables them to check weather reports and charts - and even create an online marketplace where they can sell their catch before they arrive back at shore.”

Another Inmarsat service provider, Satlink, has also been supporting the roll-out of e-logging to the Spanish fleet, in collaboration with distribution partner Stratos.

FleetBroadband 150 is accesible globally except for extreme polar regions

“E-log is based on FleetBroadband’s Standard IP service,” explained Satlink director of maritime satellite communications, Jose Luis Beloso.

“This allows permanent connection to the control centres for sending and receiving information and status updates in real-time,” he said. “This is very important.”

More than 700 Spanish boats select FleetBroadband as the best compliance option

Jose added that FleetBroadband also allows fishermen to gain access to other applications, such as video surveillance, as well as offering an IP connection with their home or office.

About Inmarsat

Inmarsat has been at the forefront of mobile satellite services for over 31 years. Inmarsat is recognised leaders in its field, introducing new technologies that redefine the standard for the industry.

Founded in 1979, Inmarsat ensures that ships could stay in constant touch by telephone. In 1999, the company became the first intergovernmental organisation to transform into a private company and, in 2005, was floated on the London Stock Exchange. 

Photos and Videos: Inmarsat

Margaret E.L. Stacey
Editor Companies and Products
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