In the first quarter of 2008, Zenitel Marine Asia Pte. Ltd. delivered a complete integrated internal communication system onboard two RORO vessels being built at Singapore Technologies Marine in Singapore. ST Marine, a company of ST Engineering, is a premier shipyard providing turnkey shipbuilding, ship conversion and ship repair services to a worldwide customer base in the naval and commercial markets.

RORO vessels are ferries designed to carry wheeled cargo like automobiles, trucks and trailers. Zenitel holds vast experience with all the various types of RORO vessels, including ferries, cruise ferries, cargo ships and barges. In 2008, over 800 vessels benefited from a new communication system from Zenitel, all of which were specially designed, tested and certified for use on board ships.

Zenitel’s Singapore delivery to two RORO vessels was a difficult brief and proved challenging at times. RORO vessels in their very nature are quite different from conventional freighters. With experience and dedication however, Zenitel Marine Asia delivered an all encompassing communication system based on Zenitel’s VINGTOR brand of onboard communication systems for ships and offshore installations.

We’ve all heard the stories of RORO crew still lashing cargo down long after a vessel has set sail. With large expanses of deck accessible via an internal ramp they are a flexible approach to cargo handling, but their sheer speed, the lashing procedures and the handling of cargo mean safety is a paramount feature.

Offering excellent on board communication, remote control of signal units and alarm distribution with voice control in emergency situations, Zenitel’s delivered system comprises a number of individual marine communication systems which are integrated to cover all internal communication requirements.

The VSP Batteryless Telephone System provides the RORO’s emergency communication between vital positions on board. Designed as a replacement of the traditional Sound Powered Telephones, this system is independent of the vessels power supply.

A CTB Command Talkback system enables full or limited line selection for up to four operator panels. The RORO vessels use their CTB’s for the mooring operation and a MCS Master Clock System works overhead.

At its core, the AlphaCom ACM-M-A PABX analogue telephone exchange provides internal communication. The ACM-M-A was chosen for its optional VOIP gateways providing flexible interfaces to analogue telephone trunks with four or eight channels and Zenitel’s SPA Public Address System, making it one integrated system instead of single systems working in parallel. For general ship operation and as a second route to emergency calling, a UHF Radio and Wireless Paging System was installed. And a Zenitel SPA Public Address System Naval Master TV Antenna System provides a cost effective Public Address system with general alarm, broadcast and entertainment video information and entertainment distribution in cabins and public rooms. The crew would agree, the antenna is of such a good quality that the rejection of unwanted signals by the filters is almost guaranteed.

All encompassing, the VINGTOR Integrated systems were design to cover communication in all areas onboard the vessel and it was a challenging but rewarding task in locating the Radio Repeaters and Antennas in order to achieve this requirement. Furthermore, the ship owners requested the Radio System was connected to the ACM Telephone System whereby all portable radio could call individual telephone sets and vice versa. These critical technical requirements were achieved to the satisfaction of the shipyard and ship owner in a short amount of time.

Zenitel is pleased to report both vessels are now operating successfully with one satisfied customer in the North Sea.