Based in Athens, Greece and with offices in London, A.M. Nomikos T.W.M.A. SA is a successful commercial, corporate, and ship management company operating on a global scale and currently managing a fleet of 59 vessels. Founded in 1958, the company has managed to continuously evolve and grow over the past six decades, successfully expanding its operations in the diverse sectors of shipping by adopting innovative solutions. In this spirit, A.M. Nomikos T.W.M.A. is cooperating with Navarino, who’s hybrid Prodigy service has set a precedence in maritime connectivity and communications.
Prodigy is Navarino’s hybrid connectivity service which combines Intelsat’s FlexMaritime’s unmatched capabilities with Iridium Certus, the fastest L-band network. A new concept in connectivity, Prodigy has been designed to make connectivity easier by offering straightforward packages that evolve together with the user’s application and connectivity needs.
Speaking to Mr. Christian Vakarelis, Navarino’s VP of Media Communications, the IT Director of A.M. Nomikos T.W.M.A. SA, Mr. Yiannis Sofianidis discussed the rationale for adopting Prodigy. ‘Our first thought went to the connectivity capabilities. The 24/7 connection between the office and the vessel is especially important, since our vessels are using so many digital products and file transfers are very quick to upload. Prodigy enables us to provide better remote support too as it offers a better and faster connection.’
He continued ‘Prodigy allows for a wider use of business applications that we were not able to previously execute through our Fleet Broadband service alone. With the current global pandemic and the maritime sector’s increasing focus on cyber security, the conventional method of sending files by email is no longer feasible.
VSAT offers the best, fastest, and safest alternative and has also helped us with the creation of guidelines in accordance with IMO regulations which will assist A.M.Nomikos T.W.M.A. SA, particularly in the future as we move towards syncing multiple files with our vessels. In a similar line of thinking, the active connection between the office and the vessels, as well as some of our IP phones on the vessels will create a direct line to the company, ensuring all our communications will be synced and easily accessible.’
He added ‘The installation of the Intellian antenna was a smooth and uncomplicated process, performed by our crew without any difficulties. Where we might encounter an obstacle, it is reassuring to know we can request advice from Navarino and receive assistance or suggestions immediately.’
Mr. Kiriakos Striboulis, Navarino’s VP of Market Intelligence, said ‘A.M. Nomikos TWMA is a forward-thinking company which has continuously adopted contemporary ideas. I am confident that Prodigy’s high quality, reliable connectivity will further enhance the way AM Nomikos offers crew welfare and also allow the company to roll out new business applications’.
Prodigy’s unique service also offers better opportunities for crew connectivity which Mr. Sofianidis indicates is another option currently being investigated. ‘With the opportunities that Prodigy now gives us, we are considering upgrading our fleet to ensure that every crew member can have their own account and top up their connectivity credit.
Overall, we are very happy with not only Prodigy’s service but also the speeds, stability, and opportunities it gives us.’
