CB PACIFIC – Field Dispatch - Quebec Port, Canada - VSAT, Intellian & Network Integration

CB PACIFIC – Field Service Dispatch (Install): VSAT, Intellian & Network Integration

Quebec Port, Canada | 20–22 December 2025

Project Summary

Global Satcoms successfully delivered a Field Service Dispatch – Install onboard CB PACIFIC at Quebec Port, Canada.
The project involved relocation and installation of communication equipment, integration of Intellian antenna and FleetBroadband systems, rack replacement, network synchronization, system testing, access point installation, SIP phone deployment, and failover validation between Starlink and FleetBroadband (FBB).

All activities were completed within a tight two-day operational window, despite severe winter weather conditions, limited rack accessibility, and extended overnight working hours.

Vessel: CB PACIFIC

Location: Quebec Port, Canada

Service Dates: 20–22 December 2025

Service Type: Field Service Dispatch – Install

Challenges & Operational Constraints

• Tight schedule, with all installation, integration, and testing required to be completed within a two-day timeframe.

• Severe winter conditions in Quebec, including freezing temperatures and snow, significantly impacting outdoor antenna work on the monkey island.

• Vessel delays after arrival to Quebeq, resulting in unavoidable waiting time at port.

• Overnight work was required to meet the delivery deadline.

• The existing rack was fixed and poorly accessible, making equipment installation and cabling physically difficult and time-consuming.

• Existing equipment had to be dismantled and relocated to a new rack.

• A VSAT tracking issue identified during testing was confirmed to be caused by antenna blockage.

Work Completed

The engineer completed the following tasks as documented in the service report:

• Travel from home city to Quebec port

• Waiting at port prior to vessel boarding

• Boarding the vessel after agent approval

• Coordination with captain and electrician to identify the installation location

• Identification of equipment to be shifted to the new Intellian system

• Inspection of Intellian GX60NX2 antenna, FleetBroadband 250, cabling, and blockage zones on the monkey island

• Dismantling equipment from the old rack and installation into the new rack

• Installation of the new rack, including fabrication of an extension base

• Connection of all cables according to diagrams

• Verification of antenna connections

• Identification of VSAT tracking issue caused by blockage

• Manual tracing and synchronization of business network cabling

• Connection of dual-adapter server to the switch (business, crew, and business networks)

• Testing of business internet (successful)

• Testing of FleetBroadband connection (successful)

• Testing of crew Wi-Fi network (successful)

• Testing of IP phone voice service (successful)

• Installation of four (4) access points at designated locations

• Successful failover test between Starlink and FleetBroadband

• Installation and testing of three (3) SIP phones

• Installation of Zawana server into the existing rack with rail adaptation

• Installation of newly provided UPS using special mounts and tray

• Vessel disembarkation upon completion

System Status

Notes & Recommendations

• Antenna blockage zones should be reviewed to minimize future tracking interruptions.

• Cold-weather conditions should be factored into planning for installations in winter ports.

• Rack accessibility should be assessed early during project planning to reduce installation complexity.

Lessons Learned

• Severe weather significantly impacts offshore installation efficiency, especially during antenna inspections.

• Poor rack accessibility increases physical and time demands, requiring additional planning and manpower allocation.

• Failover testing is critical when multiple connectivity paths are present.

• Accurate cabling documentation reduces manual tracing effort during system integration.

Service Outcome

• Field Service Dispatch installation completed successfully within the required two-day timeframe.

• All communication services tested and confirmed operational.

• Starlink to FleetBroadband failover validated.

• Equipment relocated, integrated, and commissioned as required.

• Vessel cleared for continued operations.