CMA CGM MALTA – Tanger Med Port, Morocco - VSAT Installation & Commissioning, SMC4 Configuration & Wi-Fi Validation

Field Service dispatch - Install - CMA CGM MALTA 

Tanger Med Port, Morocco | 1–2 November 2025

Project Summary

Global Satcoms successfully performed a new VSAT installation and communication system activation onboard CMA CGM MALTA at Tanger Med Port.
The service included installation and commissioning of a KNS Z10 MK4 antenna, configuration of shipboard email services via SMC4, validation of Wi-Fi performance, and preparation for VoIP integration.
Despite delays related to port access and pending Cisco switch delivery, all core communication services were installed, tested, and handed over to the vessel.

Client: BSM (Bernhard Schulte Shipmanagement)

Vessel: CMA CGM MALTA

Location: Tanger Med Port, Morocco

Service Dates: 1–2 November 2025

Service Scope:

• KNS Z10 MK4 VSAT Antenna Installation

• ACU/BDU Replacement & Commissioning

• SMC4 Email Setup & Testing

• Wi-Fi Testing & Validation

• VoIP Preparation (Phones Pending Deployment)

• Cisco Switch Configuration

Challenges & Operational Constraints

• Multiple waiting periods for port access authorization increased total job time (over 10 hours of idle port waiting).

• Removal of the old dome and installation of the new dome required full disassembly and external transport support.

• VoIP phone activation could not be completed due to new Cisco switch not yet delivered.

• Final phone commissioning will be carried out remotely once the switch arrives.

• Extended shift work was required, spanning from 08:00 to 23:59, pushing into the early morning hours.

Work Completed

The attending engineer successfully completed key communication system installations and activation, including:

• Removal of old antenna dome

• Unboxing and installation of the new KNS Z10 MK4 dome

• Connector installation and secondary RF cabling

• Rack cabling, setup, and preparation

• ACU/BDU replacement and VSAT system commissioning

• SMC4 email installation and testing

• Wi-Fi testing and confirmation

• Cisco switch configuration for pending VoIP deployment

Summary of Activities

1 November 2025

• 08:00 – Meeting with captain; server room inspection

• 08:30 – Removal of old antenna dome

• 09:00 – Unboxing of new KNS Z10 MK4 dome

• 13:00 – Dome installation completed

• 14:15 – Connector installation completed

• 15:45 – Secondary RF cabling completed

• 16:00 – Rack cabling and layout completed

• 17:24 – VSAT commissioning began

• 23:30 – Removal of old ACU and shipset completed

2 November 2025

• 00:00–01:30 – SMC4 email installation and testing

• 01:30 – Wi-Fi test completed

• 06:00 – Cisco switch configuration completed

• 07:45 – VoIP installation pending delivery of new Cisco switch

• 10:00 – Final cleanup

• 12:00 – Disembarkation

System Status

Notes & Recommendations

• Complete VoIP phone activation once the new Cisco switch arrives onboard.

• Wi-Fi configuration is functioning correctly; no issues detected.

• Final remote VoIP commissioning can be scheduled via Global Satcoms support.

• Antenna installation meets performance expectations; no adjustments required.

Lessons Learned

• Port entry logistics should be scheduled proactively to minimize waiting time.

• VoIP dependencies must be confirmed prior to deployment, especially switch availability.

• Multi-system commissioning at night requires planned support scheduling, especially for remote tasks.

• Removing legacy shipsets should account for additional time due to unknown mounting and cabling layouts.

• Early coordination with onboard crew reduces delays when handling dome removal and mounting tasks.

Service Outcome

• New VSAT system installed, commissioned, and validated.

• SMC4 mail operational and handed over to crew.

• Wi-Fi tested and confirmed stable.

• VoIP ready for final remote activation.

• Work accepted and signed by the vessel master.

• CMA CGM MALTA now operates with an upgraded, modernized satellite communication system.