LM HERMES – Tangier Med - Morocco- KVH V7HTS Antenna Repair, Motor Replacement & System Restoration

LM HERMES - Field Service Dispatch - Maintenance

Tanger Med Port, Morocco | 10–11 December 2025

Project Summary

Global Satcoms completed the KVH antenna repair onboard LM HERMES at Tanger Med.
The service involved diagnosing the KVH system, replacing the antenna motor and belt, correcting LED status faults, restoring modem connectivity, and validating the communication system together with the vessel’s crew.

Vessel: LM HERMES

Location: Tanger Med, Morocco

Service Dates: 10–11 December 2025

Service Scope:

  • KVH Antenna Troubleshooting

  • Motor & Belt Replacement

  • Antenna & Modem LED Verification

  • Voice & Data Validation

  • Remote Support Collaboration

  • Onboard System Testing

Challenges & Operational Constraints

  • Long travel and port entry procedures caused delays.

  • Multiple hours were required for port permits and agent coordination.

  • Engineer remained on standby due to vessel’s berthing schedule.

  • Repair required careful alignment and precise steps guided by remote support.

  • Replacement work had to be completed within the vessel’s short operational window.

Work Completed

The engineer performed all necessary troubleshooting and hardware replacement:

  • Initial LED check showed:

    • Antenna LED: Red

    • Modem LED: Blinking green → solid green after reset

  • Opened KVH antenna housing for inspection

  • Replaced the motor and belt assembly using the supplied spare parts

  • Followed KVH remote support instructions during the replacement

  • Restored antenna stabilization and corrected system LED indicators

  • Completed service testing with crew, including voice/data checks

  • Final verification and job completion reporting

Summary of Activities

10 December 2025

  • Early morning travel from Fes to Tangier Med

  • 14:00–18:00 – Port permit processing with agent

  • Standby at hotel until vessel berthing confirmation

11 December 2025

  • 06:30 – Proceed to port

  • 08:00 – Board LM HERMES, meet crew

  • Begin system inspection and diagnostics

  • Replace KVH antenna motor and belt

  • Verify LED status and system functionality

  • Complete voice/data tests with crew

  • Prepare and finalize service documentation

  • Disembark and return travel

System Status

System / Equipment       Status                   Notes
KVH Antenna Restored Motor & belt replaced; LEDs normal
Modem Operational Stable after reset
Voice Services Operational Confirmed with crew
Data Connectivity Operational Working normally

Notes & Recommendations

  • Antenna motor and belt replacement resolved the tracking issue.

  • System is now working as expected with stable LED indicators.

  • Recommend routine monitoring during next voyages to ensure stability.

  • Suggest confirming spare part availability for any future KVH repairs.

Lessons Learned

  • Port access at Tanger Med requires long coordination, which should be planned into schedule timelines.

  • Vessel berthing uncertainty can extend standby hours.

  • Remote support collaboration accelerates accurate hardware replacement.

  • Clear LED diagnostics at the start help isolate faults quickly.

  • Carrying complete spare kits is essential when performing mechanical KVH repairs.

Service Outcome

  • KVH antenna restored to full working condition.

  • Voice and data services fully validated onboard.

  • Modem and antenna LED indicators returned to normal.

  • Work approved and completed successfully by crew.