Kordia extends AMSA contract

Kordia Solutions Australia has extended its contract with the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) on a multi-term basis, that could see the company's service continue for a further 10 years.

Kordia designed, built, maintains and operates the high-frequency (HF) maritime communications network for Australia’s Search and Rescue Region, a critical element in the delivery of the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) across one of the largest ocean areas in the world, covering about 52 million sq km.

As part of the agreement, a number of key network elements will be refreshed, taking advantage of improved technologies.

“The refreshed contract builds on a relationship spanning 10 years of excellent service to AMSA and the maritime industry. The extension provides for continued operation of the service, as well as a network refresh project that will see major components of the network, including the transmitters, receivers and control system, replaced over the next 18 months. AMSA congratulates Kordia on their record of sterling service and looks forward to partnering with them into 2018 and beyond.” said Amanda MacKinnell, manager Planning & Business Support, Emergency Response Division, AMSA.

“Through the combination of our network and the skills and experience of our maritime communication officers, Kordia provides seafarers’ peace of mind with the operation of the HF network.  This operation serves mariners with meteorological information and a medical advice/escalation service.  It allows seafarers, surveyors and training establishments to assess and substantiate the effectiveness of a vessel’s radio and, importantly, is listening in times of distress and urgency.  Additionally, Kordia delivers a range of services to yacht clubs and supports a number of open-water race events.  Safety is at the heart of what we do, and we are proud to have worked alongside AMSA for the past 10 years and look forward to providing the maritime community with HF services well into the future,” said Kordia’s director for southern region, Jeff Galyer.

Kordia Australia’s maritime safety network is supported by Kordia’s 24x7 network operations centre in Canberra and operates through four unmanned remote-controlled stations in two desert locations at Wiluna in Western Australia, 1000 km north-east of Perth and Charleville in Queensland.  Each station depends on a purpose-designed and built hybrid energy source.