[Satnews]  EMC has signed an agreement with Mercy Ships to expand and upgrade the satellite communication systems and services it is providing to the hospital vessel operator.

Under the agreement, EMC will roll out its HD Connect® global on-demand video service aboard the charity’s hospital ship Africa Mercy.  HD Connect, based on EMC patented technology, provides broadcast-quality video anywhere in the world. It will enable onboard volunteer staff to connect into weekly international team meetings.

EMC is also increasing the satellite bandwidth available to the ship, making it easier for the hundreds of volunteers living aboard the ship to communicate with family and friends during the long deployments. The crew and volunteers will also have access to live broadcasts from BBC and Fox News.

“The new agreement builds on our outstanding 15-year working relationship as the provider of mission-critical satellite connectivity and content to Mercy Ships,” said Brent Horwitz, president, cruise and ferry services, EMC. “At EMC, we offer an unmatched value proposition for ships at sea through our advanced global mobility platform, patented technologies and customer support. We have 52 field service offices around the globe, staffed by EMC field engineers, ready to render prompt and efficient service to the Mercy Ships vessels wherever they travel.”

“The EMC-provided satellite communications services play a critical role in sustaining the mission of Mercy Ships of providing modern first-rate health care and lifesaving surgeries for people in developing nations,” said Chris Gregg, chief information officer, Mercy Ships.