Maritime radio audit in Rotterdam: complete diagnostic of a container ship
On board a commercial vessel, portable radios remain the primary tool for coordination between the bridge, the deck, and the engine room, especially during port operations. From October 27 to 29, 2026, TRPS visited the Port of Rotterdam to board a container ship operated by an international shipping company with a clear objective: to optimize UHF radio coverage, verify all installations, and bring onboard communication networks back into compliance. Over three days, we audited the fleet of ATEX portables, checked the 3 onboard repeaters, replaced the ship office's fixed station, and measured the entire antenna network using a reflectometer.
Radio intervention aboard a container ship docked in Rotterdam
Working on a ship in port requires rigorous organization: time at the dock is limited, and cargo operations continue day and night. Our mission was therefore carried out in parallel with the ship's commercial activity, without disrupting crew communications. As Europe's largest port, Rotterdam welcomes massive container ships every day, where steel structures and stacked containers significantly complicate UHF wave propagation. On this type of vessel, a poorly maintained radio network quickly leads to dead zones in corridors, on deck, or in technical rooms.
Updating the ATEX portable fleet and integrating Motorola R7 Ex units
We began with a comprehensive check of the ATEX portable radio fleet, which is essential for safe work in potentially explosive atmospheres. This inspection revealed missing repeater channels on part of the fleet; these portables were reprogrammed so that the entire fleet could once again access the ship's network. Two non-functional portables were also identified and sent for maintenance. Finally, TRPS integrated and configured 3 new Motorola R7 Ex portables delivered on board, ensuring they functioned immediately with existing repeaters and communication groups.
Inspection of 3 onboard repeaters and new Motorola DM4400 fixed station
UHF repeaters are the backbone of a large ship's radio network, extending the range of portables from one end of the hull to the other. We verified each of the 3 onboard repeaters, checking their programming, frequencies, and status indicators. In the ship's office, the old fixed station was completely replaced with a new Motorola DM4400 unit: removal of the old equipment, cabling, programming, and commissioning. The office now has a reliable digital fixed station integrated into the rest of the onboard radio network.
Reflectometer measurements: 2 antennas with no power identified as the source of dead zones
To understand the cause of the reported dead zones, TRPS performed precise reflectometer measurements across the ship's entire antenna network. This instrument measures the actual power transmitted and reflected on each line, allowing for the precise location of power loss, damaged cables, or faulty connectors. The result was clear: 2 antennas were receiving no power, which directly explained the observed coverage gaps. This ability to audit the entire radio chain, from the portable to the antenna, allows us to provide a complete field diagnosis rather than replacing equipment at random.
Maritime radio audit and onboard fleet maintenance, in France and internationally
Based in Normandy, between Le Havre and Lillebonne, TRPS supports shipowners, fleet managers, and port operators in the audit, maintenance, and modernization of their onboard radio networks. UHF repeaters, antennas, ATEX portables, Motorola fixed stations: we work on board, at the dock, or during port calls in Le Havre, Rouen, Rotterdam, and other major European ports. Are your crews reporting dead zones, portables failing to connect to the repeater, or an aging fixed station? Contact TRPS to schedule a radio audit of your vessel during its next port call.
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