Breakwater Logistics Case Study

The Challenge

The Requirement

Container vessels present some of the most demanding environments for radio communications. Multiple steel decks, enclosed machinery spaces, cargo holds and engine rooms can all affect signal performance, while certain operational areas require intrinsically safe equipment that can be used in potentially hazardous atmospheres.

Breakwater Logistics required a complete replacement of their onboard communications system that would provide dependable coverage throughout each vessel whilst meeting stringent marine safety requirements.

The new system needed to:

• Provide reliable ship-wide communications from bow to stern.
• Maintain clear audio across multiple decks, cargo holds, machinery spaces and open deck areas.
• Supply ATEX-certified radios suitable for hazardous working environments.
• Allow separate communication channels for individual onboard departments.
• Improve coordination during cargo loading, unloading, mooring operations and routine maintenance.
• Deliver a rugged solution capable of withstanding the harsh marine environment.

Above all, the client wanted a communications system that would improve operational efficiency whilst enhancing crew safety during every voyage.

The Solution

Our Recommendation

Following a full consultation, we supplied approximately 100 ATEX-certified digital portable two-way radios, equipping each of Breakwater Logistics' five container vessels with around twenty radios to support daily operations.

Every radio was professionally programmed and configured before deployment, ensuring each department had access to its own dedicated communication channel, including:

• Bridge & Navigation
• ngine Room
• Deck Crew
• Cargo Operations
• Engineering & Maintenance
• Safety Officers
• Port Operations

This structured channel layout allows departments to communicate independently whilst enabling senior officers and vessel management to monitor or coordinate multiple teams whenever required.

Particular attention was given to achieving dependable coverage throughout each vessel, including notoriously difficult locations such as lower engine compartments, accommodation blocks, cargo holds, enclosed service areas and external working decks.

The ATEX-certified radios provide an additional layer of protection by allowing crews to safely communicate whilst working in areas where flammable gases, fuel vapours or combustible materials may be present during bunkering, maintenance or cargo operations.

The Results

Since introducing the new radio system, communication across Breakwater Logistics' fleet has become faster, clearer and considerably more organised.

Bridge officers can coordinate effectively with deck crews during arrivals, departures and mooring operations, whilst engineering teams maintain uninterrupted communication during maintenance activities below deck.

Teams could coordinate vehicle movements, warehouse activities and operational tasks more effectively, helping to improve responsiveness and maintain productivity during busy periods. Instant communication reduced the need for staff to leave their work areas to relay messages and enabled supervisors to manage resources more efficiently.

Cargo supervisors are now able to manage loading and unloading operations more efficiently, reducing delays and ensuring safer coordination between shipboard personnel and dockside teams.

The dedicated departmental channels have significantly reduced unnecessary radio traffic, allowing crews to focus on their individual responsibilities without distraction, whilst still enabling management to communicate fleet-wide whenever required.

The introduction of ATEX-certified equipment has also strengthened the company's commitment to onboard safety and regulatory compliance, providing complete confidence that communications remain reliable even within hazardous working environments.

Deployment

To avoid disruption to scheduled shipping operations, deployment was carefully planned around each vessel's existing sailing programme.

Radios were delivered, programmed and commissioned during scheduled maintenance periods and UK port calls, allowing each ship to return to service with minimal downtime.

Prior to handover, every radio was fully tested to verify coverage throughout the vessel, and crews received guidance on channel allocation, best operating practices and day-to-day radio management to ensure the transition was as smooth as possible.

After Care

Efficient communication is a vital component of any successful logistics operation. By partnering with DCS 2 Way Radio, GXO gained a dependable communication solution that supports the fast-moving demands of modern supply chain and transportation environments.

The deployment of professional two-way radios has helped provide clear, instant communication across the operation, enabling teams to work more efficiently and maintain the high standards of service that GXO delivers to its customers.