Inmarsat unveiled a way for its Fleet Xpress communications hardware to be installed on newbuildings in shipyards instead of in ports after delivery, reports Riviera Maritime Media.
Hardware for connectivity
Pre-fitting very small aperture terminals (VSAT) on ships in shipyards will eliminate time-consuming and costly installation works in port.
Inmarsat maritime president Ben Palmer said this service is available for installing Japan Radio Co (JRC) and Intellian hardware for Fleet Xpress connectivity.
Game changing shipyard
Fleet Xpress is the combination of Ka-band communications over Inmarsat’s Global Xpress constellation of geosynchronous satellites and L-band over the Elera network.
“Fleet Xpress for shipyards is a game-changer for shipbuilders and owners alike,” said Mr Palmer. “It streamlines installation, provides remote connectivity from vessel launch and enables optimal integration between integral onboard systems.”
It also makes Fleet Xpress available to the shipyard during vessel construction.
Improves safety
All terminals, cables and below-deck units are installed as a Fleet Xpress line-fit service, enabling a shipyard to deliver this service to shipowners. Inmarsat said this “improves safety and offers fast and reliable connectivity from the first voyage.”
High-speed communications
For shipyards, early installation of Fleet Xpress will help them to meet customer demand for high-speed communications.
Remote vessel monitoring
This Ka-band VSAT connectivity facilitates remote vessel monitoring and maintenance capabilities upon delivery.
Intellian chief executive Eric Sung said offering Fleet Xpress installations in shipyards enables it to “strengthen its relationship with shipyards as a technology partner for smart vessels.”
Hyundai Heavy Industries is one of the first shipbuilders to recognise the value of this line-fit solution.
“We are seeing significant interest from shipyards across all markets,” said Mr Sung.
Benefits for the crew
By using VSAT equipment at launch, owners and managers can be assured their bandwidth requirements are integrated and sea-trialled at the point of handover. Crew has access to fast, reliable connectivity as soon as they step on board new ships.
In addition, communications enable data transfer and cloud storage to counter improper claims and ensure preventive operations.
“Fleet Xpress gives shipbuilders the competitive edge of being able to pre-install Inmarsat’s services,” said Mr Palmer. “Early interest in the solution has been strong. With the first implementations executed, we already have several more projects in the pipeline.”
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Source: Riviera Maritime Media
