Inmarsat confirmed as fastest-growing maritime VSAT provider
(Posted on 03/09/18)
The digital transformation of the commercial shipping industry will pass a major milestone this September. Inmarsat has today confirmed that the 5,000th ship installation of Fleet Xpress, the world’s only high-speed, globally-available Ka-band VSAT service designed for mobility and available from a single operator, will be completed by the close of the month.
Following its launch in March 2016, Fleet Xpress has emerged as the market-leading pathway to digital transformation as shipping companies seek to deliver improved vessel and fleet efficiency, boost profitability and enhance seafarer wellbeing.
The latest data compiled by the respected, specialist market analyst, Euroconsult, indicates that six out of ten VSAT installations undertaken in the first half of 2018 were for Fleet Xpress. Euroconsult’s independent research also confirms that Inmarsat was the fastest growing VSAT provider to the maritime industry in the first six months of 2018, accounting for over 1,500 terminals out of an industry total of 2,550.
“The adoption of Fleet Xpress for so many vessels across the globe over such a short period of time indicates that it has become the key platform for converting industry talk into action on digitalisation,” says Ronald Spithout, President, Inmarsat Maritime.
“It is the combination of greater bandwidth via the globally available Ka-band Global Xpress constellation and the proven reliability of our integrated FleetBroadband L-band service, which makes Fleet Xpress so compelling a choice. Since its launch, Inmarsat has had more than 10,000 vessels committed to Fleet Xpress, including from all of the major airtime providers such as Speedcast, Marlink, Navarino and Tototheo.”
“The appetite within the maritime industry for digitalisation is underscored in new into Internet-of-Things (IoT)-based solutions across global supply chains,” continues Spithout. “The ‘Industrial IoT on Land and at Sea’ report, published by Inmarsat in July based on independent market research by Vanson Bourne and drawing on responses from hundreds of participants across a range of sectors, reveals that shipping is no longer the IoT laggard of popular conception and, in some instances, is leading the way.”
The upcoming 5,000th ship installation is evidence of how major ship operators are prioritising digitalisation and establishing remote fleet operation centres, as well as investing strongly in emerging technologies. “The example of major companies is spurring on smaller owners, who are rapidly closing the gap, to explore digital offerings and accelerate their efforts to exploit available efficiencies for competitive gain,” continued Spithout.
“Many small and medium-sized vessel operators are at the start of their digital voyage. They are fully aware that their existing ship-to-shore communications infrastructure is not sufficient to realise their goals. Over the last two years, we have seen a growing willingness within this group to transition from legacy solutions to Fleet Xpress, as the compelling benefits of data-centric operations show themselves more clearly.”
Notably, the global Fleet Xpress technology platform offers the flexible architecture that allows digital solutions providers to bear the cost of data and content delivery, thereby removing a barrier to the uptake of new services. Our committed data rate plans ensure that connectivity for running mission-critical operational services is always available.
A wide selection of subscription packages allows communication costs to be trimmed to match actual connectivity needs, which is one reason why Fleet Xpress has found favour in segments ranging from dredgers to research vessels and from commercial fishing boats to superyachts. Opportunities are also re-emerging in the offshore oil and gas sector, where rig and vessel utilisation prospects are looking up after nearly four years of low oil prices.
Latest News
Posidonia 2026 takes centre stage amid global freedom of navigation challenges
(Posted on 29/05/26)From insurance and risk management to energy transition, digitalisation and maritime security, the Posidonia... Read more
First maritime compliance & prevention-focused organisation, PaS, joins DBCE
(Posted on 29/05/26)Prevention at Sea (PaS), a leading maritime compliance, auditing, and digital solutions provider, has... Read more
NorthStandard reports strong results and strategic momentum
(Posted on 29/05/26)NorthStandard has reported strong financial results, continued strategic progress and enhanced support... Read more
Latest guidance for vessel transit through Strait of Hormuz
(Posted on 25/05/26)Hundreds of vessels remain unable to transit the Strait of Hormuz and, in the event of a return to more... Read more
The Bahamas regains QUALSHIP 21 eligibility
(Posted on 25/05/26)The Bahamas has regained eligibility for the United States Coast Guard’s QUALSHIP 21 programme... Read more
First dedicated STS standard for dry bulk released by INTERCARGO
(Posted on 22/05/26)Ship to ship (STS) transfers are an established part of dry bulk operations, and they are growing. As... Read more
Columbia reinforces commitment to maritime talent
(Posted on 22/05/26)Columbia Group has strengthened its commitment to developing the next generation of maritime professionals... Read more
Jamaica marks 50 years at IMO with call for island states to shape future
(Posted on 22/05/26)The Maritime Authority of Jamaica has marked Jamaica’s 50th anniversary as a member of the International... Read more
Costamare Bulkers logs first profit after Cargill deal removes most legacy trading
(Posted on 14/05/26)Costamare Bulkers Holdings Limited has reported unaudited financial results for the first quarter ended... Read more
NORDEN strengthens fleet with the addition of four Handysize vessels
(Posted on 13/05/26)NORDEN have announced that they have expanded their fleet with the purchase of four dry cargo Handysize... Read more
