TIM eMagazine Vol . 3 Issue 6
Inmarsat confirmed as fastest-growing maritime VSAT provider in 2018
I nstallations of global Fleet Xpress service to break through the 5,000-ship barrier in the next few weeks . Independent Euroconsult research confirms 2018 growth leader .
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
Credits : inmarsat . com
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 by the new 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 . www . inmarsat . com
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