Inmarsat is making its Fleet Xpress maritime broadband service available to shipyards, so that systems can be installed during new building, which, according to Inmarsat, eliminates time-consuming and costly installation works in port and offers shipowners a pre-fitted very small aperture terminal (VSAT) solution included in the initial cost of the vessel.
Ben Palmer, President, Inmarsat Maritime, said: “Fleet Xpress for Shipyards is a game-changer for shipbuilders and owners alike, streamlining installation, providing remote connectivity from vessel launch and enabling optimal integration between integral onboard systems. We are delighted to collaborate on the shipyard offering with JRC and Intellian, two of our Value-added Manufacturers and trusted partners.”
Inmarsat’s newly-launched service enables delivery of Fleet Xpress capability to the shipyard during vessel construction. All terminals, cables, and below deck units are installed as a Fleet Xpress line-fit service, allowing the yard to deliver a one-stop solution to the owner that improves safety and offers fast and reliable connectivity from the first voyage.
Eric Sung, CEO Intellian, said: “Working with Inmarsat to deliver Fleet Xpress for Shipyards allows us to strengthen our relationship with yards as a technology partner for smart vessels. As one of the world’s top shipbuilders, we’re delighted that Hyundai Heavy Industries is among the first to recognise the value of this line-fit solution – we’re seeing significant interest from yards across all markets.”
For shipyards, early installation of Fleet Xpress will enhance responsiveness to growing customer demand for high-speed communications and provide remote vessel monitoring and maintenance capabilities upon delivery. Furthermore, by using data to counter improper claims and ensure preventive operations, shipyards can minimise warranty costs.
With the vessel featuring up to date VSAT equipment at launch, owners and managers are assured that their bandwidth needs are fully integrated and sea-trialled at the point of handover, while the crew has access to fast, ultra-reliable connectivity as soon as they step onboard. In addition, Fleet Xpress allows the implementation of a range of digital services and automation onboard the vessel that further delivers advantages for ship performance and crew well-being.
Palmer concluded: “Fleet Xpress for Shipyards gives shipbuilders the competitive edge of being able to pre-install Inmarsat’s industry-leading Fleet Xpress service. Early interest in the solution has been strong. With the first implementations executed, we already have several more projects in the pipeline.”
