Inmarsat together with Global Marine Networks and Network Innovations, today announced the successful trial and subsequent commercial order for Fleet Xpress in Antarctic waters. Fleet Xpress, installed on board the adventure cruise ship Ocean Nova, delivered robust communications in one of the most hostile environments on the planet.
Fleet Xpress, the hybrid Ka and L-band service using Inmarsat’s Global Xpress network, delivers the world’s first globally available high-speed broadband service from a single network operator. The trial was successfully conducted on board the 1992 built ice class Ocean Nova, owned by Nova Cruising Ltd and operated by Nova Logistics, a polar expedition specialist.
“Our customers rely on us to provide cutting-edge satellite services,” said Dr Luis Soltero, Chief Technology Officer of Global Marine Networks which offers a range of internet based services, hardware and software to commercial clients. “Fleet Xpress delivered on its promise of high-speed seamless mobile broadband service in one of the world’s most difficult areas for most satellite systems. Antarctica requires low-horizon satellite views through heavy cloud cover and precipitation. Fleet Xpress successfully overcame these conditions,” he added.
Adventure cruise ship Ocean Nova
In this trial, Network Innovations, one of Inmarsat’s first value-added resellers of Fleet Xpress, was able to provide its expertise and support to Global Marine Networks and the crew of the Ocean Nova which used a Cobham SAILOR 100GX antenna.
Noting the first-rate performance of the Fleet Xpress service throughout the trial, Eric Verheylewegen, Vice President and General Manager of Network Innovations commented on the successful outcome of tests aboard the Ocean Nova. “Throughout this test, the Fleet Xpress service allowed passengers and crew to conduct daily communication activities beyond our expectations in this extreme location. Now they have decided to install Fleet Xpress, we could not be more satisfied with the results.”
“This trial marks another important milestone for the launch of Fleet Xpress. By testing Fleet Xpress in such harsh conditions we are pushing the boundaries of what we can offer,” said Ronald Spithout, President of Inmarsat Maritime. “Fleet Xpress is set to redefine maritime communications and will transform the way vessels are managed and optimised throughout the globe. We are thrilled that Nova Cruising Ltd have chosen to rely on and invest in Fleet Xpress with a commercial order for the rest of their fleet.”
Inmarsat plc is the leading provider of global mobile satellite communications services. Since 1979, Inmarsat has been providing reliable voice and high-speed data communications to governments, enterprises and other organizations, with a range of services that can be used on land, at sea or in the air. Inmarsat employs around 1,600 staff in more than 60 locations around the world, with a presence in the major ports and centres of commerce on every continent. Inmarsat is listed on the London Stock Exchange (LSE:ISAT.L).
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Jonathan Sinnatt
Director of Corporate Communications
[email protected]
+44 (0)20 7728 1935
Rekha Voralia
Marketing Manager
[email protected]
+44 (0)20 7728 1674
Global Marine Networks, an expert in enhancing satellite data speeds and services, supports fixed and mobile satellite service providers and their customers by offering fast, reliable and easy-to-use email, web, and other hardware and software services to maritime, oil and gas, first responder and business continuity users. The company’s products include XGate high-speed satellite email, WeatherNet weather and oceanographic data software, and vessel tracking systems. It has won numerous awards and certifications for technical innovation and holds pending patents on its products. For more information on how Global Marine Networks is Making Airtime Count™ – whether ship to shore, or in remote or emergency communications environments, please visit www.globalmarinenet.com.
John Dark
VP, Sales and Marketing
[email protected]
+1 (925) 788-6365
Network Innovations (NI) is a satellite communications integrator, focused in the provision and support of systems which enable its customers to communicate anywhere on the planet. Incorporated in 1988, Network Innovations has grown consistently and profitably through a team of professionals located at offices around the globe. It has specialised in the successful development and delivery of turn-key communications solutions for the media, energy, maritime, enterprise and government sectors. Its flexibility to custom-design solutions and integrate various satellite communications technologies for customer and industry specific needs is one of its key differentiators. Please visit www.networkinv.com for more information.
