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Crude oil shipping fleet deploys Inmarsat XpressLink

Frontline, the world leader in crude oil shipping, has selected Inmarsat XpressLink for more than 100 vessels from its existing fleet and its planned new builds.

For a fixed low cost, XpressLink provides vessels around the globe with access to both Ku-band VSAT and L-band FleetBroadband services in a bundled package.

“We evaluated the providers and made a purely commercial decision about XpressLink from Inmarsat,” said Kjell S. Langva of Frontline Management.

Positive experience

“The choice was made after a year of positive experience with VSAT from Ship Equip.”

XpressLink meets the increasing need for high-speed global communications today, while building a bridge to better and faster communications in the future.

It comes with a guaranteed free upgrade to the 50Mbps capability of Inmarsat's Ka-band Global Xpress – when the service becomes operational from 2013.

Cost benefits

According to Frontline, XpressLink's cost benefits and unmatched failover capability – which offers unlimited FleetBroadband usage – along with Inmarsat's service availability were central to its decision.

“With XpressLink's internet and voice services, communications onboard the vessel will be greatly enhanced, supporting operations and improving overall efficiency,” said Kjell.

“It also allows the crew to stay in touch with family and friends, and handle their personal affairs, at a very low cost, which has been an important issue for Frontline.”

Landmark agreement

Frank Coles, president of Inmarsat Maritime, commented: “We are delighted that Frontline has selected Inmarsat XpressLink against competition with other major communications providers.

“The contract with Frontline is a landmark agreement for XpressLink. This is a significant endorsement by the world leader in crude oil shipping. 

“It confirms that we have a highly-competitive product, offering excellent value for money, and with the right focus on delivering reliable high-speed broadband through a combination of L-band and VSAT services.”

The installation of XpressLink on Frontline's vessels will start immediately and continue through 2012.