150ft/46m Ganesha, built by Vitters Shipyards
Inmarsat Value Added Reseller (VAR) e3 Systems has installed the first dual antenna Fleet Xpress solution on a performance superyacht.
The state-of-the-art 150ft/46m Ganesha, built by Vitters Shipyards, now boasts advanced global connectivity after switching to Inmarsat’s high-speed, high-quality Ka-band VSAT service, obtained with dual Cobham SAILOR 60 GX antennas.
The unobtrusive 60 cm antennas represent the lightest and most compact means on the market of accessing High Throughput Service (HTS) Fleet Xpress maritime broadband. Ganesha utilises e3’s Hybrid solution which combines VSAT and 4G data to deliver uninterrupted connectivity at all times, as well as enabling vessels to manage and monitor other factors including IPTV and cyber security.
The decision to opt for Fleet Xpress was taken because of the service’s unmatched capacity for the provision of guaranteed global bandwidth. Ganesha’s itineraries take her round the world, and the combination of Inmarsat’s high-speed Ka-band technology and dependable L-band FleetBroadband backup – reinforced with automatic switching between the two antennas – overcomes the threat of line-of-sight signal outages caused by rig and sails.
Another significant consideration was the service’s ability to deliver premium-quality IPTV (internet protocol television) streaming anywhere in the world – a major asset for guests and crew alike. Replacing Ganesha’s unwieldy Ku-band antennas with the Ka-band 60 GX antennas has also effected a substantial weight saving of more than 200kg.
“Being able to enjoy all the benefits of the Fleet Xpress Ka-band service via the inconspicuous dual antennas has greatly enhanced the onboard experience,” says Alex Pamment, S/Y Ganesha captain.
“The fact that everyone aboard can now essentially take for granted the same broadband quality as they would expect on land is a major asset for everything from crew communications, weather routing and real-time business updates to personal messaging and recreation.”
Roger Horner, Group MD, e3 Systems, added: “S/Y Ganesha is one the world’s most beautiful performance sailing yachts. And now with Inmarsat’s Fleet Xpress solution we have been able to provide global connectivity, improve her looks by replacing the overpowering original domes and improve her performance by reducing the weight in the rig. When combined with our Hybrid solution the yacht also has 4G – so three alternative means of communication. This is a win, win, win situation.”
For more information contact [email protected].
