Inmarsat News

Revealing both the positives and negatives of increased connectivity at sea and the growing reliance on peer support by the next generation of maritime, Sailors’ Society has published its latest Cadet Report, "The first digital seafarer generation." Sponsored by Inmarsat Maritime (a Viasat company), the report captures the voices of cadets, ratings and trainees from 30 countries. Drawing on insights gathered from more than 9,000 Gen Z seafarers who attended the maritime charity’s global 2025 Wellness at Sea Conferences…

Inmarsat Maritime, a Viasat company, is rolling out NexusWave across Exmar’s growing fleet of gas carriers to meet the Belgian shipping company’s evolving commercial and crew connectivity demands.With the tech adoption, Exmar is seeking to close the gap between its ship- and shore-based teams while enhancing seafarer welfare on board its vessels. NexusWave fully managed connectivity service intelligently bonds multiple network underlays (GX Ka-band, LEO, LTE and L-band) to help ensure a consistent uninterrupted connection.

Inmarsat Maritime, a Viasat company, is rolling out its NexusWave connectivity service across the fleet of Belgian gas shipping company EXMAR to support ship-to-shore communications and crew connectivity.The deployment targets EXMAR’s growing fleet of gas carriers operating globally in high-demand environments, where the company aims to strengthen links between vessels and shore-based teams while improving seafarer welfare.NexusWave is a fully managed connectivity service that bonds multiple network underlays including GX Ka-band, LEO, LTE and L-band to help ensure uninterrupted connectivity.

Inmarsat Maritime, part of Viasat, has secured a contract with Vega Reederei to equip 10 new diesel-electric coaster vessels with its NexusWave bonded connectivity service.The agreement covers installation of NexusWave on the 89-meter, 3,800-deadweight-tonne short-sea general cargo ships, scheduled for delivery by July 2026. The deal also includes Fleet Secure Unified Threat Management (UTM) and Fleet Secure Endpoint cyber-security solutions.The vessels feature an innovative hull and propeller design aimed at improving fuel efficiency and reducing emissions.

Inmarsat Maritime, part of Viasat Communication Services, will install NexusWave across Auerbach’s fleet of newbuild heavy lift vessels to meet the German shipping company’s connectivity performance needs for its new generation of ships.Hamburg-based Auerbach has initiated a fleet renewal program in response to growing demand for its high-quality project cargo transport services and to anticipate evolving environmental regulations. Auerbach’s new ‘ECO’ multipurpose vessels, which are being delivered by China’s Taizhou Sanfu Shipyard, set new standards for cargo handling and fuel efficiency.

Furuno has introduced the FELCOM20, an Inmarsat-C Ship Earth Station engineered to meet the requirements of GMDSS, LRIT, and SSAS applications. Built to deliver ship-to-shore communication in even the harshest maritime environments, the FELCOM20 provides mariners with the confidence and capability they need to operate safely anywhere in the world.Designed for operational versatility, the FELCOM20 supports a range of essential communication services, including Email, Telex, Fax, Enhanced Group Call (EGC), and data reporting/polling.

Seatrium delivered FREDERICK PAUP to Manson Construction Co. Built at Seatrium’s Brownsville Texas yard, the Jones Act-compliant vessel is the largest self-propelled hopper dredger in US history.Key highlights:Largest in the U.S. – 420’ length x 81’ beam, with a 15,000+ cubic yard hopper capacityPowerful and Agile – Self-propelled with 25,000 horsepower, triple azimuthing stern drives, and twin bow thrustersSustainable – Tier 4 Wabtec Diesel-Electric Engines and an advanced hull…

Evergreen Marine, a leading container shipping company, has become the first Taiwanese operator to upgrade its fleet to NexusWave bonded connectivity solution from Inmarsat Maritime, a Viasat company. Following successful trials, Evergreen is transitioning to NexusWave to enhance crew welfare, strengthen cybersecurity, and provide high-performance connectivity for its vessels and seafarers.Building on Evergreen’s years of experience with Fleet Xpress, the upgrade to NexusWave introduces bonded, multi-network connectivity with fast speed, unlimited data and always-on performance.

Nearly 12 years after Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370 vanished with 239 people on board, the mystery remains unresolved. Later this month, a new seabed search is scheduled to begin in the southern Indian Ocean, renewing hopes that long-awaited answers may finally emerge.The Boeing 777 disappeared on March 8, 2014, while en route from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing. The passengers included more than 150 Chinese nationals, around 50 Malaysians, and citizens from several other countries, including France, Australia, the United States, India, Canada and Ukraine.

15,000 cu. yd. Hopper Dredge = “the Cookie Monster” of Beach ReplenishmentManson Construction Co.’s Frederick Paup is the largest Trailing Suction Hopper Dredge in the United States. Designed and built specifically to meet the needs of the U.S. dredging market, she boasts 25,000 HP and volumetric capacity of over 15,000 cubic yards. Utilizing her triple Z Drives and twin Bow Thrusters enables the Frederick Paup to maneuver and dredge within the tightest channels. This further…

Inmarsat Maritime, a Viasat company, will deploy NexusWave on Krey Schiffahrt’s four newbuild heavy lift vessels. The deployment will enable the German ship manager to enhance operational efficiency and unlock the benefits of always-on, unlimited connectivity.Krey Schiffahrt currently manages eight modern multi-purpose heavy lift vessels and is expanding its fleet to meet evolving project cargo demands. Its new project cargo carriers have been designed for operational flexibility…

Inmarsat Maritime, a Viasat company, has signed an agreement to deliver NexusWave for Coastal Transportation as the family-owned shipping company seeks a reliable and cyber-secure connectivity solution for its fleet of refrigerated and general cargo ships.Operating a regular schedule between its home terminal of Seattle, Washington, and ports throughout Western Alaska, Coastal Transportation depends on stable connectivity to safeguard mission-critical and crew communications.

Inmarsat Maritime, a Viasat company, is installing NexusWave on board selected Northern Marine Management Ltd (NMM) vessels operated by Stena Bulk and Proman Stena Bulk. This is part of their ongoing strategy to continually improve crew welfare through enhanced communications.Building on existing onboard connectivity provisions, NMM recognizes the growing importance of high-speed internet access in attracting and retaining talent and supporting operational performance. Inmarsat’s NexusWave is designed to deliver aggregated speeds…

Cobham Satcom was selected to supply satcom antenna systems for more than 100 vessels under “K” Line RoRo Bulk Ship Management Co., Ltd., (KRBS), a core company of the “K” LINE Group, as part of their upgrade to Inmarsat’s NexusWave connectivity service. Numerous installations are already successfully completed and the programme will continue over the next two years across the company’s fleet of roll-on/roll-off and bulk carriers.As part of the fleetwide upgrade, Cobham Satcom will supply its advanced 1m SAILOR XTR GX-R2 VSAT antenna systems.

The maritime industry has long wrestled with the challenge of attracting and retaining skilled seafarers. But according to Eric Griffin, VP of Offshore Energy & Fishing, Maritime, at Inmarsat, one factor now sits firmly at the center of the conversation: seamless connectivity.On October 22, Maritime Reporter & Engineering News will host a webinar entilted Crewed Up or Crew Cut? Rethinking retention and recruitment at sea. Click here to register and to learn from vessel owners their own experience in utilizing connectivity for seafarer recruitment and retention.“Traditionally…

Pulsar International and Inmarsat Maritime, a Viasat company, announced a milestone in their long-standing collaboration, with Pulsar committing to rollout NexusWave across more than 300 vessels operated by its customer base over the next 12 months.Pulsar was the first company appointed as a NexusWave partner in the Mediterranean market, and has already built a track record of successful NexusWave installations. NexusWave, Inmarsat’s bonded multi-network service, combines GEO Ka-band, LEO, LTE and L-band to deliver reliable performance.

The 2025 edition of the Future of Maritime Safety Report from Inmarsat Maritime, a Viasat company, reveals that distress calls at sea remain high, underlining the vital role of human factors in safe shipping.According to the report, the number of Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) distress calls registered on the Inmarsat Maritime network increased from 788 in 2023 to 801 in 2024, broadly in line with the 2018-2023 annual average of around 800 calls.The report points to a turbulent year for international shipping…

Inmarsat Maritime, a Viasat company, together with distribution partner Station Satcom have secured an order to install NexusWave on a bulk carrier managed by Singapore-based Norse Ship Management as the ship manager looks to meet the growing demands for crew and business connectivity across its fleet.In line with Norse Ship Management’s digitalization objectives, NexusWave provides uninterrupted remote access to business-critical applications and real-time engine-monitoring, ensuring seamless data exchange between ship and shore.

Inmarsat Maritime, a Viasat company, has announced that Anglo-Eastern will upgrade Hadley Shipping Group’s fleet to Inmarsat’s fully managed bonded connectivity solution, NexusWave.Hadley Shipping Group is a long-standing Inmarsat Maritime user. Its transition to NexusWave represents a significant step forward in adopting a unified, bonded multi-orbit solution that will deliver enhanced performance, enterprise-grade cybersecurity, and a scalable platform for future operational needs and crew welfare.Anglo-Eastern…

Inmarsat Maritime, a Viasat company, has announced that orders for NexusWave have exceeded 1,000 vessels. Following months of development and testing, the service has gained momentum in its first six months on the market with global customers adopting NexusWave for their fleets. Early adopters include “K” Line, Anthony Veder, Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Solvang, Sallaum Lines, and Parlevliet & van der Plas Group.Inmarsat’s NexusWave brings together Global Xpress (GX) Ka-band, low-Earth orbit (LEO), coastal LTE, and resilient L-band services into a seamless, fully managed solution.

Inmarsat Maritime, a Viasat company, has signed an agreement with Pacific Basin Shipping Limited, one of the leading dry bulk carrier owners, to install NexusWave fully managed bonded connectivity service on board an initial five ships.Hong Kong-based Pacific Basin is prioritizing enhancements to both crew and business communications aboard its growing fleet of geared Handysize and Supramax bulk carriers, as part of a connectivity and digitalization strategy that also supports fuel efficiency and emissions reporting.Through its unique network bonding technology…

Inmarsat Maritime, a Viasat company, has renewed its cooperation with Ava Ocean in a deal that will see the Norwegian company implement Inmarsat’s latest fully managed bonded connectivity service, NexusWave, on board its new non-invasive scallop harvesting vessel later this year.Specializing in sustainable scallop harvesting in the Barents Sea, Ava Ocean—formerly known as Tau Tech—already relies on Inmarsat’s Fleet Xpress to meet the connectivity needs of its existing ship. Adopting…

Inmarsat Maritime, a Viasat company, has signed an agreement with Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) to upgrade their fleet from Fleet Xpress (FX) service to NexusWave, to meet evolving operational and crew connectivity needs.The fleet-wide transition to NexusWave will allow MOL to benefit from Inmarsat’s fully managed bonded connectivity service and accelerate the digitalization strategy of the leading Japanese shipping company.Local Inmarsat partner JSAT MOBILE Communications will be responsible for implementing and supporting the upgrades on board…