Marlink Extends VSAT Contract with Transpetrol

Satellite communications specialist Marlink has been awarded a contract renewal to expand its Sealink VSAT service to international ship owner Transpetrol.

The provider of satellite communications services for the maritime industry claimed that the higher levels of guaranteed bandwidth ensure global connectivity for 14 strong tanker fleet.

The renewal secures access to Marlink’s global network and specially-chosen business critical VSAT solutions for the entire tanker fleet and two planned new buildings due for delivery within 18 months.

Operating a sophisticated and diverse fleet from medium range tankers to Aframax and Very Large Gas Carriers on global routes, Transpetrol’s need for always available data and voice communication for operations and crew welfare is addressed by a standardised and cost-effective solution integrating Global Ku-band VSAT, with L-band back-up.

Transpetrol will extract more value from Marlink VSAT through an increased Committed Information Rate (CIR) and Maximum Information Rate (MIR), enabling it to use new digital applications and provide more access for crew. Its business and operations will be further protected from cyber-attack through Marlink’s highly resilient network and the deployment of SkyFile Anti-Virus, now part of Marlink’s extensive Cyber Guard portfolio, on board each ship.

"With more digital applications becoming essential to the efficiency of our business, reliable connectivity at sea is more important now than it ever was. It’s vital that we partner with a provider that can guarantee always available service levels regardless of where our ships are. Based on our experience as a customer since 2011, we’re very confident that Marlink is that partner," said Eirik Sanderlien, Fleet Manager, Transpetrol.

"Transpetrol is a great example of how our services have evolved over time to follow customer needs. By providing a future-proof solution at the start of our relationship, we have been able to increase their vessel’s connectivity bandwidth and speed, as well as add new digital solutions without any major hardware change or price increase. We are enabling Transpetrol to run their ships more efficiently while increasing crew welfare in a controlled and very cost-effective way," said Tore Morten Olsen, President Maritime, Marlink