Inmarsat introduces yachting and passenger portfolio for the first time at METSTRADE

Inmarsat delivers connectivity globally for superyachts and yachts © e3 Systems

On its METSTRADE debut, Inmarsat, the world leader in mobile satellite communications, is introducing its unique capabilities to deliver reliable and flexible connectivity globally for superyachts and yachts with its new Yachting and Passenger portfolio of services.

Inmarsat will showcase the range of benefits available through its Fleet Xpress for superyachts service, FleetBroadband and Fleet One for leisure and fishing vessels, in addition to its award-winning Fleet Secure portfolio, an effective, multi-layered cyber security solution that combines cyber awareness, network security and endpoint security.

As the growth of digitalisation in the superyacht sector continues, Inmarsat is strengthening its presence year on year by meeting current customer demand as well as introducing solutions to satisfy future requirements for on-board connectivity for crew communications, weather routing, real-time business updates, personal messaging and recreation.

Fleet Xpress for Superyachts

Fleet Xpress for superyacht clients offers guaranteed global bandwidth for connectivity in all conditions, enhancing operational efficiency, guest welfare and effective vessel management. Costs can be controlled with added subscription flexibility to meet seasonal demand changes, providing high bandwidth during peak season and service standby off-season.

Powered by the Global Xpress Ka-band network, combined with the proven reliability of Inmarsat's FleetBroadband, benefits of Fleet Xpress include affordable voice calls, multiple voice options for crew and operations, and high-speed broadband for internet access, plus 24/7 online support by certified engineers.

This year, Inmarsat revealed plans to triple the number of satellites servicing its flagship Ka-band Global Xpress (GX) network, the high-capacity VSAT constellation behind its Fleet Xpress high-speed mobile broadband service, by 2023 to meet rapidly increasing user demand for data across the globe, including the Arctic region.

Fleet Secure Portfolio

The risk of cyber-attacks is increasing, threatening vessel systems, the integrity of personal data and the on-board IT infrastructure. However, most key superyacht personnel still assume that a standard anti-virus program will cover all their cyber security requirements.

• To help superyacht captains and crew maintain a secure system core on-board, Inmarsat has developed its Fleet Secure Portfolio to provide a comprehensive solution, consisting of three services:
• Fleet Secure UTM (Unified Threat Management), which is a comprehensive set of tools designed to continuously inspect, detect and protect the vessel's network;
• Fleet Secure Endpoint, a powerful multi-layered endpoint security solution to prevent attacks whilst removing infections and threats throughout the onboard endpoints; and
• Fleet Secure Cyber Awareness, cyber security training specifically targeted for seafarers, raising awareness to assist in preventing threats before they get on board.

Fleet One for Leisure and Fishing Vessels

Inmarsat's Fleet One satellite connectivity solution for the leisure and fishing markets surpassed the 5,000-installation landmark in 2019 as the rate of service uptake continues to increase.

Inmarsat offers a range of Fleet One leisure plans, providing recreational sailors on any sized vessel with the reassurance of a consistent, simultaneous voice and data connection that enables them to stay in touch with family and friends back home, use email and social media, and access applications to assist with navigation.

To further boost performance of Fleet One as user numbers rise, Inmarsat has increased the service's maximum data speeds. All current and new leisure boat owners, or fishing and commercial vessel operators using the service will benefit from reliable simultaneous voice and IP data at up to 150 kbps for even faster always-on connectivity outside MF/HG and GSM coverage.

Dana Jongens, Inmarsat Maritime Business Development Manager, Passenger - EMEA, will expand on the steps vessel owners and operators need to take to combat the threat of cyber-attacks at sea in a presentation at the METSTRADE stage at the I-nnovationLAB in Hall 6 at 2:15pm on Tuesday, 19th November.

Dana will also discuss the key findings from the 2019 Inmarsat Superyacht Connectivity Report, a unique survey of superyacht skippers, senior crew, chief engineers and technical professionals that investigates the factors driving the demand for Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT) connectivity usage on-board the superyacht fleet.