AP Moller – Maersk, one of the world’s largest shipping companies, has signed a contract with Marlink for a large-scale retrofit of Inmarsat FleetBroadband across its Maersk Supply Service and Maersk Tankers Fleet.

The two-year retrofit programme is believed to be the largest in the history of maritime satellite communications, with over 150 vessels being converted to FleetBroadband in the first phase. The vessels will be equipped with Thrane & Thrane Sailor 500 terminals.

The order covers vessels operating in all parts of the world. The first vessel in commercial service to be fitted with FleetBroadband and was the ‘Maersk Challenger’, a Maersk supply service vessel.

The programme includes the possibility for a second phase to convert up to another 150 vessels operated by the Danish shipping group.

“We are dedicated to crew welfare and installation of the relatively small FleetBroadband terminal ensures that we can offer internet to our crews by this autumn.” said Peter Faurhoj of Maersk Supply Service.

“The installation of the FleetBroadband terminals have been ‘outsourced’ to the crews, on all our vessels and have received an installation pack with a computer, Lan Switch, radome mast and fittings. Feedback from the vessels has been that it was easy to do the job, and they are very happy.  At present the record installation took three hours so we can conclude that ‘size matters’”.

“A retrofit of this scale, with one of the world’s most established and respected shipping companies, is the strongest possible endorsement of our revolutionary FleetBroadband service,” said Piers Cunningham, Head of Maritime Business at Inmarsat.

'This is a ground-breaking deal. It represents a multi-million dollar commitment to Marlink, Inmarsat and Thrane & Thrane for airtime, equipment and on-going support. It confirms that FleetBroadband is the leading satcoms solution in the maritime industry today.'

'FleetBroadband delivers what it promises, and is supported by a fully-funded global next-generation satellite network that will provide service into the 2020s.'

'Marlink, the world's leading maritime satellite communications integrator, proves its position in the maritime market by signing this deal with AP Moller - Maesk, said Tore Morten Olsen, CEO at Marlink.

'In order to provide the most reliable quality solutions to our customers, we emphasize a strong relationship with both airtime providers and hard ware suppliers. Marlink customers should always expect communication they can rely on, and that is what we will provide for AP Moller - Maersk.'

'In the first phase at least 150 vessels will receive airtime and benefit from excellent service from the Marlink organization.'

“Developed in close co-operation with Inmarsat and thoroughly tested by Maersk, the Sailor 500 and 250 FleetBroadband systems harness the power of the next generation of Inmarsat satellites for a multitude of operational and crew benefits,” said Casper Jensen, director of Maritime Global Marketing for Thrane & Thrane A/S.

“Prior to sea trails and maritime testing, Maersk and Thrane & Thrane tested security, IT network and infrastructure based on the proven T&T technology, allowing a swift roll out to the ships.”

With its head office in Copenhagen, the Maersk Group currently operates a large fleet of vessels and is also involved in a wide range of activities within the energy, shipbuilding, retail and manufacturing industries.-TradeArabia News Service