Hong Kong-based SpeedCast International, a global satellite communications and network service provider, has now made available Inmarsat’s Fleet Xpress service as part of its global Maritime Satellite Services portfolio.

The new service will offer its maritime customers with a new alternative solution for their global communication needs. Combined with SpeedCast’s existing Ku-band, C-band and L-band global services and a wealth of applications and value added services, it represents an extensive service portfolio to cater for the needs of its diverse customer base, from offshore vessels to merchant shipping, from yachts to cruise-liners and ferries, the company said.

Athina Vezyri, vice president of maritime sales and MSS services at SpeedCast said: “We are excited to add Fleet Xpress to our global maritime service portfolio and further augment our global solution offerings. There is a clear demand for evolved global maritime networks delivering greater bandwidth and reliable data connectivity driven by crew welfare, regulatory and operational drivers. Maritime systems are also becoming more and more digital and the need for effective connectivity has never been stronger. Inmarsat Fleet Xpress high speed and reliable connectivity will be a valuable complement to our comprehensive suite of maritime satellite services. I believe there is a strong potential for Fleet Xpress, in particular in the Greek market.”

Inmarsat’s Fleet Xpress service comprises its Global Xpress Ka-band network combined with the proven reliability of Inmarsat’s flagship FleetBroadband L-band service. Backed by SpeedCast’s global round-the-clock support and decades of experience in maritime communications, ship owners and managers can truly enjoy the real benefits in operational efficiency, safety and compliance, IT security and crew welfare without hassle, said Inmarsat.

Gerbrand Schalkwijk, chief sales officer at Inmarsat Maritime, commented: “Inmarsat and SpeedCast have a successful track record of working together to provide satellite communications services to the maritime industry. As one of our tier-1 value-added resellers, SpeedCast’s strong industry experience and extensive service coverage has been instrumental to the success of our customers. We are confident that we can set a new maritime communications standard with our Fleet Xpress service, joining hands with SpeedCast.” –TradeArabia News Service