This allows third party application providers to develop and publish applications over FX, such as the real-time analysis of data, including engine monitoring, weather information and fuel consumption rates.
The integration of the SoftNSD’s software element will also allow SpeedCast to build value added solutions and applications over SIGMA Gateway, the company said. SIGMA Gateway is a network management device designed for ships and remote sites, providing automated management of multiple WAN links and offering a scalable platform designed to evolve and enable business applications on board.
“This integration demonstrates SpeedCast’s strength and speed at integrating new technologies, and reaffirms its status as one of the leading players in the maritime industry,” said Ronald Spithout, president, Inmarsat Maritime. “Fully integrating the software element of the Network Service Device into SIGMA Gateway will remove hardware from the below deck rack and will allow SpeedCast to develop their own value added solutions for the maritime community within the infrastructure of Fleet Xpress.
With the SoftNSD now commercially available, we are entering a new era of the connected ship and Inmarsat, together with its partners, are powering a new world of value added applications to drive efficiencies, support crew welfare and enhance safety and compliance,” he claimed.
Athina Vezyri, SpeedCast’s executive vice president, maritime, claimed, “SpeedCast is the first to integrate a SoftNSD, which demonstrates our commitment to bringing innovative and market-leading solutions to our customers. Over the coming years, we expect Fleet Xpress to be one of the key components of our maritime product portfolio and look forward to watching many of our customers benefit from the service.”
Last year, SpeedCast and Inmarsat announced a strategic partnership to roll out FX to about 2,000 vessels over the next five years. FX is powered by the Global Xpress Ka-band network, combined with Inmarsat’s flagship FleetBroadband L-band service for unlimited backup.
In another move, Inmarsat has signed a service and installation agreement with Radio Holland to support customer demand for rapid migration from Ku-based XpressLink to FX services.
This non-exclusive agreement augments Inmarsat’s existing service partner and VAR arrangements, reflecting a specific need to draw on the extensive Radio Holland support network to accelerate the installation of FX on a global scale, the organisation said.
“Fleet Xpress is currently installed at a rate of around 150 vessels every month, with the split being half new installations and half upgrades,” said Trond Leira, senior vice president, service delivery and customer support, Inmarsat. “We expect this number to increase in 2017 and our priority is to ensure that installation of Fleet Xpress keeps pace with demand. The agreement with Radio Holland extends the Inmarsat service network and brings access to a pool of experienced, skilled engineers in the world’s busiest ports.”
Dennis Mol, Radio Holland Group COO, said: “As a connectivity solution and service provider, Radio Holland adds its competences and installation capacity to the migration of XpressLink to Fleet Xpress through this partnership with Inmarsat. With our network of more than 80 offices, we are able to work with Inmarsat on a global level. We provide installations, upgrades and yearly services of GX/FX systems. During our 100 years of history, Radio Holland always has been a frontrunner in implementing the latest technology developments on board vessels and supporting changing customer requirements.”
“Extra support resources were essential to meet expectations that thousands of vessels would require Fleet Xpress installation and servicing in the years ahead, as the industry shifted decisively towards high-speed broadband, data-heavy digital services and the Internet of Things. By drawing on its partner’s engineering resources, Fleet Xpress can be factored into Radio Holland technical service visits,” added Leira.
“Radio Holland is a very experienced service company. We are working with Radio Holland to ensure their service engineers across the globe are fully certified in line with Inmarsat’s quality standards for Fleet Xpress. Training has already begun and involves 3-5 days in the classroom, verified through on the job training and leading to final certification by Inmarsat,” he concluded.