Bibby Marine upgrades connectivity on WaveMaster fleet

Bibby Marine will upgrade communications on its fleet of walk-to-work and operations-support vessels (SOVs) to enhance operational reliability, and elevate the digital experience for crew and passengers as it focuses on improving safety, efficiency and wellbeing at sea.

The Liverpool, UK-headquartered owner will install flat-panel terminals to connect with SpaceX’s Starlink low Earth orbit satellites and antennas for communications over 4G, 5G and long-range networks.

These will be deployed on its WaveMaster vessels that have previously relied on very small aperture terminals (VSATs) to connect with geostationary orbiting satellites.

Bibby’s vessels support maintenance and ongoing services within offshore windfarms, oil and gas production platforms and other installations.

"We are always looking for ways to make life better for our customers and crew on board all our vessels," said Bibby Marine chief executive Nigel Quinn. “Reliable, high-quality internet plays a crucial role in that, as does the right technology and knowledge to enhance our service delivery and experience on board.”

Bibby Marine has given Wireless Logic a five-year contract to deliver a comprehensive upgrade to the connectivity and ICT infrastructure on board its Wavemaster fleet.

Following a successful pilot, Bibby Marine commissioned Wireless Logic to equip these vessels with Starlink LEO, 4G and 5G network and long-range maritime communications terminals.

Wireless Logic will construct a local area network on these ships featuring switches, routers and access points to provide high-quality wifi to all on board, and will maintain this infrastructure over the next five years.